Hawaii Five-O (TV Series) Wooden Model of a Rat (1975) User Reviews

One of a bunch of episodes where the baddies try to frame McGarrett...and a chance to learn about the beauty of Netsuke.

[planktonrules · 7/10 · 1 January 2012]

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.

Third attempt to frame McGarrett?

[VetteRanger · 7/10 · 8 June 2023]

I remember two other attempts to frame McGarrett ... the episode with the double and the episode with the car wreck. The latter provided the clip used ever after where Danno is peering through the hole in the fractured windshield.

The big this about this episode is Ed Asner, the lovable but irascible boss on The Mary Tyler Moore, who later carried the character forward to "Lou Grant".

Here he's an art smuggler who wants to get McGarrett out of the way, so he has a stolen figurine substitute for a similar one in Steve's own collection.

The scene he has with Danno where he talks about his duality as a patron of the arts AND a tractor salesman is a gem of an acting performance, and a joy to watch.

And Jack Lord delivered a fine performance as his supposed theft of a piece of art lands him before a Grand Jury!

Danno slay

[AMontgomeryW · 7/10 · 27 January 2024]

Although this episode supposedly focuses more on McGarrett and the mystery around his collection, it's really Danny's episode and I love to see it.

It's a classic Hawaii 5-O episode and I thought the storyline and characters are as good as or better than other episodes in season 8. People are complaining that it's a 'frame McGarrett' but it's well done and unlike other episodes at no point do the characters or the audience ever think Steve is involved.

Anyway I just wanted to write this review to talk about Danny since he's my favourite and this is a good episode that follows more of the 5-O crew instead of just Steve. Also the stairs scene is a great shot and quite unique for Hawaii 5-O.

Solid but McGarrett and Duke are weak

[george_cherucheril · 8/10 · 26 April 2024]

This episode features a good plot and acting from all the actors for the most part. McGarrett and Duke are disappointing.

Ed Asner plays a rich businessman, August March who believes he can buy his way through anything even if it involves murder. The name August is likely a parody of August Busch founder of beer giant Anheuser-Busch. This is a nice departure for Asner from Lou Grant. March is nothing like Mr. Grant which is a compliment to Asner's acting abilities.

Richard McKenzie entertains as Gustave Lupin the hapless art curator for both March and McGarrett who has a small collection of statutes managed by Lupin.

Thee native semi regulars provide solid support. This episode features the tantalizingly beautiful Josie Over, Kwan Hi Lim and John Fujioka. Glenn Cannon and Harry Endo appear as District Attorney John Manicote and Che Fong respectively. Al Eben also shows up as Doc Bergman. At this point in the series, Cannon, Endo and Eben were getting close to the end of their runs on the show. All of them would be gone after season nine to the detriment of the show.

Jack Lord's skin appears to be ashen colored and his eyes are tired. I do not know what was going on with his makeup but he looks terrible. There is a plot twist where March frames McGarrett by getting McKenzie to switch one of McGarrett's collection with a priceless piece from his collection. McGarrett is under suspicion and Manicote is conducting an investigation under immense political pressure to do something about McGarrett. Incredibly, McGarrett is allowed to continue supervising the case! Any police department would put McGarrett on at least suspension with pay. Although Dano conducted active interviews instead of McGarrett, he still reported to McGarrett. Right up until the end before McGarrett is able to prove his innocence he calls Manicote and dictates when he will surrender to him without any push back.

Herman Wedemeyer is dead weight as Sgt. Duke Lukela. He adds nothing and symbolizes the rot setting into this aging series. The last three seasons were almost all unwatchable. Duke is boring with his gray hair, ugly glasses and bland suits.

Zulu as Kono and later Al Harrington as Ben Kokura were much better in their roles as the third cop reporting to McGarrett. Zulu's departure was unavoidable because he offended a sponsor with a racial epithet. Harrington was not given a chance to succeed at least by Jack Lord. Executive producer Leonard Freeman supported Harrington. When Freeman died in January of 1974, Lord's influence grew. Harrington was featured for half of the 1974-1975 season before being let go.

During Harrington's run as Ben, Wedemeyer lurked around in the shadows, stealing valuable airtime that belonged to Harrington. For some reason, Lord did not like Harrington's performance but he seemed to love Wedemeyer. It was Lord's influence that led to Harrington being given little to do and eventually being dismissed. I liked Jack Lord but disagree with his decisions.

Deadweight Wedemeyer also drained valuable air time in this episode. The wasted air time should have been given to Dano and Chin Ho who were better than Duke. Hawaii 5-0 would be a stronger show if they dropped Wedemeyer entirely.