I’m often asked how CBS’ “Hawaii Five-0” ranks in the weekly Nielsen ratings; in this blog, we’ve dealt mainly with the ranking in the 9 p.m. (10 p.m. Mainland) time slot on Mondays.
For the few of you who’ve asked/wondered about the overall picture, here’s the Top 20 network shows last week.
Local footnotes: NBC’s Pro Bowl coverage last weekend attracted 12.2 million viewers (Henry Kapono was the halftime attraction), good for a No. 4 ranking; the pre-game show, led by Train (“Hey, Soul Sister”) and supported by ukulele students from Roy Sakuma’s Ukulele Studios along with several local hula halau, was No. 19 with a 9.3 million viewership; "Five-0" was No. 18.

Top 20 Network Shows

Ranking---------Shows--------------------Viewers in millions

1 — “American Idol” (Wednesday/Fox)........................16.1
2 — “American Idol” (Thursday/Fox)...........................15.6
3 — “NCIS” (CBS repeat)..............................................12.9
4 — NFL Pro Bowl (NBC sports)...................................12.2
5 — “NCIS: Los Angeles” (CBS r)..................................11.9
6 — “Criminal Minds” (CBS).........................................11.8
7 — “60 Minutes” (CBS)...............................................11.6
— “2 Broke Girls” (CBS)..... ......................................11.6
9 — “Big Bang Theory” (CBS r)....................................11.5
— “CSI” (CBS)............................................................11.5
11 — “Mike & Molly” (CBS)..........................................10.9
12 — “Modern Family” (ABC).......................................10.8
13 — “Big Bang Theory” (CBS r)...................................10.5
— “The Mentalist” (CBS)............................................10.5
15 — “The Following” (Fox).........................................10.4
16 — “How I Met Your Mother” (CBS)...........................10.1
17 — “Person of Interest” (CBS r).................................10.0
18 — “Hawaii Five-0” (CBS)..........................................9.8
19 — Pro Bowl Pre-game (NBS s)..................................9.3
— “The Good Wife” (CBS).........................................9.3

Wow, what can of worms for Scott Caan of “Hawaii Five-0” created for himself. Simply by grousing to Chelsea Handler on E! that Hawaii’s food sucks, meth is prevalent, and our slo-mo lifestyle is bothersome.
Ouch!

Caan further whined that our surf didn’t compare to his Malibu haunts, and his girlfriend, like him, just endures living here during the annual filming season.

Poor t’ings.

Then, he predictably apologized — to little sympathy and acceptance — in a transparent mea culpa perhaps instigated (I hope it was his own decision) and nudged by show producers or network execs to say the “s” word). But auwe, sorry was too little, too late — as his Caan-demnations have gone viral.

Now it’s damage control time.

Caan, the son of actor James Caan, is part of the successful duo in the bromance as Danny “Danno” Williams, opposite series star Alex O’Loughlin as Steve McGarrett, in the filmed-in-Hawaii procedural now in its third season. The CBS series leaped to “No. 1 new show” in the first season, to a struggling also-ran in the third-year outing.

Caan — who utters the series’ most-quoted line, “Book ‘em Danno,” originating from the Jack Lord-James MacArthur series of the past — is the lone actor of the “Five-0” team, to be nominated (he lost) for an industry award (Golden Globes).

His method-style credentials — quick on the quip, with a most distinguishing manner compared to his peers — is spot-on. The guy is a terrific actor, woefully underrated in the industry.

Now he’s now evolved as the only "Five-0" performer with a negative buzz — check the websites, scan the letters to the editor, check radio talk shows. Fans, or former supporters, are declaring, “Book ‘em Danno,” meaning book a flight and go home already. If you don't like it, scoot outta here.

To be fair to the actor, his behavior on the talk show might have been simply playing into the scheme of things; Handler is a comedian and the whole shebang might have been a calculated ruse.

Still, to condemn the food? The aloha spirit? The surf? The tempo of the lifestyle? It’s somewhat insulting, hitting the guts of diehard locals. If he had truly consumed food that “sucks” (his word), wouldn’t you think he also might have enjoyed some fine dining here — and that general comment would be a slap in the face of the dining community, especially our innovative award-winning chefs? If he specifically condemned plate lunches or shave ice, that would have been understandable — but that’s not what he said.

