“Hawaii Five-O” has always had a huge heart for the legions of fans who constantly plan to make Friday nights with Alex O'Loughlin and Scott Caan as “McDanno,” along with the rest of the crime-fighting force, the required kick-off to a great weekend. Creators, cast, writers, and producers of “Hawaii Five-O” have paid meticulous attention to paying respect to generations past and present who have served in the military. The devotion of fans and from the multitudes who have sacrificed in uniform will be honored tonight, November 10, with a special “Sunset on the Beach” screening, and a distinguished record carpet like none before.
A heroes' reception
“Sunset on the Beach” has been a tradition for “Hawaii Five-O” since the debut of the 2010 reincarnation of the police drama. The site for this year is Queen’s Surf Beach in Waikiki. Thousands of faithful fans typically pack themselves into reception areas, and executive producer Peter Lenkov relishes the tradition of the event that is the opportunity “to bring our show to fans and friends worldwide.” The cast is known for being beyond gracious with time and attention in greeting, mingling, and sharing a few priceless selfies. Lenkov reiterates that the celebration is “the highlight of our year,” and this year, true-life superstars of service will take the spotlight above and beyond the actors who embody military honor on-screen.
Special invitations for active-duty military members and veterans were extended, and they will be the stars who take precedence on the red carpet path at this event. These honorees are “America's true heroes, who inspire us and our show every day,” according to the producer.
Sweat and tears on screen
The annual gathering begins at 7 PM, and the episode shown for the screening will be the episode set to air next week, November 17.
“Kau ka onohi ali’i I luna” (translated as “The Royal Eyes Rest Above”) is sure to be an emotion-soaked installment.
Ian Anthony Dale makes his first appearance as a series regular for the season as the familiar Adam Noshmuri. He and Junior, portrayed exuberantly by New Zealand actor, Beulah Koale, are called as backup to Commander Steve McGarrett when a bank heist is in progress.
The situation becomes so dire that it forces McGarrett’s hand, leading to a potentially heartbreaking mistake. It seems like this “Hawaii Five-O” may move from sweating on the edge of the seat to tears streaming, so get the tissues ready.
Paying honor forward
Even though some have had struggles adjusting to the new faces on the “Five-O” team, the drama continues to echo realism and reverence to the military life. It's hard not to fall in love with the spirit and work ethic that Junior Reigns exhibits through his own hardship and his almost awestruck reverence for his future boss. Tani Rey (Meaghan Rath) is still a character of mystery, but her past as a “military brat” is sure to be part of her emotional portrait through the season.
The rich texture of past and present continues to be woven through every episode so far. An added coincidental nod is that Kalakaua is the street setting for this night of fun. That is also the last name of Grace Park's beloved character, Kono, for seven seasons.
Tribute to the military has been a fixture for the series featuring the elite crime-fighting force from its inception. Many fans were in dismay when the usual September timeframe for “Sunset on the Beach” was not mentioned. There were fears that the unexpected wave of cast changes through the summer would crash plans for those who plan their entire calendar to be present for the “Hawaii Five-O” celebration. Now, the Veteran's Day soiree is sure to be one remembrance and revelry under Waikiki skies. The timing seems to have been perfect all along.
