‘Hawaii Five-0’: Friday’s Emotional Episode Remembers Pearl Harbor Tragedy

This Friday, ‘Hawaii Five-0’ is dedicating its episode to “the greatest generation,” or those who lived and fought during World War II.

Last Saturday (Dec. 7) was the 72nd anniversary of Pearl Harbor, “a date which will live in infamy,” and ‘Five-0’ is transforming tomorrow night’s episode into an hour-long show about the Japanese attacks on the U.S.

Here’s an official synopsis: “The attempted murder of a Pearl Harbor veteran leads Five-0 to investigate a deadly crime committed within the internment camps on Oahu during World War II.”

Earlier this week, I screened the episode titled “Ho’ onani Makuakane” (“Honor Thy Father”), and not only does it depict the emotional story of an older Japanese-American man who is seeking justice for his family, but it also features scenes filmed at the historic Battleship Missouri Memorial (the last American battleship ever built and the last to be decommissioned, not to mention the spot where the Japanese surrendered) and outside the USS Arizona Memorial (commemorating the American ship that sunk on Dec. 7, 1941).

The episode gives viewers a chance to remember those lost during Pearl Harbor, honor those that fought and shows how that day changed lives forever. The ‘Five-0’ audience will also see the event told through the eyes of a Japanese-American man (James Saito) and how his family was impacted by, not just the attacks, but the Honouliuli Internment Camp.

Until the episode airs, here are a few teasers to hold you over.

1. At the beginning of the episode, viewers will not only see Steve and Catherine remembering Pearl Harbor, but actual World War II veterans, who were used as extras for that particular scene.

2. ‘NCIS’ fans get a little treat, as Jack Axelrod (he portrayed Ziva’s friend Shmeil) plays World War II vet Ezra Clark.

3. ‘Five-0’ viewers get a chance to see old footage, from before, during and after Pearl Harbor, intertwined with scenes of the show.

4. Saito’s character tells his story via flashbacks, meaning we get to see ‘Five-0’s interpretation of Pearl Harbor and the internment camps, which the crew actually recreated and rebuilt.

5. Yes, this episode depicts a lot of history, but in an interesting and moving way. Fans will also find that Steve has a surprising, and emotional, connection to the investigation.

‘Hawaii Five-0’ airs tomorrow at 9/8c on CBS.