The last episode of Hawaii Five-0, titled “Aloha,” saw the team finally bring down criminal mastermind Wo Fat’s wife, Daiyu Mei, while simultaneously revealing the surprising truth about Danny “Danno” Williams’ fate. Through personal sacrifices and emotional goodbyes, the team closed a significant chapter of their lives, leaving viewers with a bittersweet farewell to their favorite island heroes.
The Closure We Needed (and Some We Didn’t Know We Wanted)
The finale of Hawaii Five-0 was a culmination of years of interwoven storylines, finally resolving long-standing conflicts and providing closure for many characters. The overarching plot centered on Daiyu Mei, Wo Fat’s widow, who sought revenge against Steve McGarrett and the Five-0 team for her husband’s death. She orchestrated a series of intricate schemes designed to dismantle the team and inflict maximum pain.
However, the episode also delved into the personal lives of the characters. McGarrett contemplated leaving Hawaii, grappling with his purpose and the impact his dangerous lifestyle had on those around him. Danny, on the other hand, faced a life-threatening situation that forced him to confront his mortality and make a significant decision about his future. The episode beautifully intertwined the action-packed crime-solving with heartfelt moments of reflection, making for a truly unforgettable ending. Ultimately, McGarrett left to reunite with Catherine, while Danny planned to move to New Jersey with his children.
The Battle Against Daiyu Mei
The primary focus of “Aloha” was the team’s relentless pursuit of Daiyu Mei. She used her vast resources and cunning intellect to stay one step ahead of Five-0, creating numerous obstacles and putting the team in perilous situations.
Unraveling the Conspiracy
Daiyu Mei’s plot involved framing Five-0 for crimes they didn’t commit, manipulating witnesses, and employing deadly assassins. The team had to use all their skills and resources to uncover the truth and expose her nefarious schemes.
Confrontation and Justice
The final confrontation between Five-0 and Daiyu Mei was intense and action-packed. After a series of close calls and daring maneuvers, McGarrett finally cornered her, bringing her reign of terror to an end. The sense of justice was palpable as Daiyu Mei was finally brought to answer for her crimes.
Farewells and New Beginnings
Beyond the central crime narrative, the finale also explored the emotional farewells of the characters, particularly McGarrett and Danny. Their bromance, a cornerstone of the show, was given the sendoff it deserved.
McGarrett’s Departure
McGarrett’s decision to leave Hawaii came after years of soul-searching and grappling with his identity. He realized that his commitment to fighting crime had taken a toll on his personal life, leaving him feeling unfulfilled. The opportunity to reunite with Catherine Rollins, his former love interest, presented him with a chance for a fresh start and a more balanced life.
Danny’s Decision
Danny’s near-death experience served as a catalyst for him to re-evaluate his priorities. He realized that he wanted to be closer to his children, Grace and Charlie, and decided to move back to New Jersey to be a more present father. This decision, while bittersweet, was ultimately a testament to his love for his family.
The Final Moments
The final scene showed the remaining members of Five-0 gathering on the beach, reflecting on their past adventures and looking towards the future. They raised a toast to McGarrett and Danny, celebrating their friendship and the bond they had forged over the years. It was a poignant and heartwarming moment, signifying the end of an era and the beginning of new chapters in their lives.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding the final episode of Hawaii Five-0 and its impact:
1. Why did Hawaii Five-0 end?
The show was cancelled after ten seasons due to a combination of factors, including declining ratings, high production costs, and the departure of key cast members like Alex O’Loughlin (McGarrett), who reportedly wanted to move on after dealing with injuries sustained while filming. Ultimately, CBS decided to end the series rather than attempt to revamp it with significant cast changes.
2. Did Wo Fat actually die in the series?
Yes, Wo Fat was definitively killed off in Season 4, Episode 1 (“Aloha Ke Kahi I Ke Kahi”). While his legacy and influence continued to haunt the team through Daiyu Mei, the character himself did not return. His death was a major turning point in the series, and its ramifications were felt for several seasons.
3. What happened to Catherine Rollins?
Catherine Rollins, played by Michelle Borth, had a recurring role throughout the series and was a significant love interest for McGarrett. She returned in the finale, offering McGarrett a chance to be with her, which led to his decision to leave Hawaii. Her presence was crucial to McGarrett’s arc and his eventual departure.
4. Where did McGarrett go after leaving Hawaii?
The finale implied that McGarrett reunited with Catherine Rollins, though the specific location of their reunion was not explicitly stated. The implication was that they would be living together, finally pursuing their relationship without the constraints of his job. The exact details of their future were left open to interpretation.
5. What was the significance of the “Aloha” title?
“Aloha” has multiple meanings in Hawaiian, including love, affection, peace, compassion, and farewell. Its use as the title of the final episode perfectly encapsulates the bittersweet nature of the ending, representing both the love and camaraderie between the characters and the farewell to the series. The title served as a fitting tribute to the show’s Hawaiian setting and its themes of family and loyalty.
6. Did all the original cast members appear in the finale?
Most of the main cast members from the later seasons appeared in the finale, including Alex O’Loughlin, Scott Caan, Meaghan Rath, Katrina Law, Beulah Koale, and Ian Anthony Dale. While some original recurring characters might have been absent, the core team was present to bid farewell. The presence of the main cast ensured a satisfying sendoff for long-time viewers.
7. Was there a spinoff planned after the series finale?
While there were rumors of potential spinoffs, none materialized in the immediate aftermath of the Hawaii Five-0 finale. However, the Magnum P.I. reboot did incorporate some elements of the Hawaii Five-0 universe, creating a shared fictional world. No direct spinoff series was produced, but the universe lived on in other shows.
8. What was the fan reaction to the finale?
Fan reaction to the finale was mixed. Some viewers appreciated the closure and the emotional farewells, while others felt that the ending was rushed or unsatisfying. There was also some disappointment that certain storylines were not fully resolved. Overall, the finale was a subject of much discussion and debate among fans.
9. How did Danny’s near-death experience impact his decision to leave?
Danny’s brush with death served as a wake-up call, making him realize the importance of spending more time with his children. He recognized that his demanding job was preventing him from being the father he wanted to be, prompting him to prioritize his family and relocate to New Jersey. His near-death experience was the primary catalyst for his decision.
10. What loose ends were left unresolved in the finale?
While the main storyline of Daiyu Mei was resolved, some minor character arcs and plot points were left open-ended. The exact futures of the remaining Five-0 team members were not fully explored, and some viewers may have wished for more concrete resolutions for certain recurring characters. However, the focus remained on McGarrett and Danny’s farewells.
11. How does the finale compare to other police procedural series finales?
Compared to some other police procedural finales, the Hawaii Five-0 ending was relatively conclusive, providing closure for the main characters and resolving the overarching storyline. While some shows end on cliffhangers or with major unresolved issues, Hawaii Five-0 offered a more definitive sense of closure. The finale prioritized character development and emotional resolution over suspenseful plot twists.
12. Is Hawaii Five-0 available for streaming?
Yes, Hawaii Five-0 is widely available for streaming on various platforms, including Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access), Amazon Prime Video, and through subscription services that offer CBS content. Fans can revisit their favorite episodes and relive the entire series at their convenience.