Two-Faced People for 50 years!

[Bobbi]

CBS aired S07E08 50 years tonight – “The Two-Faced Corpse”.

This seems like a cut and dried mobster type hit. But oh no, it gets far more complicated. A dude named Howard Crystal is knocked off. Only, he’s not Howard Crystal – he’s Julio Bocher. Put into witness protection at some point and protected by “the bureau”.

Paul Hamilton (Alan Fudge) is the point of contact for the Feds on this one. He butts heads with McGarrett but it’s not as bad as some other federal officers in other episodes.

It takes Five-O about four days to figure out who Crystal/Boucher is. They figure someone else did the same.

With Crystal/Boucher gone, his wife and business partner are rolling in dough. The pair – Jack Houston (Sam Elliott) and Carla (Jessica Walter) – discovered Boucher’s true identity and all the insurance that went with it.

In the end, Five-O foils their plans with a pair of undercover HPD guys pretending to be hitmen after Boucher. They make Houston so nervous; he trips up.

Mr. Mike has a wonderful review here: https://www.fiveohomepage.com/5-0log7.htm#152

This episode also features Abe Vigoda as Abe Kemper, a retired mobster himself. He doesn’t play around and will only speak to McGarrett. The interaction between the two is great.

This episode has a very young Sam Elliott who has been in so many things, it’s hard to keep count. He was one of my dad’s favorite actors because you stop seeing Elliott and you watch the character he becomes. It’s true here too and when I first watched this episode a few years ago, it was a real treat to see him in this role.

Jessica Walter would go on to several comedic roles. I believe she was a regular on “Soap” and then later “Arrested Development”. I always enjoy watching her too. One of the funniest roles I’ve ever seen her in was a guest stint on “The Big Bang Theory”. She was a wealthy donor who threw Leonard for a loop.

Happy 50th, “The Two-Faced Corpse”!!

[John Chergi]

The Two-Faced Corpse Season 7 Review 3 Stars ⭐⭐⭐ Out Of 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.

McGarrett & The HFO team investigate the murder of Howard Crystal a successful businessman. He has been shot to death murdered in an isolated area. Also, ropes have been tied and used. Suggesting a gangland style killing. Through the investigation, McGarrett learns that Howard Crystal had once been a syndicate informer Julio Bocher. This Bocher had been given a new name and identity. Altering his appearance through facial plastic surgery and using steroids to add muscle and bulk. Hawaii is isolated and far away from the mainland. A perfect place to start a new life. Carla Crystal his young wife knows little about Howard's life before arriving in the Islands 5 years ago. She met him about 3 years ago. Carla allows McG to look around the house showing Howard's weight room area and an extensive closet of health supplements and pills. She also mentions a picture Howard angrily ripped up in rage. A bunch of football players. McG also meets with Jack Houston. A business partner of Howard's. Houston gives the recently dead Howard Crystal good words. He helped Houston early in the business. Giving him money an infusion of cash that keeps the business going today. Also, Jack mentions Howard was a pleasant and private man. A man who had a solid marriage with Carla. McG & the HFO team check out the syndicate angle with Abe Kemper a retired mobster. He drops the name Julio Bocher to see what Abe knows and can find out. Abe sees McG again and wants to meet Julio. This is very surprising that Abe thinks Bocher is still alive. McG & HFO Team don't have many other suspects. From Carla's wife description and picture, they realize the picture of the football players...It's from a New York Semi-Pro Football team the Utica Grizzlies. A picture taken 15 years ago from a photographer Simon. This Simon had inquiries about the picture from Hawaii. McG has been battling with a Fed Agent Type Paul Hamilton as they want the case passed to them. McG proposes a theory that someone else could have made the connection between Howard Crystal and Julio Bocher. HFO team had made the connection in 4 days. Most likely Carla and Jack Houston. With not many other suspects, McG and Paul Hamilton team up and meet with Carla and Jack. It's a very serious conversation as two hitmen types...Todd Jelke (J.R.) and Francis Martin AKA Frank Morris are in Hawaii. They have an open $100,000 contract. They show them the hitmen's pictures. Actually, the men are 2 undercover officers. Jelke is a man named Luisi. Martin is a man named Feders. The two Men shadow Carla and Jack as they are driving, going inside an elevator, outdoors etc. Making Carla and Jack uncomfortable. Carla and Jack had successfully dodged a tail earlier having a secret hotel room romance. HFO further investigate as Carla is the sole beneficiary to Howard's wealth and insurance policy and property. Jack Houston also receives a sizable insurance policy payment as both men had insurance on each other. Jack Houston tired of the 2 men shadowing them confronts them in a vehicle. Feders calls Jack Houston "Bocher". They all go back to Carla's place. Houston shoots Luisi after having incriminating himself on tape and runs away. He later shoots McG in the arm before giving himself up.

The Two-Faced Corpse is a creative and interesting episode. It's great to see a younger Sam Elliott. Carla has a nice house and lifestyle Howard Crystal provides for her. It's strange why she would team up with Houston in having him killed. I guess it's because Howard won't divorce Carla and won't have romantic nights with her. I wonder how long Carla & Jack were having this secret affair. I think McGarrett's brainstorm of Julio Bocher being Jack Houston possibly is far-fetched. Outstanding acting by Alan Fudge as the Federal Agent Paul Hamilton. JC