I might have given this show a 10 but for one reason--this longest-running American police show went on a bit too long and towards the end the quality really suffered (especially the last two which were horrid seasons). The reason I love it so much is that it not only was fun and exciting, but was one of the best-written dramas of its time. Again and again for over a decade, writers gave us exceptional scripts and the familiar faces were something many people wanted to see again and again. Sure, a few of the plots were a bit ridiculous if you thought them out (such as the number of times and ways the evil Communist spy "Wo Fat" battled with his arch-rival, McGarrett or the number of episodes involving organized crime--no place on this planet is THAT dangerous). But despite these occasionally silly plots, the shows were fun and you could suspend disbelief. Who can watch episodes like the one with the identical McGarrett who is doing evil (thanks to, you guessed it, Wo Fat), the Vashon series, "Daddy's little helper" and the murdering hillbilly family and not enjoy the show?!
Now apart from occasionally over the top plots, there is one other possible complaint some might have about the show and that is that McGarrett is such a major square! While in the earliest episodes he DID fight and punch a lot, later he was much more laid back and often wore a black suit (in tropical Hawaii??). Plus, on his days off, he tended to dress a lot like an effeminate version of Fred from "Scooby Doo" (with his silly hat and scarf). But it was because he was so square and didn't care that actually made him seem very, very hip to me! Plus my wife really thought he was quite the stud-muffin in the earlier episodes! So the bottom line is that consistent writing (until seasons 11 and 12), excellent characters and cerebral and well thought-out plots are why this series lasted so long. Also, there is GREAT NEWS--Seasons one and two were just released on DVD. Let's just hope that they release the entire series--though at 12 seasons, it's tough for most folks to afford this!
UPDATE: All 12 seasons are on DVD and are also on Netflix. Enjoy.
Now apart from occasionally over the top plots, there is one other possible complaint some might have about the show and that is that McGarrett is such a major square! While in the earliest episodes he DID fight and punch a lot, later he was much more laid back and often wore a black suit (in tropical Hawaii??). Plus, on his days off, he tended to dress a lot like an effeminate version of Fred from "Scooby Doo" (with his silly hat and scarf). But it was because he was so square and didn't care that actually made him seem very, very hip to me! Plus my wife really thought he was quite the stud-muffin in the earlier episodes! So the bottom line is that consistent writing (until seasons 11 and 12), excellent characters and cerebral and well thought-out plots are why this series lasted so long. Also, there is GREAT NEWS--Seasons one and two were just released on DVD. Let's just hope that they release the entire series--though at 12 seasons, it's tough for most folks to afford this!
UPDATE: All 12 seasons are on DVD and are also on Netflix. Enjoy.