The penultimate episode of Jason Momoa's Chief of War on Apple TV+ set the mood quickly with a brutal, tragic scene that should have turned into fast-paced action. Instead, the episode bogged down in more indecisive politics.
The cinematography in Chief of War is beautiful and is one of the best attributes of the show, but if there is one criticism, it’s that the pace gets slowed down too much. In some of the episodes, the story doesn’t advance very far. This episode is one of those.
Chief of War episode eight key moments
The previous episode ended with Captain Metcalfe ordering the slaughter of innocent Hawaiian villagers with cannons filled with nails. It was the perfect springboard into episode eight. The audience saw the devastation, and it was heartbreaking. Of course, Ka'iani had told Kamehameha something like this might happen.
A furious Ka'iani confronts his chief, blaming Kamehameha for the many deaths. The chief still turns a deaf ear to him and to Ka'ahumana. Even though Ka'iani warned Kamehameha of the dangers the white men presented and that the islands needed to unite against them, the chief didn’t want to use the guns Ka'iani brought to the islands.
Keoua, backed by King Kahekili’s henchman Opunui, visits Kamehameha’s domain, killing Ka'iani's brother Nahi, and kidnaps the keeper of the Nui Grove. He always turns Opunui loose, who sexually assaults Heke. Luckily, that scene was kept offscreen, but the audience saw the results.
These acts of violence infuriate Ka'iani even more. He blames his chief for these tragedies, and rightfully so. Kamehameha has lost Ka'iani's trust and still isn’t convinced.
Finally, Kupuohi speaks to Kamehameha, enforcing the words spoken by others, and the chief concludes that his inaction has cost too many lives. While trying to protect his people, he has actually had the opposite effect.
Back on O'ahu, King Kahekili sinks further into madness. His son and some of his chiefs have watched this and believe the king is beyond help. Many think his son Kupule should dispose of Kahekili. Finally, after witnessing another mad tantrum by his father, Kupule attempts to kill his father, but is stabbed instead.
The episode ends with Ka'iani teaching Kamehameha how to shoot guns, and the stage is set for the final battle to unify the islands. Unfortunately, it is too late.
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Episode Score: C
After the events of the first 20 minutes of the episode, you expect the rest of the time to explode into action, but it just fizzles out somewhat. It feels as if Kamehameha has dragged his feet for several episodes, and it has cost him the lives of many of his people. This episode could have used a much faster-paced final half with a good cliffhanger, but it maintained its more methodical approach to the story.
The finale should feature a major battle and maybe a bittersweet victory for the Chief of War. Don’t miss it next Friday, Sept. 19 on Apple TV+.
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