Chief of War’s season one finale lives up to its name, delivering a visceral battle sequence, steeped in cultural accuracy and brutality. An uneasy calm sits in the air as both sides prepare for the inevitable war ahead. Kamehameha announces Ka’iana as his Chief of War, and names his wife, Ka’ahumanu, to his council. Meanwhile, Keōua collects his warriors as the gods have predicted victory in his favor. The pomp and circumstance quickly end as both factions arrive on the soot-covered volcanic ground in the Black Desert.

The next 40 minutes are an extraordinarily directed sequence of events, helmed by star and executive producer Jason Momoa. Before a spear meets skin, the two armies spar in a sequence of trash talk, with Ka’iana taking direct aim at Keōua. Ka’iana and Kamehameha’s men hold the line as Keōua and King Kahekili’s warriors advance for the first strike. As if he waited until seeing the whites of their eyes, Ka’iana reveals the red-mouth weapons, surprising the enemy and instantly gaining the advantage. Incredibly choreographed and brutal, the battle takes up the majority of the episode, delivering on its promise of war.

In the end, the gods side with Ki’ana as the molten rock below gives way, enveloping a heap of Keōua’s fleet. Heke kills her rapist, Opunui, and Ki’ana comes face-to-face with the vengeful heir to deliver the final blow. But a burst of lava separates them, killing Keōua and merely knocking Ki’ana out. Kamehameha is victorious, but not without loss. In the heat of battle, Kupuohi is stabbed by a spear and is last seen being held by Namake. And Ka’ahumanu’s father, Moku, catches her in a fleeting moment with Ki’ana; a clear sign their trust in each other may go deeper than realized.

The episode closes with the word of Keōua’s defeat reaching Kahekili, who is enjoying the carnal spoils of being king. He assures the messenger, Prince Kupule’s advisor and lover, that his Seers saw the path for his kingship through Ka’iana.

This episode was a pitch-perfect climax of what viewers have methodically awaited all season long. In contrast to the Shogun finale, “The Black Desert” delivers the bloodied consequences of violent men’s actions. Masterfully directed by Momoa, the bulk of the episode sits in the beautifully brutal action sequences, something never before depicted on screen. An incredible feat given they filmed a day after the volcano erupted. In addition to Momoa’s great direction, we received powerful performances from our leads and many extras who brought this real-life moment in Hawai’i’s history to life. And kudos to the writers for sparing us the “bury your gay” trope with Prince Kupule, as we see he survives his father’s attack. Ending on such a high note, there’s no way this is the last Chief of War episode we see.

Rating: 10/10