Death comes fast in war, as Ka’iana and Kamehameha’s forces must prepare for Keōua and King Kahekili’s onslaught. Division settles, setting off a chain of events.

Following the horrific attack by the outsiders, a rift rises between Ka’iana and Kamehameha. Ka’iana feels the Chief’s display of peace led to the carnage. The fallout spreads, forcing Moku to silence his daughter, Ka’ahumanu, from consulting her husband. Kamehameha is determined to face Keōua without the aid of Ka’iana’s red-mouthed weapons.

With this alliance strained, Ka’iana decides he and his family must return to Kaui. But he gets pushback from Nahi’, who would rather stay and fight. Nahi’ sees a fear in Ka’iana that he does not recognize, leaving the two siblings at odds.

Elsewhere, Prince Kupule finally recognizes his father’s descent into madness. In an effort to save him from himself, Kupule falls victim to King Kahekili’s blade. The mad king, after seeing what his actions have wrought, mourns in the darkness.

Finally, Keōua prepares to enact his vengeance against Kamehameha. With Kahekili’s warriors in tow, he stealthily secures an ancient altar from Kamehameha’s men. Nahi’ and Heke mistakenly discover them, becoming Keōua’s first victims. Nahi’ immediately protects Heke, engaging Keōua directly in battle. But the brother is no match for the disgruntled king. Keōua murders Nahi and spares Heke as a messenger of his arrival. But not before Kahekili’s vicious warrior violates her.

Upon learning of Nahi’s death, Ka’iana and Kamehameha realize they cannot win separately. The two put their differences aside as they train with the red-mouth weapons. In the distance, the gods erupt in support for Keōua, signaling that war has begun.

This was a devastating episode following the fact-based attack in episode seven. The theme of familial divide is seen as circles of trust begin to unravel. And families are eternally separated. Ka’iana loses Nahi; King Kahekili loses Kupule; and we discover that Vai (Sisa Grey) lost her life protecting her young son. Unfortunately, these spoils of war seem to be the only thing to reconnect our protagonists for the conflict ahead. Powerful performances across the board make this an unforgettable penultimate episode.

Rating: 8.8/10