With the release of Chief of War Episode 5, we got the confirmation that Ka’iana’s brother, Namake, and his wife, Kupuohi, were in a romantic relationship behind his back. But with his return to the islands, Namake was ready to set aside his feelings for Kupuohi.
And with an all-out war brewing on the horizon as Jason Momoa’s character announces his desires for a united island of Hawaii, it seems like this Apple TV+ series is headed into a powerful and brutal narrative arc.
Chief of War Episode 5: What Ka’iana’s Return Meant for the Show’s Future
Despite looking like a series that focuses on tribal warfare, the series is an extremely well-rounded, yet brutal historical drama that is more than just action and fights. This is proved with Episode 5 through exceptional character depth and development, with more emphasis on sentiments than dialogues.
Returning to his homeland after his time spent with the pale skins, he is seen as an outsider. Thus, in order to seek redemption, Ka’iana declares he wants to join Kamehameha in uniting the islands under one banner, although disagreeing with his pacifistic ideals.
Thus, to prove his solidarity and establish trust, he takes part in a hōlua sled race down a volcanic slope, a metaphor for courage, trust, and establishing alliances in a fragile world, and manages to be admitted into their ranks. Kaʻiana’s warrior skill makes him a valuable ally, but also a threat. His return upsets the balance between Kamehameha, Keōua, and Kahekili’s ambitions.
In Episode 6, we saw Keōua officially become the new king, renouncing his father’s legacy and forging an alliance with Kahekili to oppose Kamehameha. And in Episode 7, we witnessed Kamehameha’s pacifism leading to the death of an entire civilian village at the hands of Captain Simon Metcalfe.
Despite their alliance, Ka’iana forces Kamehameha to see the error of his pacifist ways and take matters into his own hands, with the tides of war approaching to consume the Islands whole. Thus, Ka’iana’s return acted like a bell for either the unification or destruction of Hawaii.
Three Moments From Chief of War That Show Off Its Brutal Nature
Apart from the breathtaking soundtrack by Hans Zimmer & James Everingham, the series is also known for its sheer realism when it comes to the brutality of war and conflict. Therefore, here are 3 of the most brutal moments from the series thus far.
Self-Mutilation and Declaration of War
Filled with rage at being passed over for military command, Keoua punches himself continuously, then rips a tooth from his mouth as a sign of sacred blood being spilled, announcing his intentions of taking it all for himself. It’s a sign of psychological warfare being displayed in its most brutal form.
Temple Slaughter
When a controlled offense leads to a massacre of innocent villagers on Oʻahu, Ka’iana realizes he was being used as a weapon for slaughtering by Kahekili. He sees that it’s not unity, but complete and utter control that Kahekili wants, a pure display of human greed in a visually graphic manner.
Nail Cannon Massacre
In a sickening display of colonial violence, Captain Simon Metcalfe orders cannons loaded with nails to fire upon a peaceful Hawaiian village. The horrific deaths of women and children give us a glimpse at what war truly brings out of humans.
Below is a table with more information about the aforementioned moments.
| Event | Episode | IMDb Score |
| Nail Cannon Massacre | Episode 7: Day of Spilled Brains | 7.8/10 |
| Temple Slaughter | Episode 1: The Chief of War | 7.7/10 |
| Self-Mutilation and Declaration of War | Episode 4: City of Flowers, Part II | 7.3/10 |
What is your favorite scene from Chief of War? Tell us in the comments below.
Chief of War is streaming on Apple TV+.
