Hara-kiri 50 Years Ago!

50 years ago tonight, CBS aired S07E13 – “Hara-Kiri: Murder”.

Five-O gets involved in a case quickly when a big bank guy, Mitsuru Matsukata, 'commits suicide'. By the title, we know this isn't true.

McGarrett goes to see the Japanese Consulate. The consul-general Mr. Hata (Andrew J. Sato) explains that Matsukata held a unique position in international trade. Also present is Professor Ramon Borelle (Ossie Davis), who is as diabolical as they come. Hata explains that Borelle was one of Matsukata's oldest friends in the US. Also, we discover that Matsukata was a direct descendent of the samurai and is 'above reproach'.

Danno and Ben dig deeper, meeting Andrew Shibata (John Fujioka). Shibata took Matsukata's place at the bank. Apparently there are some irregularities at the bank but this should not cause someone to kill themselves.

As it goes on, we discover Borelle is ripping off the bank and pocketing the proceeds. He gets his way by threatening people. In Shibata's case, Shibata's wife has been kidnapped. Shibata cooperates as much as he can (with both sides, by the way).

Five-O figures out the scam, sometimes in convoluted ways, and rescue Shibata's wife. Borelle and his cronies are arrested.

Mr. Mike does a much better job on this episode in his review. It’s here: https://www.fiveohomepage.com/5-0log7.htm#157

I like this episode. I know it's not a favorite of many but I think the reason I like it is because we see Danno in action more so than usual.

There are some convoluted issues with this episode, though. Such as Che Fong (Harry Endo) figuring out the safe combination in Shibata's office. There is also the business of Shibata's secretary Ann (Lynne Ellen Hollinger) being an inside person working for Borelle. Of note, she also worked for Matsukata.

Despite these shortfalls, I still like this episode and it's fun to watch.

Happy 50th, “Hara-Kiri: Murder”!!

P.S.: from Mr. Mike: I am posting this for Bobbi, because she injured herself on Christmas Eve so she might be late on the next 50th posting too! Get well, Bobbi!

Hara-Kiri: Murder Review. 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐ Out Of 4 ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ ⭐ Stars. Season 7.

Thanks Mr. Mike posting for Bobbi. Happy New Year 2025 Classic Hawaii 🌊 Five-O Fans. I've always enjoyed this episode because it is an intelligent episode. Making one exercise their mind. A tip of the cap 🧢 to the writers. This is 1 of the most difficult cases to solve for McGarrett & the HFO 🌊 team....Why? Matsukata the deceased high ranking Japanese banker is from the samurai line of descendants. He's a man of the highest honor and respect. Lives his life with great honor and dignity. Matsukata has few friends other than the men he associates with at the temple. Matsukata is also NOT a big time gambler, NOT a drinker, NOT a smoker, NOT a womanizer. The bank and temple pretty much his life. Family mostly in Japan and he is not married. There's also the issue whether Matsukata committed suicide or was murder. Doc fans would like this episode. He is very important in pointing more to murder than suicide. Doc is well-versed in both medical matters and the samurai. He believes suicide most unlikely because the way the killing was extremely and excruciatingly painful. Those of the Samurai are knowledgeable on the way to commit suicide and with less pain involved. Doc also points that the ceremonial mat was not used. He does not believe those of the Samurai would soil the temple. They are extremely well-versed in these matters.

McG & the HFO 🌊 team investigate and his successor Andrew Shibata is looked into. HFO 🌊 does not know that Shibata's wife has been kidnapped. Professor Ramon Borelle an old friend of Matsukata arrives in Hawaii and answers some things about Matsukata. Nothing really important. As the episode continues, Borelle becomes more bold and daring. Having thousands of dollars💵 transferred into Afro his account. This is expertly done as Borelle knows the new codes. The Bank is required to honor the transfer of funds. It takes most of the episode for McG to figure out who is behind this...Borelle. As Borelle continues to increase the amounts in the transfers, his blind greed results in a mistake. The time and day are wrong in 1 of the sent cables because the hours are different. It would mean the perpetrator is actually in Hawaii not overseas sending the cables. Shibata is also concerned because the Bank will look suspiciously on larger transfer amounts. Borelle presses on anyway as he says Afro is expanding. Shibata is also boxed in as the secretary is involved in the operation with Borelle. McG & HFO 🌊 team find the office room Borelle was working out of but he has departed recently. Shibata has done everything Borelle has asked and is taken to an empty school house where his wife is being held. It appears Borelle going to kill them anyway. They know his face and too much about the money transfers. HFO 🌊 team saves Shibata and his wife from Borelle and the criminal associates. JC