Review of the Latest Episode of “Chief of War”
This show certainly knows how to keep viewers guessing. With the time jump this season, we find major characters relocated to entirely different settings, which keeps things fresh and exciting. The way the story continues to evolve reminds me that, while it’s essentially about noble exiles and a villainous king, there’s a cleverness at play that’s truly impressive.
The episode kicks off with a year later title card, thrusting us into the snowy landscapes of Alaska. We see Kaiana, rifle in hand, at a hidden hideout. Then, with a smooth cut, we’re brought back thousands of miles to his wife, Kupuohi, the connection hinting at their lingering thoughts of one another.
The editing effectively takes us from Hawaiian villages to bustling ships in Alaska. John Young, a castaway, is seen teaching English to local children, while Tony, a Black sailor, is explaining the parts of a rifle to Kaiana. Meanwhile, King Kahekiri begins to showcase his enemies’ bones around his fortress, reflecting the ongoing war and his mental state. As Kaiana hunts, the tension rises as we cut between him and the king, leaving the outcome of his shot uncertain.
With a script by Doug Jung and the show’s co-creators Jason Momoa and Thomas Pa’a Sibbett, directors Anders Engström and Brian Andrew Mendoza have maintained the series’ high-quality look, even as the narrative expands beyond Hawaii. This episode transports us to the Philippines, specifically to the vibrant port city of Zamboanga. Kaiana stands out with his elaborate chief’s attire, amidst a sea of soldiers and civilians, who come from all corners of the world.
He soon captures the attention of a fellow countrywoman, Vai, who works at a tavern. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she has a bold plan to capitalize on the valuable sandalwood that grows in Hawaii—though few know its location. With Captain Mears’ help, she hopes to partner with Kaiana, using her connections to navigate this new trade.
“You see the world through a different lens,” Kaiana initially comments, to which Vai responds that he should also recognize the realities of the world he’s in. She believes Hawaii’s only chance lies in being proactive.
Kaiana doesn’t seem entirely convinced; his primary motivation is to gather enough weapons to challenge King Kahekiri, admitting, “I made a mistake and need to set things right.” Vai quips about the gravity of this mistake, hinting at the severity of their situation.
Back in Hawaii, we’re reintroduced to King Kalani, whose time is running out. The tension escalates with King Kahekiri focused on revenge, meanwhile, Kalani’s son, Prince Kpur, grapples with the impending power shift following his father’s inevitable death. The young chief, Keoua, prepares for a decisive conflict, but Kamehameha urges a more practical approach: focusing on survival first, which impresses the king but irritates the prince.
This episode, while lacking in intense battle scenes, still conveys an epic atmosphere. The vast landscapes serve as a backdrop for the grand narrative, and the emotional depth of the characters is palpable. The vibrant designs evoke a sense of fantasy, much like the idealized settings of classic literature.
Contrasting color palettes draw attention to Kaiana and Ka’ahumanu against their earthy surroundings, and Jason Momoa delivers a captivating performance, looking impressive in both noble robes and simpler sailor attire. It’s clear that the series continues to deliver strong visuals and storytelling.
