I love Hawaii Five-0. If not for The Chicago Code, it would have been my favorite show of last season. That’s why it pains me to say that it’s turning into The Lori Weston Show.
Since her arrival with that pretty obvious scan up her body in the season premiere, Lori (Lauren German) isn’t just the New Girl. That would be one thing. But she’s looking like a Mary Sue.
Let’s consider all the things Lori has done since joining Team Five-0. Here’s a list of some of her accomplishments:
All this in three episodes? Whoa now. Seems like she’s doing quite a bit. Yet the Lori Effect goes beyond just what she’s done individually. Here’s another list of all the things that have happened on the show since she turned up:
So what’s the deal, Hawaii Five-0? I’m trying to give you the benefit of the doubt, but it’s hard not to see the proverbial writing on the wall here. You introduce a new female character, then suddenly the established, perfectly awesome one becomes persona non grata, and the old love interest (no matter how much I dislike her) walks? It certainly looks like there’s a correlation.
What’s really salt in the wound here is that Lori’s arrival seems to have come at the expense of not just Kono, but everyone else in the regular cast. Danny and Chin are both still around but with much less to do. Did the writers forget that Scott Caan earned a Golden Globe nomination last season? Yet his role on the show is going to Lauren German, whom I’ve seen do good work in other projects, but here seems to be a practical robot.
Now, I don’t mean to say that everything is Lori’s fault. Rather, I believe she’s the primary symptom of an underlying problem that is common to more than just Hawaii Five-0: the inability to leave well enough alone. The freshman season was a success, so it feels as if the creative team are trying to make the sophomore run bigger and better. I’m all for creative growth – but not for losing sight of what made you successful.
And Lori, though I tried desperately to give her the benefit of the doubt, is a living, breathing representation of trying to fix what was never broken.
Five-0 is still entertaining enough. The episodes aren’t necessarily horrible, and the original regulars are doing their best, I’m sure of it. But I thought it was great just the way that it was – no Mary Sues necessary.
Clacked by Brittany Frederick 
on Oct 11, 2011 @ 21:41 EST5EDT
IF kona gets pushed out that would really REALLY !@#! ME OFF. IF true I can offer no sane explanation of it. I have seen this happen to Grace Park before and I could not understand it any more then, than I can understand it now. It must be that the lovliest of things are not meant to be appreciated in this universe. That must be it. I almost gave up writing because it sometimes seemed that I was writing in a vaccum…the only knight defending the princess so to speak. But now the law of “respect the things you cannot control” is dousing the cold water on my will to support a show that insults my favorite actress. No matter what happens…to be sure…I will always support Grace Park, but my enthusiasm for the show that betrays her will be diminished.
Tim – After watching last week’s episode I basically e-mailed Julia and Brittany saying WTF is going on with Grace Park’s character.
Good job on getting all our thoughts on paper, Brit –
Thank you An.
Le sigh…
Tim, hug your child, take a walk, and wait a couple of episodes until the obvious end of the storyline comes to fruition: Kono is obviously undercover, even potentially off the books, for the new jerk at IAD.
I am with Ivey on the story line for Kono. She is working for IA, whether it is willingly or not is the question. Chin obviously doesn’t know but does Steve? He did the actual theft so his stepping back from her seems out of character given the honor code he carries around. I don’t see Danny being in the loop based on how his friend was treated by IA.
Is this an out there theory or was Jenna blackmailed by Wo Fat with the knowledge that her fiance was still alive and unless she helped Wo Fat he would kill him?
Not a big Lori fan but then I hate the story lines where the leads can not seem to keep their pants zipped at work. I have worked for three different companies over the last 30 years and I have never known a supervisor (at any level) who slept with a subordinate. Someone please tell me that this is not the exception…..
I have known co-workers to hook up and it rarely ended well for them or anyone working with them.
*POST AUTHOR*
I think that part would fall under “dramatic license,” daniac. I’ve seen lots of inter-office relationships on TV and when that issue is addressed it’s usually just for purposes of dramatic tension.
