This show, the only three-parter of the series, is one of, if not the best of the entire series. This three parter could have been on the big screen. The major actors (Harold Gould, Luther Adler, Robert Drivas, Don Knight) all give excellent performances, and many of the Five-O stock performers (Arthur Hee, Moki Palacio, Yankee Chang, David Espinda, Galen Kam, Robert Costa, Beau Vanden Ecker) are on hand as well. There are freeze-frames employed during a courtroom sequence in part one, and when McGarrett looks out his office to the building across the street in part two. Robert Luck plays Sullivan, who was "pushing junk to high school kids." During the final show, lawyer Harvey Mathieson Drew (John Stalker) is being blackmailed by the elder Vashon. Kwan Hi Lim plays the Vashons' very slimy henchman Tosaki.
5 Reviews
Excellent Episode!
RedbirdCraig2 October 2013
Warning: Spoilers
This was a great ending episode to a memorable plot line. What I liked about this particular episode was that it was unexpected how the patriarch of the Vashon family planned to get back at McGarrett. One would expect another assassination attempt, especially by the old-school founder of the criminal clan, but he had something more subtle up his sleeve. Or elevator, if you will.
One thing I always find interesting in these old series is how certain issues are treated. In this one there is a key plot point revolving around a prominent member of the community being a closeted gay. They don't go into too much depth but they certainly make it obvious what the secret he's holding is, which I'm guessing in 1972 marked a bit of a change from what one would normally see on prime time. I don't think you see much mention of anyone's sexual preference in the 60's, but it's become enough of a part of the public discussion by this point that a straightforward show like 5-0 can use it as a plot point.
Also, one of the hidden gems of the episode is when McGarrett is suspended and those of us who watch the show knows what that means- McGarrett breaks out the cabana wear! It never ceased to amuse me, as a kid or now, seeing him in that ascot and big hat. Totally stylin' and profilin'.
One thing I always find interesting in these old series is how certain issues are treated. In this one there is a key plot point revolving around a prominent member of the community being a closeted gay. They don't go into too much depth but they certainly make it obvious what the secret he's holding is, which I'm guessing in 1972 marked a bit of a change from what one would normally see on prime time. I don't think you see much mention of anyone's sexual preference in the 60's, but it's become enough of a part of the public discussion by this point that a straightforward show like 5-0 can use it as a plot point.
Also, one of the hidden gems of the episode is when McGarrett is suspended and those of us who watch the show knows what that means- McGarrett breaks out the cabana wear! It never ceased to amuse me, as a kid or now, seeing him in that ascot and big hat. Totally stylin' and profilin'.
The Patriarch takes his shot ...
VetteRanger30 December 2022
In the best trilogy in television history, two generations of the Vashon family have fallen to McGarrett's skills as Hawaii's 'top cop'. Dominick's son died in a shootout with Steve, and his son tried a contract, winding up convicted of conspiracy to commit murder and with a ten-year prison sentence.
The patriarch comes up with an ingenious plan to frame Steve for murder and send him to prison, where a shiv in the back can exact the final revenge at any moment.
A recently paroled ex-con opens fire from an elevator in a parking deck. When Steve returns fire and the elevator goes up, the man is dead on the next floor. But with no witnesses, a disappearing gun, and no bullets found, must Steve face trial for 2nd degree murder?
The patriarch comes up with an ingenious plan to frame Steve for murder and send him to prison, where a shiv in the back can exact the final revenge at any moment.
A recently paroled ex-con opens fire from an elevator in a parking deck. When Steve returns fire and the elevator goes up, the man is dead on the next floor. But with no witnesses, a disappearing gun, and no bullets found, must Steve face trial for 2nd degree murder?
The best of the Vashon episodes
planktonrules10 December 2010
Warning: Spoilers
"Hawaii Five-O" had a wonderful trilogy involving the Vashon family--the first about the punk grandson, the next about the father and this final one about the aging head of the family. A couple seasons later, they did one more Vashon episode. Of the four, this is by far the best--but they are all wonderful and must-see episodes.
This one picks up immediately after the last episode. Honore Vashon was sent to prison for trying to have McGarrett killed. Now, his father, Dominick, is trying to do something much more clever and subtle--he's attempting to have McGarrett ruined and even, possibly, sent to prison! I loved the complex plot and how the old man manipulated a sad sack into making an attempt on McGarrett's life--not knowing that his gun was loaded with bullets and they WANTED McGarrett to kill the guy! Where exactly it all goes from there is something to see for yourself--I don't want to spoil it. The show is very well written and ends with one of the best endings I've ever seen. Believe it or not, there are many parallels between this episode and Milton's "Paradise Lost". Vashon, naturally, would be Satan! Brilliant and very engaging. Possibly the best show of the series--and it's interesting for its gay subplot. See this one!
This one picks up immediately after the last episode. Honore Vashon was sent to prison for trying to have McGarrett killed. Now, his father, Dominick, is trying to do something much more clever and subtle--he's attempting to have McGarrett ruined and even, possibly, sent to prison! I loved the complex plot and how the old man manipulated a sad sack into making an attempt on McGarrett's life--not knowing that his gun was loaded with bullets and they WANTED McGarrett to kill the guy! Where exactly it all goes from there is something to see for yourself--I don't want to spoil it. The show is very well written and ends with one of the best endings I've ever seen. Believe it or not, there are many parallels between this episode and Milton's "Paradise Lost". Vashon, naturally, would be Satan! Brilliant and very engaging. Possibly the best show of the series--and it's interesting for its gay subplot. See this one!
A Fitting End
ramsfan19 January 2024
Warning: Spoilers
'V' For Vashon: The Patriarch continues the trilogy of the Vashon Crime Family. With his grandson dead and his son imprisoned, family patriarch Dominick Vashon attempts to ruin McGarrett. Using a recently released prisoner named Sullivan and with the help of faithful family troubleshooter Tosaki, the elder Vashon concocts a scheme to have McGarrett arrested and convicted for wrongful death. The plot takes an unexpected, sordid twist midway through the proceedings involving respected local attorney Harvey Mathieson Drew, who witnessed the incident but is hiding a secret.
Distinguished actor Luther Adler carries the episode. We've seen the considerable influence Dominick Vashon holds over The Island's citizenry, and in Part III his gravitas is put on full display in his efforts to disgrace McGarrett. The ending is a fitting and shocking conclusion to the Vashon Trilogy. Tremendous episodes.
Distinguished actor Luther Adler carries the episode. We've seen the considerable influence Dominick Vashon holds over The Island's citizenry, and in Part III his gravitas is put on full display in his efforts to disgrace McGarrett. The ending is a fitting and shocking conclusion to the Vashon Trilogy. Tremendous episodes.
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