In part two of “City of Flowers,” a change in command brings war to Hawai’i, love is found in a hopeless place, and the spoils of capitalism burn everything it touches. Episode 4 is a thrilling entry in Apple TV+’s Chief of War as our two storylines will soon converge in an inevitable conflict.
Word of King Kalani’opu’u’s death ripples throughout the four kingdoms. King Kahekili sees it as an opportune time to seize Hawai’i and forcibly unite the islands through his singular bloodline. As he prepares to attack, Keōua ascends to his father’s throne. But what should have been a peaceful transfer is met with friction as the title of God of War is bestowed on the nephew, Kamehameha. Keōua declares war against the bastard child, who is known for his more peaceful demeanor. Afraid he may abscond from his duty, Ka’ahumanu reasons with Kamehameha. In turn, he promises to defend Hawai’i from the mad king.
Meanwhile, Namake, Nahi, and Kupuohi deal with Ka’iana’s absence. While Nahi preserves hope that he’ll return, the others have accepted his absence as permanent. Namake admits his feelings for Kupuohi, who is hesitant, given that she was entrusted to Ka’iana. However, the two cement a new level of their relationship.
Miles away, Ka’iana searches for Tony, who had gone missing the night before. Here, he discovers the natives caged, waiting to be sold into slavery. In a justified fit of rage, he strangles a Paleskin in the city’s square. As the Spanish seek his immediate arrest, Ka’iana frees the prisoners as a violent revolt lights up the night. He saves Tony and retreats to the dock in time to board the ship as it departs for the islands.
While solid in its performances, episode 4 is appropriately titled, as it feels more like an extension of the previous episode. Serving as a setup for what’s to come, it still shines with powerful performances and an epic action sequence. Cliff Curtis understood the assignment in his pivotal scene, while Temuera Morrison continues to do great work as the maniacal Kahekili. And the action sequence, with Momoa at the center, rings with an emotionally powerful pitch. Given our current political climate, it was reassuring to see resistance enacted against inhumane acts.
Rating: 8/10