What? HAWAII FIVE-0 is a contemporary take on the classic series about a new elite federalized task force whose mission is to wipe out the crime that washes up on the Islands’ sun-drenched beaches.  Detective Steve McGarrett, a decorated Naval officer-turned-cop, returns to Oahu to investigate his father’s murder and stays after Hawaii’s Governor persuades him to head up the new team with full blanket authority to hunt down the biggest “game” in town.  Joining McGarrett is Detective Danny “Danno” Williams, a newly relocated ex-New Jersey cop – a working man in paradise who prefers skyscrapers to the coastline – but who’s committed to keeping the Islands safe for his 8-year-old daughter; and Chin Ho Kelly, an ex-Honolulu Police Detective, and former protégé of McGarrett’s father, wrongly accused of corruption and relegated to a federal security patrol. Chin’s cousin, Kono, is a beautiful and fearless native, fresh out of the academy and eager to establish herself among the department’s elite. McGarrett, repairing his relationship with his estranged sister Mary Ann, vows to bring closure to their father’s case.  The state’s brash new FIVE-0 unit, who may spar and jest among themselves, is determined to eliminate seedy elements from the 50^th state.

Who? Stars Alex O’Loughlin as McGarrett, Scott Caan as Danno, Daniel Dae Kim as Chin Ho, and Grace Park as Kono.  Peter Lenkov, Alex Kurtzman and Roberto Orci are executive producers for CBS Television Studios. Lenkov wrote the teleplay from a story by Kurtzman, Orci, and himself; Len Wiseman directed the pilot.

Where/When? CBS, 10/9c Mondays following all new episodes of CBS’ comedy block.

Why (Why Not)? Allow me to preface this review with a limited (read: nonexistant) exposure to the show that bared this same name back in the day.  Having no McGarrett to base Alex O on, he is perfectly likable as this man tasked with avenging his father’s murder and targeting some serious criminals.  I buy him as Steve, absolutely.  However, he is overshadowed 100 times over by the never-not-charismatic Scott Caan who was born to play this role.  He is smart and funny and without a doubt, he has the best lines of the pilot.  If there’s any reason to come back and watch week to week, it’s to see what James’ son is up to.  It’s a shame to point out that Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park are being wasted in their pilot roles, but I have high hopes that we’ll see more depth to their characters as the show continues.  This one has the best chance to be a big hit this season – it’s a remake done with the best intentions and I think if they fix up some of the biggest issues, like Alex O’s inability to return the chemistry that Caan is giving him, we’re looking at something worth watching.

How? Watch live or definitely DVR.