Life’s too s-l-o-w? Maybe he needs to get into the fast lane a skosh, and partake in what visitors come here for: nature hikes, luau shows, destinations such as Pearl Harbor and Punchbowl. Frankly, he's not a resident; he's an actor here for a mission. Yet he just might find that fun’s out there to be discovered. Like, surfing. His contract probably disallows the churning waters of the North Shore, but he can go people-watching and surf-sighting on his day off. Or support our local theater and visit the shows — the companies would be thrilled and he might find some reciprocal joy.

Can’t believe his is a voice of authority on the meth issue either.

“Five-0” needs all the aloha from the local and national population, considering that the sheen is off and the rating numbers ricochet, from decent to embarrassing. This distraction is not healthy for the actor orthe show or the network.

If Caan mingles, he might find that folks are responsive to stars who treat them with respect, not down-putting. Come see movies like the rest of us. Mix in with the throngs at street festivals. He might just discover that he’ll settle in his own place, at his own pace, with folks leaving him pretty much alone (aside from the obvious cell phone pic-taking and an isolated case of autograph-signing).

Simply: It’s a Caan-do situation to earn back the aloha. Better sooner than later.

In the mood for laughs, a food benefit, and a new dining destination?
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‘Boieng, Boieng’ bouncing
with extended performances

“Boeing, Boeing,” the comedy at Manoa Valley Theatre, is going bonkers, bonkers.
Weekend performances through Sunday (Jan. 26 and 27) — when the show was to close — are sold out.
So an extension of three extra shows were added, for 8 p.m. Feb. 1 and 2 and 4 p.m. Feb. 4. The Feb. 1 show quickly sold out, so a second single performance was added, for 7:30 p.m. Jan. 31.
Seats for the remaining shows are available at the box office, 988-6131, or online at www.manoavalleytheatre.com.
Further extensions are not possible, the theatersaid. Also, at sold out shows, the box office will take names for a waiting listing list 90 minutes before curtain in case of cancellations.
Those purchasing extension tickets should know that admission is $2 more than the original run, with adult seats priced at $32, seniors and military at $27, season subscribers and guests $27, and youths 25 and under $17

Food Network chef Ippy
At Kings’ Shop food gala

Philip “Ippy” Aiona, a Kamuela chef, will present a food demonstration at 4 p.m. today (Jan. 26) at the Kings’ Shops at Waikoloa on the Big Island.
He is the island chef with a penchant for Pacific rim cuisine, who was a finalist on the Food Network’s “Food Network Star” competition last year; he is in the midst of launching his own Three Fat Pigs, a gastro bistro, next March at the Kings’ Shop complex.
An evening of epicurean delights of food stations, music and a silent auction will be held today. Participating restaurants are Roy’s Waikoloa Bar & Grill, Merriman’s Market Café, Lava Lava Beach Club, Hawaii Calls Restaurant, Kamuela Provision Company, Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Romano’s Macaroni Grill, and Waikoloa Grill’n Bar. A dessert station will feature sweets and treats prepared by patisserie students at Hawaii Community College.
Ippy’s demo is open to the public; admission is $20.
The food stations open at 5 p.m.; admission is $30, scrips for wine, beer and espresso will be held for $30, with wine from Alex Thropp (two scrips), beer from Big Island Brewhaus (one scrip) and espresso from Kona Brothers Coffee (one scrip).
Auction items include overnight packages from Waikoloa Beach Marriott Resort & Spa and Hilton Hawaiian Village, with Kings’ Shops merchants providing items for bidding.
Proceeds will benefit the Culinary Arts Program at Hawaii Community College.
Information: www.kingsshops.com or (808) 886-8811.

Aoki’s Doraku debuts at
Pacifica condo in Kaka’ako

Doraku, a chic Japanese-styled teahouse from Kevin Aoki and the Aoki Group, has opened at the Pacifica condominium at 1009 Kapiolani Boulevard, across the street from Blaisdell Arena.
Doraku Kaka’ako is the second restaurant in Hawaii, and the fifth established launched by the Aoki Group.
Doraku translates to “The Road to Happiness.
Kevin Aoki is the eldest of the sons of the late Rocky Aoki, founder of the Benihana chain, and the grandson of the late Yunosuke Aoki.
Three private dining areas are within the restaurant’s 6,000 square footage: the Buddha’s Den, upstairs in a second-floor loft; the corner Emperor Room; and the Yunosuke Chef’s Table.
The menu includes sushi, seafood, sake and more. Lunch service starts Feb. 1 and valet parking for dinner is available from 6 p.m.
Reservations: 591-0101.

