Chief of War’slatest episode offers plenty of surprises, and it’s worth diving deeper into them. The Apple TV+ historical epic is a long-term passion project from writer, director, and star Jason Momoa, examining a pivotal moment in Hawaiian history, marked by war, political betrayals, and external influence following European discovery.Chief of War’shistorical contextis vital to the story.
Jason Momoa leadsChief of War’scastas Ka’iana, a warrior and chief who we saw forced away from his home at a moment of great turmoil. This has vastly impacted the lives of his family and the political landscape of the archipelago, but his time away has ultimately been fruitful, providing him with the potential means to return home and restore peace.
The series depicts Hawai’i in a state of warfare, but it also exhibits the beauty of its ancient culture. Internal warfare and external influence both stand to threaten this way of life, as the world rapidly changes around them and they remain focused on conflicts of power within.
What Ka’iana’s Return To Hawai’i Means (For Him & For The Islands)
Ka’iana has been away from his home for years, and while he’s made a loyal friend, learned English, and developed an understanding of gunpowder and advanced weaponry in his time abroad, his goal remains the same: to return to Hawai’i and defeat King Kahekili. Ka’iana believes he was partially responsible for the massacre on O’ahu and wishes to right his wrong.
Ka’iana managed to escape and set sail, narrowly saving Tony’s life from the horrors of the slave trade. His deal with Vai has earned him the weapons he sought, which will allow him to return to the island of Hawai’i, where his family remains in safety, and hopefully gather forces to defeat Kahekili.
What Ka’iana doesn’t know is that Hawai’i has entered a serious internal conflict, but more on that later. His deal with Vai meant that he would be returning to establish trade routes with the English, exchanging Hawaiian sandalwood. Vai claims that English influence will come whether they like it or not, making it opportune to get ahead of it.
Rather than trying to resist a force Hawai’i can’t withstand, Ka’iana plans to return to the archipelago and prepare his people for integration. As he has learned English overseas, his people have begun learning English at home. Trade will be the next step as the European cultural influence begins.
Namake & Kupuohi’s Romance & What It Means For Ka’iana Explained
Love is in the air back in Hawai’i, but it’s unfortunately the type of love that comes with a potentially devastating cost. Namake is one ofKa’iana’s two brothers, and he’s been in love with Kupuohi, Ka’iana’s wife, for many years. This has put Namake at odds with their other brother, Nāhi. Their tension led to a fight in episode 2.
Kupuohi has been aware of Namake’s interest in her, and he reminds her of the possibility that Ka’iana has died, telling her that she still has to live. What he means by this is that she should move on from his brother and be with him instead. Kupuohi tells him she can’t do that, but the episode ends with them sleeping together.
Meanwhile, Nāhi still believes Ka’iana will come home and seems to be having the opposite problem as Namake. Heke, Kupuohi’s sister, has been pursuing him, but he largely ignores her advances, believing it to be a sign of weakness, wanting to maintain his strength for Ka’iana’s return.
Why Keōua Declares War Over The Succession Despite Becoming King
Following the death of Hawai’i’s king, the king’s son Keōua ascends the throne and takes over. However, the previous king didn’t leave Keōua with complete control. The God of War, which symbolizes military control, has gone to Kamehameha instead, a younger man whom Keōua claims is a low-born bastard.
Keōua is furious that he wasn’t given complete control as he expected, which was foreshadowed in the previous episode. When both men were brought before the previous king, they discussed military strategy, and Kamehameha demonstrated more patience and wisdom than the older man.
Kamehameha’s Plan To Defeat Keōua & The Gods' Influence Explained
Despite Keōua’s threats and insults, Kamehameha doesn’t seem to resent this man or have any personal desire for conflict. He suggests that, together, they can fulfill the old king’s dying wishes, combining their strengths for a unified Hawai’i, preparing them for the threat of Kahekili.
Kamehameha hoped that the gods would reach out to him, butKa’ahumanu advised himto make the right call on his own. He declares that they won’t wage war on Keōua, but will be prepared to defend themselves, likely using his food storage to outlast a threat.
What Kahekili’s Plan Is & Why It Divides His Men
Kahekili continues to stir up problems among his men. The Maui king is chasing a prophecy that he believes can be about him if he forces his hand and takes control of the islands. However, his followers, including his son, have seen him use this prophecy as an excuse for horrible war crimes, and loyalty is beginning to waver.
Kahekili has revealed that he wants the four main islands to be governed by his blood. He plans on using the succession crisis in Hawai’i as an excuse to continue his conquest, suggesting major war scenes to come inChief of War.
