NCIS: Hawai’i 2×05 “Sudden Death” is about family, expectations and community. It’s also about introducing a new, and I assume recurring antagonist of sorts, for Kai and the entire team. But the episode is also, in many ways, about moving forward. For the family of the victim, yes, and the community, but also for Kai and Lucy alike.
Kai, for one, came back to the island for a job and just never really came back. We don’t have the full story of why he left the way he did, but we know Kai well enough by now to know that it wasn’t because he didn’t care. If anything, it might have been because he cared too much. And that’s part of the reason why, once back, Kai could only take it one step at a time.
Coming back home is hard. Facing up to the people you hurt is …harder. And Kai, well, he came back to the island for his father, but he has found himself a new family. That part is hard too, though, because he’s still the same local boy, except he isn’t. He’s an outsider now, with ties and loyalties that not everyone is going to approve of or support.
The flip side of the same message is Lucy Tara, who is still, in many ways, afraid this thing she has with Kate Whistler is going to blow up in her face once again. She wants. She hopes. She dreams. But she doesn’t fully believe. And it’s hard to blame her. Belief is hard, especially when you’ve gotten hurt again and again.
Plus, her communication style is in direct contradiction with that of her girlfriend. Sometimes it’s like they’re not even speaking the same language. But in the end, Lucy and Kate make it work. That’s the thing about love, no, the thing about commitment. Because this is about more than how they feel, this is about what they choose to do, every day. And that is not to let their differences dictate their relationship.
Instead, Lucy and Kate are learning to take a step back and then just …talk. You can’t even come close to understanding without that part. And though these two are sure to face some obstacles going forward, and maybe even forget that the trick to every good relationship is great communication, the foundation is there. And that means they can make it.
Just as Kai can make it, and this team can make it. They’ve found a way forward, and though the way isn’t always easy, they’re pushing through. Through the ups and downs of procedural TV. As long as they have each other, they will be just fine.
Things I think I think:
- WHOSE WHOLE LIFE IS WORK, GYM AND YOU, she said. Work. Gym. YOU. Excuse me, I’m having trouble breathing.
- The rest of the convo was awkward, but I’ll take that part.
- I really love the way the local culture is often as much of a series regular as the characters.
- Lucy literally backs down for no one.
- I’ll take Tennant and Tara teamups.
- But why am I seeing so much of Tennant’s ex? Me no like.
- I would like to know more about Kai’s past, please and thank you.
- “It’s the financially responsible thing o do” isn’t the most romantic phrase, Kate.
- Jesse is basically everyone’s big brother. Except Tennant’s. He’s the younger brother there.
- Me, at basically all times: What is Ernie wearing and why exactly is he wearing what he’s wearing?
- Truly a terrible plan. Truly.
- Kai isn’t any good at subterfuge. Not sure if that’s good or bad.
- My Kacy babies are adorable, the end.
Agree? Disagree? What did you think of NCIS: Hawai’i 2×05 “Sudden Death”? Share with us in the comments below!
NCIS: Hawai’i airs Mondays at 10/9c on CBS.
