A Death in the Family (4 May 1978)

While Chin Ho Kelly investigates a protection racket run by the Hawaiian "kumu" mob, three mob members recognize him as being from Five-O. The deputy leader of the kumu, who is trying to ... See full summary »

Director:

Don Weis

Writers:

Leonard Freeman (creator), Robert Janes

Stars:

Jack Lord, James MacArthur, Kam Fong

Cast

Episode cast overview, first billed only:
Jack Lord	...	Det. Steve McGarrett
James MacArthur	...	Dan Williams
Kam Fong	...	Chin Ho
Herman Wedemeyer	...	Duke
Manu Tupou	...	Cappy Pahoa
Reni Santoni	...	Jimmy Rego
Jean Marie Hon	...	Suzy Kelly
Vic Malo	...	Billy Swan
Rodney Philip Aiu	...	Kimo Napali (as Rod Aiu)
Elissa Dulce Hoopai	...	Kini Pahoa
Gary Kau	...	Yung Sen
Kinau Wilder	...	Screaming tourist
C.K. Huang	...	Chinese merchant
Lydia Jade	...	Iolani
Maria Marville	...	Rose

Storyline

While Chin Ho Kelly investigates a protection racket run by the Hawaiian "kumu" mob, three mob members recognize him as being from Five-O. The deputy leader of the kumu, who is trying to undermine his boss, murders Chin and dumps him right in front of the Iolani Palace. A grief-stricken and enraged McGarrett confronts the kumu boss, who didn't know about the hit, and threatens a statewide crackdown. Meanwhile, the underboss gets busy eliminating possible witnesses to the hit. When confronted by his boss, he finally admits to the murder and pretends to leave the country to take off the heat -- but instead orders a hit on McGarrett himself.

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Plot Keywords:

season finale | police officer killed | undercover policeman

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Genres:

Crime | Drama | Mystery

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Certificate:

Not Rated

Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

4 May 1978 (USA)

Filming Locations:

Hawaii, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

CBS Television Network, Leonard Freeman Production, Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS)

Technical Specs

Runtime:

60 min

Sound Mix:

Mono

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.33 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

This was the only episode where Chin Ho Kelly (Kam Fong) wore a mustache.

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Quotes

Det. Steve McGarrett: Danno, hold it. I want to book this one! I think Chin would have liked that.
[the last line of the show]

User Reviews

Well-Done Presentation

In "Hawaii Five-O's" twelve-year tun, the episode "A Death in the Family" was the most interesting episode of its time. Chin Ho Kelley was undergoing a sting operation. The trek was meant to be a drug ring. The problem: Chin Ho Kelley had no idea that the mastermind of the ring was James Rego. The mastermind to the trade (unfortunately) resulted in the fatal ambush of Chin Ho Kelley after his cover became compromised beyond recognition. Steve McGarrett (obviously) found out the killing involved cocaine trafficking and extortion -- not to mention racketeering. McGarrett sought justice for this vicious murderer. He slugged James Rego until he could not take anymore beatings from the ruthless ambush of Chin Ho Kelley. Nobody -- but nobody -- ever called McGarrett a pal when a mastermind into the killing mortally wounded a peace officer. "Hawaii Five-O" should have aired a two-hour special episode titled "Hawaii Versus Rego" to start the 1978-1979 Television Season (aired September 28, 1978). The reason: the District Attorney would have sought the death penalty for James Rego on the charges of first-degree murder, drug trafficking, kidnapping, and racketeering. Any Questions?