If they pull the “Steve knew all along and was just pretending not to care,” that’s going to rankle me. It would give me the feeling like they were just trying to cover their asses.
So you would rather he actually did not care about Kono’s situation instead of just faking it?
Now if it turns out that everyone knew except Chin I will be irritated. The more people who know a secret the less secret it becomes.
*POST AUTHOR*
Now that’s putting words in my mouth. What I was saying is that if Steve did in fact know all along, it would feel like a mea culpa to me. As if they’re saying the current shaky writing is okay because there’s an excuse after the fact. I don’t know if there is a correction for Steve’s apathy that makes it okay and believable.
Thank you Ivey. Interestingly, taking a walk in the park with Tyler is exactly what I did do today.
McGarrett still seemed to be sidelining Weston this episode, sending her off on her own to notify/interview the next of kin, and to canvas the dive bar randomly to look for other divers. She’s still the Designated Love Interest, as is obvious from the actors’ cues and camera focus, but the tension in this case isn’t entirely sexual. There was resentment among the team for her being sent by the new Governor to replace Kalakaua in her first episode, as was discussed on screen. The team is working together professionally, but she certainly hasn’t displaced Danno yet.
As to Weston being paired with McGarrett for most of the episode, that’s merely perception. McGarrett is paired with Danno for the first half of the episode, with Weston on her own. The second half is split between full team scenes, McGarrett and Weston, and Chin Ho and Kalakaua. Danno and Weston also get a few scenes together during that time.
As to Kalakaua, I actually think that her current storyline is more interesting than anything she was given last season, including her pro surfer backstory episode.
I was amused that Danno parked his car on the front lawn/pedestrian walk of Bishop museum when asking the director out, instead of around back where the driveway is, just because it was a prettier shot of the main building.
Also, I believe Max’s medical examiner building is the Board of Water Supply.
*POST AUTHOR*
I have to respectfully disagree with you, Ryan; I don’t believe that it’s perception. It’s not just about specific events, but it’s also about function. At least in this episode, she’s the character who got to do the things most significant to the plot: she’s with Steve at the climax, she’s the character who just so happened to meet the perp, she’s the one Steve is designating stuff to.
When we look back at the episode, what was the most important thing to happen to Danny? He got a date.
I do think that Kono’s storyline could be more interesting than some of what she’s done before, but I feel hesitant to say that it is, considering there hasn’t been a lot of time for it (aside from the introduction of the whole ‘using Chin’s login’ angle). Stating the obvious, once the storyline really gets started we should see more of her (hopefully next week?). But it’s clear that the fans sorely miss her.
That’s all right. I’m not disagreeing with you about significance, as I can see either Weston or Danno taking the secondary slot this episode, and I have nothing against people disliking the character or her role. I was just correcting the original statement about her spending “most of the episode as Steve’s partner,” as that refers to screentime. Even quickly scrubbing through the episode again shows that not to be true, which is why I broke it down as I did above.
I actually got “awkward, first due to anticipating the death notification, then in response to the exhibited Alzheimer’s symptoms” rather than “cold fish” from Weston’s facial expressions in her first interview with the mother, but it seems that’s just me.
Word, word, word! Sing it sister! I am sick of tuning into Lori 5-0. The character is annoying, emotionless, flat, wooden, robotic and yes, a Mary Sue. So far, there is nothing she cannot do. The actress never changes vocal inflection or facial expressions. She has no chemistry with the cast and no charisma on screen. She is brutal. She was rude last week and this week showed no empathy for the Patty Duke character. She is shoehorned into scenes that should go to Danny, ie Steve’s real partner. Although Joe seems to be Steve’s partner this year, too. Was happy to see Danny at the beginning of the ep this week, but then he disappeared toward the end.
I hate that Danny and Steve have made no overtures to Kono. No mentions at all, not even asking Chin how she’s doing. It is bad enough that Kono’s big story line has turned into no more than guest appearances so far, but that she seems to have been forgotten by half the team. Poor excuse to sideline Kono to stick in the Lori character. I was hoping for some major screen time, but that is not happening.
