Circus in town 50 years ago

[Bobbi]

Sorry for the late post, RL got in the way again.

50 years ago last night, CBS aired S07E12 – “Presenting…In The Center Ring…Murder”.

We get another visit from Wo Fat (Khigh Dhiegh) – this time he's after a high-profile Chinese minister, who Wo considers too friendly with the US and its allies.

The minister (Norman F. C. Tan) arrives in Honolulu with his grandson (Shawn Sherman). The kid sees the circus is in town and of course, wants to go. This provides the best opportunity for assassination.

Wo and his men find a pair of brothers who are the high-wire act. Juan (Richard Yniguez) and Miguel Rinaldo (Corey Rand) have escaped from Cuba using their relatives' H-1 Visa. Mr. Chong (Robert Nelson) meets the pair a few times although they only meet Wo Fat once. T/hey are blackmailed to carry out the assassination.

The gun is cleverly built into one of their bikes but it jams when they attempt to carry out the orders. Chaos ensues as Mr. Chong and the minister's interpreter (James Hong) take aim at the minister. Turns out, the interpreter was an inside man for Wo Fat all along.

One of the Rinaldo's takes out the shooters as Five-O mops up. But no surprise, Wo Fat escapes once again.

Mr. Mike has a great review of this episode. It’s here: https://www.fiveohomepage.com/5-0log7.htm#156

This is another Wo Fat episode and I know I'm in the minority, but I don't like them as much as others. Not that they're aren't good Wo Fat episodes, but this isn't my cup of tea.

That being said, I always enjoy watching James Hong. He's particularly sketchy in this show but not nearly as slimy as he is in S02E12 "The Devil and Mr. Frog".

Regardless, Happy 50th, “Presenting…In The Center Ring…Murder”!!

[John Chergi]

Season 7 Presenting...In The Center Ring...Murder

[John Chergi]

JC Season 7 Presenting...In The Center Ring...Murder 2 Stars ⭐⭐ Out Of 4 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐.

I would give Presenting...In The Ring...Murder 2 Stars⭐⭐. It is 1 of the weaker Wo Fat episodes. Wo Fat has assassination plans for Chinese Foreign Minister Ling. He's currently in Hawaii for important talks with the United States and is seen more open to peace and finding common ground between China & U.S. Wo Fat has 2 of his Associates positioned ready to assassinate Ling. Janet Wong and her Rikoto designed flower bouquet 💐 bomb does not reach Ling. A safety-conscious and vigilant HPD Officer does not allow her to hand the flowers to Ling. Chong the Assassin decides not to take a shot at the Ling motorcade as the safety-conscious McGarrett slightly changes the route. Chong does have a clear shot...It's puzzling why he doesn't fire off a few rounds. The brilliant and resourceful Wo Fat has another creation to assassinate Ling. It's a creative and unique designed bicycle seat gun. He visits Rikoto's Bicycle Shop to show him the design. Rikoto believes he can handle it but it's not much time. Also, Wo Fat has a pipeline in Chinese Translator Soong Chien. He's translating for Ling at the high level talks. Wo Fat visits the Cuban High Wire Circus Act the Rinaldos. He will have them complete the mission assassinating Ling with the Bicycle Seat Gun. The Rinaldos are over a barrel as they have passports and H-1 Visas. Wo Fat has plenty of associates and contacts who make sure they do the job. The Chinese Minister Ling and his Grandson attend the circus Tuesday instead of Thursday. A very cautious McGarrett changes their day as a security measure. Juan Rinaldo cannot complete the mission of the bicycle seat gun shooting from the high wire. The gun does not shoot or work. Chong & Soong Chien also have weapons at the Circus but cannot assassinate Ling. Their attempts are thwarted. Wo Fat luckily escapes the HFO 🌊 Team, HPD and security. It's strange the scent sniffing dogs do not hit on Chong or Soong Chien with their weapons. JC