Hawaii Five-O (TV Series) Presenting... in the Center Ring... Murder (1974) User Reviews

One of the weaker Wo Fat episodes.

[planktonrules · 6/10 · 19 September 2011]

One of the leaders of the Peoples Republic of China has come to Hawaii of all places for a conference. Why Hawaii, I have no idea--as he's also going on to London and Paris! McGarrett is in charge of security. His job just got a lot tougher, as the Chinese leader's grandson wants to visit the circus while they are there--and bottling up the place and preventing an assassination appears practically impossible.

While they seldom were realistic, the episodes featuring the Chinese master spy Wo Fat were among the most enjoyable on "Hawaii Five-O". They always had such cool plots. However, this particular episode is an exception. It involves Mr. Fat but is a rather weak show. Part of it is because so much of it looks like filler--with scene after irrelevant scene of circus performers (especially those bizarre poodles). It's obvious the plot was scant and they were trying to fill time. Another problem is that in the end, the plot to assassinate the Chinese leader seemed a bit shabby--not the expected intricate and brilliant plot at all.

Elephants and death

[cbmd-37352 · 7/10 · 28 August 2022]

Real life imitates art. At the start of the episode an elephant is seen on the grounds of the Blaisdell. Later there is an assassination attempt. Viewing this rerun is bizarre and almost frightenening, because there was a death at the circus at the Blaisdell. The perp was Tyke the elephant, who had been abused in the past and repeatedly tried to run away from the circus. She killed her groomer and injured 2 others in front of a crowd of children and their parents. She then escaped into downtown Honolulu, trashing cars and threatening more people. The police had no choice but to shoot her. Much as I love Wo Fat, it's the elephant that makes this episode scary.

Wo Fat for the win? No.

[VetteRanger · 7/10 · 6 April 2023]

Wo Fat was Steve McGarrett's nemesis from the beginning of the series to the end ... the Chinese super-spy played by a man from Indianna. LOL

In this episode the PRC's Foreign Minister is visiting Hawaii for a top level conference, and is evidently out of favor with the top power in China. They want him eliminated, and what better time to do it than when it has the most propaganda value and they can blame it on the United States?

Wo Fat has multiple plans in mind for the assassination, and he needs them, because McGarrett is in charge of the Foreign Minister's security, and even though he doesn't know Wo Fat is on the scene, his precautions keep neutralizing Wo Fat's plans.

It all finally comes to a head with the FM and his son attending the circus, and Wo Fat's most complicated plan yet in the works.

As brilliant as Wo Far is supposed to be, he always loses to McGarrett, and of course that's the way it has to go. LOL The reason why they want to assassinate their own official isn't particularly clear, and Wo Fat's plans don't really pass muster compared to some of his previous devious plots. So while Wo Fat episodes are always entertaining, this one is certainly the weakest yet, and possible the weakest of the entire series.

One of the Better Wo Fat Episodes

[addnos · 10/10 · 24 February 2024]

In an intriguing episode of "Hawaii Five-0," the narrative takes a global twist with the arrival of a high-ranking official from the People's Republic of China to the stunning shores of Hawaii. This distinctive setting for an international conference, which intriguingly precedes visits to London and Paris, lays the groundwork for an episode enriched with global allure and the strategic depth that audiences have grown to appreciate, particularly in episodes featuring the mysterious Chinese master spy, Wo Fat.

Tasked with the critical role of safeguarding the visiting dignitary, Steve McGarrett navigates through the complexities of the episode, which gains an additional layer of excitement with the desire of the Chinese leader's grandson to explore the local circus. This request leads to an engaging scenario that tests the limits of McGarrett's security arrangements, infusing the high-stakes storyline with a lively and colorful dimension. This shift from the expected provides a lighter, more varied entertainment experience that adds to the series' collection of thrilling episodes.

The episode captivates with its suspense and mystery. It showcases the series' capacity to venture into different narrative paths while still capturing the essence of what has made "Hawaii Five-0" an enduring favorite. With its combination of international intrigue and the enchanting allure of the circus, this episode stands as a testament to the show's versatility and its continuous appeal to viewers in search of adventure, drama, and the occasional break from the norm.