I want the ohana back. Reunite the team, send Lori back to the governor and let us get back to action, humor, bromance and carguments. Give us more Kono and Chin! Let us see the team working together, having each other’s backs. You know, the show I fell in love with last year. The show I want to see this year.
*POST AUTHOR*
I think you hit on a really important distinction there, Dee. As much as I dislike the Lori character, it’s not entirely her fault. Kono’s treatment by the rest of the team is something that would have been an issue whether or not Lori existed.
From the preview (although previews have been way off base before), it looks like we might get some real movement on Kono’s storyline this week, so I am thinking maybe that issue might start to correct itself. Here’s hoping.
I beleive Season two is BRILLIANT!!
The script and dialogue length is so much better than season 1, allowing each actor to better perform and expose the personality of the character they r playing. (BRILLIANT)
Also, this season- and its my personal point of view – the writer(s) draw three angles for each character: one angle is being a member in the team, the other angle is each role in that team – either widening or shrinking – and the last angle is the persoanl one.(BRILLIANT)
Catherine: her role in season 1 was vague and insignaficant, they could just ignore it in Season 2, but instead, they dd a very good closure to her role, and the idea of traveling not dying gives the chance of a re-appearing, its like freezing a character for future use.(BRILLIANT)
Jeana: After making it clear to the audience that she’s working with Wo Fat, her departure was (BRILLIANT), I am sure she will re-appeare whn the Wo Fat line intersect in the events.
Now, Lori: I beleive, the space of her role so far is very good, she’s the new member after an entire season where we were all attached to Kono, Danno, and the rest, now its not an easy shift to the audience, its not an injection!!! yes, she needs a space, and the one given by the writers is (BRILLIANT) realistic, and smooth.
Kono: The idea of her off the team and falling – or not- in the wrong side.. is (BRILLIANT) an add to the suspence sense of the show and keep the audience attracted to keep following.
I dn’t know how to describe this; but if this show is a baby, than it surely have excellent genetic from both the father (the writers) and the mother (the cast). Hawaii Five is a VERY HEALTHY kid and growing just fine…
*POST AUTHOR*
Just a suggestion: you might want to relax on the use of the word “brilliant.” And the capital letters…people consider that shouting in Interweb-speak.
I’m not sure what you mean by “script and dialogue length.” The length of the scripts hasn’t changed; they’re still writing hour-long episodes in season 2, the same as they did in season 1.
I would dispute Lori’s introduction being “realistic.” There are a lot of things about her character that would not fly for real law enforcement – and I’m speaking well beyond the boundaries of dramatic license. The slow camera pan up her body when we first met her? Please. Her flirting with Steve? Totally unprofessional (worse if you call her a team member, which would make Steve her boss). And no sane law enforcement officer would be trying to take on the bad guys in high heels as she did later on – that is ridiculously impractical.
As far as Kono goes, I’m not sure about “adding to the suspence [sic],” because it was fairly obvious from the outset that she’s working for IAD (as Ivey stated above).
Thnx for the “Brilliant” advice, i m jst getting use to the Interweb-speak protocols..
It was obvious from the first scene with Lori.. that she’s stylish, confident and different..so, the flirting, the high heels match with this character..
After all, this is an entertaining show .. not a educational one(real law enforcement)so, I beleive for a regular audience- such myself- detailed details about law applications or else is not as significant as the entire drama or cast performance. But of course i am not the commenter here.. I am just a fan enjoying such an entertaining.. well written/performed show.
“Please forgive any typing mistakes, I am still working on my English”
Thnx for replying and again, thnx for the “Brilliant” advice ;)
*POST AUTHOR*
You’re welcome. No problem. :)
I’m going to have to quibble with you, though. You can’t call Lori realistic and then say she can’t be held to the standards of real law enforcement; that’s the very definition of the term.
