Having recently started re-watching all the episodes of "Hawaii Five-O", I noticed the similarity of this particular show to about 6-10 others in the series. It seems that some scum-bag is always trying to set up McGarrett for a crime in order to discredit or distract him and Five-O. I've seen Wo Fat do it several times and this time it's the job of a different bald guy to try to frame McGarrett. August March (Ed Asner) has concocted a plan to make it appear as if McGarrett has padded his own personal collection of netsuke with a stolen one recently recovered in a police raid! Now I need to stop for a minute to explain. I happen to know exactly what netsuke are--and I would venture to say most Americans would have no idea what they were, so I'll try to explain. They were little carvings that were very popular in Japan during the 17-early 20th century. Now the carvings had a utilitarian purpose--to hold the cords which attached a kimono (robe) to little purse-like boxes in which personal possessions were carried.
This episode begins with a small exhibition of netsuke, inro and ojime (all related accessories) at a local museum. And, just before the exhibit opens to the public, there just happens to be a Japanese expert there as well as many members of the press! This and several later too coincidental aspects of the case is a bit of a problem with the show--the case against McGarrett is just too easy...too perfect. What is McGarrett to do to clear his name and get to the bottom of an international smuggling ring? As I said above, there is perhaps too good a case against McGarrett. It's such an easy case that it's pretty obvious to everyone that it's all a setup, as real life is never that clear-cut! But, it is interesting and it does teaches you a bit about this lovely art form. And, if you have a chance, try to see the collection of netsuke at the Metropolitan Museum in New York. I am sure there are better collections out there (particularly in Japan) but this one is still quite nice and accessible to lots of Westerners.