Best ‘Five-0’ episodes bring out deeper storylines

For “Hawaii Five-0” fans, 2015 brought more of the great action they have come to expect from the isle-based CBS series, but it also seemed the crime show was finally able to marry the stellar stunt work with deeper storylines and performances. Here are my favorite episodes from the second half of Season 5 and the start of Season 6.

“Poina ‘Ole” (“Not Forgotten”)

The strength of this episode was in the writing, mainly because of the historical reference the “case of the week” made to the real- life story of the escape of four boys from the Waialee Industrial School in 1946. The entire Five-0 team worked hard to solve the murder of four reform-school escapees whom time seemed to have forgotten. The secondary storyline of McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) trying to save local boy Nahele Hikala (Kekoa Kekumano), who seems headed in a similar direction, helped to bring the episode into the present. (Aired Jan. 16)

“Pono Kaulike” (“Justice for All”)

Danno (Scott Caan) and Chin (Daniel Dae Kim) are unceremoniously arrested and headed toward prison unless the Five-0 team can figure out how to save them. Danno is extradited to Colombia to stand trial for killing Marco Reyes (Anthony Ruivivar), and Chin is being held by HPD internal affairs Detective Coughlin (Robert Knepper) for conspiracy in Danno’s case. The episode gave viewers a deeper understanding of Danno and the guilt he carries for avenging his brother’s death. There was also a glimpse of how incredibly ruthless Gabriel (Christopher Sean) can be — a truth that played out well into the sixth season. (March 6)

“Ka ‘Alapahi Nui” (“Big Lie”)

While working to find a murderous motorcycle gang, the Five-0 crew really bonded as they trained for the Tough Mudder competition. This episode provided both a bit of adventurous storyline with a healthy dose of character focus. Behind the scenes, stunt coordinator Jeff Cadiente worked overtime on the excellent motorcycle stunts. Supercool to watch, but don’t try them at home. Still, this episode showed that the team can handle tough on many different levels. (Oct. 23)

“Piko Pau ‘Iole” (“The Artful Dodger”)

Well-defined characters and a layered storyline helped further development of Kono (Grace Park) and Adam’s (Ian Anthony Dale) relationship, as well as Gabriel’s plans for Chin and the team. Guest star Kristoffer Polaha’s character, con man Hank Weber, really fit in with McG and Danno. The scenes between the three men turned the show’s signature bromance into a love triangle. The accurate use of the Hawaiian title (the idea of the thieving rat) and the devastating decision by Adam to turn himself in for murder boosted this one to the best list. (Nov. 13)

“Ka Makau Ka‘a Kaua” (“The Sweet Science”)

This was a very sad episode that allowed for good character development of the team and for some of the guest stars to shine. Former “Magnum, P.I.” star Larry Manetti, as recurring character Nicky DeMarco, was managing up-and-coming welterweight boxer Luke Nakano (Lewis Tan), whose brother, Ben, was murdered. While the team worked to find his killer, they uncover an evil plot by their new nemesis, Gabriel, to make him the king of the crime world. (Dec. 11)

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Read Wendie Burbridge’s “Five-0 Redux” blog at honolulupulse.com.