Despite online buzz about the fate of “Hawaii Five-0,” along with rumblings about Alex O’Loughlin considering exiting the cast, CBS remains mum. The chatter surrounds speculation of an eighth season pickup, perhaps with — or minus — O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett.
Topics being discussed in blogs and on websites that cover the show include:
>> That the current seventh season of “Five-0” might be the final one.
>> That an extension for an eighth year or perhaps more is possible. Recent ratings have been strong and steady, scripts solid.
>> That O’Loughlin is considering quitting. Perhaps a negotiating ploy?
>> That CBS’ “MacGyver” reboot could have a crossover show with “Five-0,” an idea initially floated by Peter Lenkov himself, who produces both programs. Lenkov told TV Guide that a Season 8 is likely.
We asked Lenkov for comment, but he referred email queries to a CBS associate, whose blanket response was “no comment.”
Beth Haiken, who called at Lenkov’s request, was polite and welcoming but tight-lipped.
“We don’t comment on rumors,” she said.
The midseason finale aired Friday. Season renewal/cancellation decisions are usually announced in spring, so patience matters now. As previously reported: Masi Oka, who plays medical examiner Max Bergman, is leaving “Five-0” this season. …
HOLIDAZE
Jay Larrin, the singer-pianist-composer, welcomes Melveen Leed, Blayne Asing and Streetlight Cadence to his annual Christmas brunch show from 10 a.m. Saturday at the Hawaii Prince Hotel’s Mauna Kea Ballroom. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Tickets: $69, at hawaiiprincehotel.com/events. Information: 952-4789. …
Also, Leed offers a pair of “Blue Christmas” shows at 6:30 and 9 p.m. Friday at Blue Note Hawaii. Information: bluenotehawaii.com.
VIEWPOINTS
Country singers Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood marked their 11th wedding anniversary Dec. 10, performing two concerts at Blaisdell Arena (I took in the first show that night). Brooks with his guitar worked the house with amazing grace and astounding stamina, and was surprised that so many so often knew lyrics to his hits. Yearwood joined the party, equally stoked by the reception.
“We’ll have to come back,” he said, “with the full band.” And why not? …
Be careful of what you eat. Karen Keawehawai‘i, just back from Japan, learned the hard way, suffering severe abdominal pain when she unknowingly dined on puffer fish. …
PASSAGES
With Tom Moffatt’s death Dec. 12, Hawaii lost a true entertainment legend: a DJ turned concert promoter turned recording exec turned columnist. It’s the end of a dynasty and an era. I first met Moffatt as a teenager writing for my high school paper, then as a staffer at The Honolulu Advertiser; we became friends over six decades of his shows. Betcha he’s already planning a biggie in heaven. …
And the untimely and unexpected death of Palani Vaughan on Dec. 8 was a tremendous loss to the Hawaiian music community. He’ll forever be remembered for his trademark mutton chops and as a King Kalakaua scholar and Hawaiian enunciation wizard. His spirited “Ka‘a Ahi Kahaluu,” about the first railway train chuku-chuku-ing on Maui, was just one of his gems. …
And that’s “Show Biz.” …
Wayne Harada is a veteran Honolulu entertainment columnist. Reach him at 266-0926 or email wayneharada@gmail.com.
