Hawaii Five-0
Season 8 M-Net (*101) 19:00 Action
After seven seasons, trouble in island paradise Hawaii seems to be calming a bit in action show Hawaii Five- 0 (2010). And we’re not just talking about onscreen – the behind-the-scenes drama that threatened to derail season 8 has been sorted out. Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park (who played Chin Ho Kelly and Kono Kalakaua from episode 1) have left after turning down “hefty” salary increases according to exec producer Peter M Lenkov, having demanded the same pay as lead stars Alex O’Loughlin and Scott Caan (Steve McGarrett and Daniel Williams).
“We are grateful for the work that they both did with the show,” explains Peter. “The network offered unprecedented raises, but in the end they chose to move on.” They aren’t just disappearing though – episode 1 will give clarity on Chin Ho and Kono’s offscreen exits. That’s given the show space for two new cops who’re joining the island crew. Lifeguard Tani (Meaghan Rath) is handed a second chance at being a cop from episode 1, and former Navy SEAL Junior Reigns (Beulah Koale) asks McGarrett for a job at the right time in episode 2 – a DEA drug bust has fallen apart and the Five- 0 team need a new face who can handle a gun. It wasn’t just fun in the tropical sun though, says Meaghan: “Tani is like McGarrett. The female McGarrett. She is so similar to him – and that means a lot of bumps and bruises!” Not that New Zealander Beulah minded: “I prefer to do the stunts myself when it’s stuff I know I can do with my abilities. I’m ready for anything they can throw!”