I get your intent – what you’re referring to is what we’d call “dramatic license,” where shows stretch things for the sake of entertainment (like how court cases get completed way faster than they would). I think, though, she pushes the boundaries of even dramatic license…because some of the stuff she does pushes common sense, too.
well… i kind of agree with u abt the exaggeration of “she seems to know everything about everything”… its just i wish we can give her a break and wait a while before judging… I noticed lots of negative critic all over sites and fb ..
Perhaps we need to wait a while and c if w can digest her character.. or may be the writer is building up her storyline and we ddn’t notice it yet!!
I dn’t knw.. i guess i am searching for excuses to give her a break :) :)
Thnx for replying, i enjoyed it… and i hp i ddn’t cross any line here :)
I agree with the article, and adding I do not think Lauren is a good actress. She is ruining the show. Her character seems rude and non-caring, and the look on her face almost seems like she is giving a dirty look. She also flirts and says inappropriate things outside of the show too on various media outlets….loose lips sink ships….I hate having to write something, I really do. I too, used to love the show….whaaaa
Maybe Scott and Daniel asked for more time off this season….not sure, but not liking the new cast.
True Alex fan though…so I will stick it out, hoping always for the best, as he deserves it.
I agree…do not like the new Lori character. The actress is plastic, never changes expressions and the character is annoying but she isn’t as much as a know it all as the Jenna character (who I think will show back up helping Wo Fat) We need more Kono, which hopefully will start next week. I like the addition of more Max and Charlie. And I like Joe but I hope they don’t have him betray Steve. I thought the exit of Catherine was a little awkward, they acted like they were barely friends. And please! No more love interests! The show doesn’t need it. They had Scott acting ridiculous, uh you just finished sleeping with you ex and thinking she was pregnant with your baby? And you act like you’ve never been around a woman before? What are the writers thinking?
I don’t mind her but i hate the way she’s splitting the team. I don’t think though last week she had more time than Danny. Danny and Steve did do a lot of stuff together. I think she’s just not needed though. She doesn’t add anything and she takes away an awful lot.
I do think from spoilers that the whole thing improves over the coming three or four eps. I really hope I am right! As for the Kono arc. Steve is just going to come out of it looking bad and I hate that level of character assassination. It’s just plain wrong. I got drawn into the show because of Steve, I’d never seen Alex before and he really got to me in this role. Now they’re going to make him an ass who never cared for Kono. But I will forgive and forget it all if we get some fun back and humor back and less Lori and Joe and more the core four.
Thank you for putting into words so much of what I’ve been thinking.
I appreciate that the main cast had punishing filming schedules last season, and that there was therefore a need to expand the cast a little. However it has been handled badly – they should have introduced the new characters more gradually, especially one who was going to be a new full-time member or the core team. They should have eased her in, allowed the fans to get used to her and let her character grow organically, instead of forcing her onto centre stage and giving her so much screen time straight off. They put Lauren in a tough spot, and unfortunately she’s not a strong enough actress to handle it.
So instead of letting her grow on us, they seem to have thought to themselves “Ah, we know what the audience like, we’ll make her do that”. So we got a cargument with Danny (something we love to see Steve involved in), some sassy backchat to Steve in the cafe (a Danny scene if ever I saw one), she worked Chin’s computer table in 2.03, and they even gave her one of the most popular lines from last season to recycle (“How long have you two been married?”). Plus we all love Kono being kickass, so we’ll make her that, too.
As to the fact that she’s wonderful at everything, I notice that in the promo for 2.05 she’s also good with a sniper rifle (Kono, anyone?).
So yes, a Mary Sue who brings nothing new or original to the show, so far as I can see. So is Kono going to be written out? Lenkov says not, but I’m not sure how far I trust him. It seems to me that Lori has been given Kono’s role on the team only more so. What role is there for Kono if Mary Sue is dominating everything with her mad skillz?
I’m not anti-change or anti new characters, I just want them to be interesting, sympathetic, well-written and well-acted.