For “Hawaii Five-0” fans, the summer hiatus can really take a toll on even the most diehard followers. So when CBS decides to deviate from the normal schedule and broadcast an episode on a Saturday, we Hawaii fans have an excuse to get together. And like all Hawaii folks, we usually like to eat and have a place to hang out and talk story.

Along with fellow bloggers “LisaLisa” and Keith Sato from “H50hana,” the “Five-0 Redux” hosted a “Summer Hiatus Therapy” party at Big City Diner Pearlridge. Call it filling in the gap as we anxiously wait for the start of season three.

This particular Saturday episode was a special one, as it was a replay of the season two opener, “Ha‘i‘ole.” It seemed pretty ironic to most of us, that during this time last year, we all were wondering what was going to happen with McGarrett — would he still be in jail? Would the rest of the team be able to catch the true killer of Governor Jameson — the cold-hearted Wo Fat? Would Kono be in jail along side her boss?

And most pressing — would there still be a Five-0 team? We fretted and consoled each other during many H50 fan gatherings, or “Tweetups,” as we call them, since we mostly connect via Twitter.

This summer we have much of the same anxiety. Will Kono make it out of her watery prison alive? Who might come to her rescue? Will Chin Ho survive his epic catch-22 situation? Will Malia survive her injuries? How will McGarrett deal with the Shelburne/Mom issue? Will Danno win Gracie? Will Wo Fat break out of jail?

Will the questions ever end?

I guess this just means it’s a great show if we are still asking questions and talking about it even during their hiatus.

So on Saturday, June 16, we loyal fans gathered at Big City Diner Pearlridge to watch McGarrett break out of jail and take on Wo Fat. We had fans who have been to several Tweetups, some new friends who joined us from Shiba Inu Hawaii (along with their darling Shiba dogs). “H50hana” brought along homemade rainbow cupcakes made by Ninja/Hopper Cakes.

The night was made more special when Dennis Chun, who plays the recurring role of “Sergeant Duke Lukela,” and Jomar Miranda, who played “Will Ling,” in “Ha‘i‘ole” joined us to talk a little Five-0 and meet the fans.

Chun joined us early in the evening and made the rounds meeting everyone and talking story with members of the group. He was very gracious and posed in photos with everyone, expressing his gratitude to all the fans for supporting the show.

He said to all of them, “without you, we don’t have a show, so I thank you for watching and coming tonight.” It was definitely a thrill for all of us to get to spend time with him and to meet him face to face.

Jomar Miranda showed up to our party close to show time and got to meet Chun, and pose for pictures. It was great to see the two local actors, who may not have had any screen time together, yet seem to bond from their similar “Five-0” experience. Both men seemed to enjoy being with the fans and were humbled by the fans love of the show. Chun said it was wonderful to meet the Hawaii Five-0 ‘ohana.

Now, many of our group have watched the show together before, and most of us were even part of the screaming throng of fans at the “Sunset on the Beach” season two premiere last September, when “Ha‘i‘ole” was first aired to the world. But it was definitely another experience to watch the show with a local actor like Miranda, and to cheer every time he was on screen.

It was exciting for all of us to see Miranda as “Will Ling” give Chin Ho Kelly dagger eyes, and try and look so slick in his grey suit, which was in direct contrast to his, perfectly acceptable, graphic tee and jeans look he was dressed in when he arrived. Miranda was completely charming as he humbly brushed off our exuberant comments of his performance.

I suppose if we get to watch repeats of “Hawaii Five-0” every week with friends, over delicious food and drinks, eat yummy homemade cupcakes, and have guest actors join us to watch, we could probably make it through a long summer hiatus. But even with great events to fill in the hiatus gap, nothing is as good as the real thing.

Redux Side Note:

A very special thanks to Lane Muraoka of Big City Diner for always being a gracious host for our little “Hawaii Five-0” gatherings. Thanks also to your great staff, Lori, Ashley and Capri at Pearlridge for their patience and attention. The food is always terrific and service is always first class. Thanks for your support of the “Five-0 Redux.”

There was no “Hawaii Five-0” episode this week, but next week there will be an episode on Monday, June 25, “Alaheo Pau ’Ole,” on Sunday, July 1, “Ua Lawe Wale” as well as on Monday, July 2 “Ka Meʻe.” Look for Dennis Chun in “Ua Lawe Wale,” and fellow local actor Troy Ignacio in “Ka Me‘e.”
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Wendie Burbridge is a published author, playwright and teacher who lives and works in Honolulu. Reach her via Facebook and follow her on Twitter.