Booking Hawaii Five-O: An Episode Guide and Critical History of the 1968-1980 Television Detective Series

This is a great reference guide and historical account as well as a record of the actors, etc to the episodes and very useful for me as I have purchased all the available (10) seasons to view after nearly 3 decades. Some episodes I haven't seen at all and what a pleasure! What a treat! and seeing the others again after so long is like spending time down memory lane! I have started viewing the dvds from the beginning and use this as a guide. It gives in depth information to the making and background of each of the episodes, the actors and their performances, the shortfalls and a critique on the acting, the issues of the day which I find very interesting. I love the commentaries about WHAT McGarrett could possbily be thinking and feeling privately and the comments made by McGarrett which are really Jack Lord's own private thoughts woven into the show. I love that Karen Rhodes has been so thorough and exact in her work. "Good work!!!" (This sounds like something McGarrett would say!)The forward by Rose Freeman is invaluable and her tribute to Jack is much appreciated as he carried the show after Leonard Freeman's passing and he pumped blood, sweat and soul into the show. I would have liked more background, and more information about the wives of the creator and the "stars" and their roles in the success of the show as they would have been instrumental in the success of the show and of course, more on Jack Lord....but having said that, I am insatiable when it comes to the show and want to know everything about it and its actors. I appreciate that if that was the case it would eliminate the possibility of having a sequel to this book and exploring other facets to the show and the actors. When will Book 2 be out, Ms Rhodes? Looking forward to it.Margaret Y.

Synopsis of episodes are sometimes vague and confusing. No straight forward accounts of any episodes.

There is a lot of fascinating information in this book, and as an episode guide it is good. I only gave it 4 stars because it focuses so heavily on Jack Lord rather than treating the other actors with the same interest level. This is by and large an homage to Jack Lord and Steve McGarrett, with others mentioned sometimes, but not always, and without the intensity that it gives to Lord. If it had paid more due to those few episodes that featured Danny, Chin Ho, and Kono or Ben, I would have readily given it 5 stars.Still, it does mention a lot of small information I doubt I would ever have learned anywhere else, and it does point out a myriad of small continuity errors in what suit or shirt/pant ensembles a character is wearing when switching angles or going into building vs. coming out of building. It nails the minutia, and for those of us whose favorite character was not Steve, it leaves me wanting a more equal approach to the other characters' contributions to the series and episodes.

Here's how to use this book: read the entry for the episode you're going to watch, (which includes the full cast, writers, directors, dates), etc. Then watch the episode on DVD and I guarantee you will enjoy the show that much more. The author has not written a dry, by-the-numbers plot outline, which adds nothing to the experience. Instead, Ms Rhodes has taken the time to write about the nuances and those little meaningful moments in each episode. She has also included a bit of editorializing about some of the shows; she is right more often than not when calling out the crew for lazy direction or writing. All this adds to the enjoyment of a very enjoyable series.Buy this book and disregard the one and two star reviews as they clearly are more interested in form and not substance.

I am the proud owner of all twelve seasons of Hawaii Five-O on DVD. This book is a great companion to each and every episode. I just loved Jack Lord. No one can bring Steve McGarrett to life like he did. Even though the new Hawaii Five-O is a very good transformation it will never be able to hold a candle to the classic. Jack Lord is no longer with us physically but he will live on because of his body of work. Karen Rhodes get kudos for a manuscript well written. I thought I knew almost all there was to know about the series and its characters, but I found I had a lot to learn!

Karen Rhodes' fantastic episode guide is a veritable bible for those addicted to Hawaii Five-O. The book's strengths include the listing of episodes in their production order, original airdates, guest stars and the characters they played, as well as writer, director, and composer credits--I'm particularly grateful for the emphasis on the composers, an often an overlooked aspect of any TV show. There are also tales of behind-the-scenes shenanigans--the difficulty in dealing with certain bureacratic elements in Hawaii, the frequent cast and producer changes, in addition to how Hawaii Five-O fared in the ratings over the years, which is summarized at the beginning of each season's chapter.Yes, "Booking Hawaii Five-O" has information readily available on the internet, but having Ms. Rhodes' wonderful book on hand is infinitely superior to being hunched over the sinister glow of one's computer screen.I recommend "Booking Hawaii Five-O" without hesitation.

Great book! I like it as it is 1st edition. I do miss Kono and it's because I won't see him on 5th season :(... Though I like Jack most, but without Kono it looks weirdI have just picked inside the book a little and it is VERY DETAILED and with date of airing programs by the order it was shown originally. In highly recommend the 1st edition and it has pictures and just mainly something you WILL NEED if you watch the show.. 5 stars!!

Hawaii Five-0 was my favorite show of all times. I have 7 seasons on DVD with the 8th coming in a couple weeks. This marvelous book is a must for all Hawaii Five-0 lovers. It gives a summary of every single episode including the guest stars & the date it aired and the back of the book is a wonderful restropect of the series. I'll tell you, I couldn't be happier even if the print was in gold. If you love this series as much as I do, you couldn't be happier owning this special book. Thank you Karen Rhodes for this gem.

There is not much on Hawaii five o and this book seems well done, I just received it but have gone through it quickly, just one regret there are not many photos.

Love it, have it by my side as I am watching the 12 box sets again and again.

Interested to read all the ins and outs of the filming of original Hawaii 5-0

Fast shipping, Great packaging, Outstanding product, Highly Recommended! ★★★★★