A Nightmare for 50 years

[ringfire211]

Absolutely correct about this being a “standout” episode of the series and I don’t know how anyone could disagree. I would also vote it as the single most disturbing episode of the series. I know most mention “One Big Happy Family” but I would argue that this one is even more disturbing. At least it is for me. John Beck’s Stark character is creepy as all get out and a real monster. And his police car prowling the neighborhoods is a menacing sight unlike any I’ve ever seen on television. It’s like a “Jaws on wheels” looking for its next victim. The POV of the police light at the top of the car and the accompanying shrieking violins by Don Ray (this score was Emmy nominated!) definitely give it a very eerie feel.

This one’s gotta be in my top 5 all-time favorites and my second favorite of the season just behind “Hookman”. I used to have “Draw Me a Killer” at #2 for the season but over the years I’ve realized that “Nightmare” is just an all-around stronger and more intense episode with tour de force acting from everyone involved. Jack Lord, John Beck, Katherine Justice, Alan Fudge. Everyone brought their “A” game here.

[John Chergi]

NIGHTMARE IN BLUE ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Out Of ⭐⭐⭐⭐.
An outstanding episode as McG and the HFO team have to apprehend a rapist murderer. I think it was intelligent writing to have the perpetrator a good-looking cop washout. HFO 🌊 has to investigate the possibility a cop was the murderer. Stark was a handsome and strong-looking man in contrast with some of the unattractive and loner types usually played in these roles. I would have liked Andrea pointing to Stark as the attacker in the book to McGarrett. Think that would have been more powerful and she would have the knowledge she put a stop to the rape killings. I think it was a little clumsily handled the stakeout. The female cop was not shown in a positive light and HFO was watching and close by. They easily could have apprehended Stark at that point. Even with a few small nicks, I believe Nightmare In Blue would rank somewhere between 10-20 in the greatest HFO episode. High praise indeed! JC