Plain and simply, Eddie Sherman — who died Tuesday (Jan. 22) following a massive stroke at age 88 — was a pioneer and champion of the three-dot column here. You know, the newspaper column that relies on chatter, gossip, and observations of celebrities, resident or visiting.
Eddie, who emulated and personalized the reportage of his generation’s pioneers Walter Winchell and Earl Wilson, was one of a kind.
Without Eddie, there would not be a Wayne Harada, Tom Horton, George Daacon, Don Chapman, Dave Donnelly or Ben Wood.
Eddie created the mold.
And Eddie set the standard, the formula, the readership of the column with bold-faced names of people we’re all interested in. What they do, what they wear, what they buy, where they eat, who they’re having their relationships with, what they’re thinking.
His was the go-to column, to discover the rumors, the ways and manners of the famous and not so famous.
Sometimes he’d dish; sometimes he’d rave; sometimes he’d uncork a scolding of sorts.
Or he would wax poetic, reminiscing about a Waikiki that was changing, a Waikiki that was once glamorous but perhaps becoming tarnished.
He knew darn nearly everyone, from governors to mayors and other politicos, from union honchos to restaurateurs, from entertainers to business folks, from media mavens to public servants.
Yes, he was an inspiration when I started out doing the three-dots thing. You know, the ... (three dots) between “items.”
At the old Honolulu Advertiser, where he and I got our starts, he was eager to take in a newbie.
When he moved to the Star-Bulletin, we became rivals in reality, but not in life. We’d break bread together, not regularly but frequently.
When his column appeared in MidWeek, he’d often call on a slow day: “You got an item to share?”
To like Eddie is to know him. He could be brash, assertive or, yes, occasionally offensive. But beneath that veneer, he was a pussycat, a gentle man, a caring soul.
In that respect, he was honest to a fault. His principles occasionally were misinterpreted or misread by some.
He used to kid me when introducing me to his pals: “He is my illegitimate son from a previous relationship,” he would say. Chuckle, chuckle, chuckle.
I was not offended; that sentiment was a seal of approval, an indication that I mattered and he cared.
If he snubbed you, there might have been a valid reason. If he was distant and silent and non-communicative to you, ditto.
He adored tennis, but I didn’t. So he played with his pals and visiting notables. This was his golf, a means to ferret out items for his columns.
He befriended a whole bunch of Hollywood and New York folks, and one of my enduring memories of my stint at the paper was when — separately — Bette Midler and Marlon Brandon appeared in the newsroom in search of his office.
Above everything else, he was a character — whether it was a nightclub, a restaurant, a hotel ballroom or the theater, Eddie would work the room, looking for somebody he knew, immediately start up a conversation. He was the sultan of schmooze.
And his column was a must-read for two-generations of newspaper readers over his 50-year career. His scribblings were kind of a historical document of who, what, and where it was, hot and happening.
His adoring wife, Patty, was the best thing ever to happen him in their 15-year marriage; she cherished him but also nourished him, dutifully steering him away from edibles bad for him, making sure he had his insulin shots.
How did they meet? She bid $5 at a charity event to dance with him — no one had bid for him — and it’s the best five bucks she ever spent.
“I had the ride of my life,” she said of their brief time together.
To remember and honor him, the Hawaii Theatre put his name in lights on its marquee as soon as word was out that Eddie had passed. Burton White, the theater’s general manager, said Eddie’s name would be displayed for a few days — a request Eddie made to Burton after the marquee tribute was accorded to Eddie’s late pal, publicist Lisa Josephsohn.
After all, Eddie was somebody everybody knew. And a star in his own right. Knowing him, he’s already schmoozing with everyone who preceded him in death. And doing a heavenly version of his column.

A murder, a political scandal, a governor with a motive asking McGarrett for a personal favor, Danno trying to steer Family Court to enable daughter Grace to stay in Hawaii, the return of Wo Fat.
Just another day in the life of “Hawaii Five-0,” which had it all Monday (Jan. 21).
And the ratings verdict was on its side, too.
The CBS procedural, still courting a wavering viewership and basking in decent post-football special special episode on Sunday (Jan. 20), finished first in households (6.1/10), viewers (9.58 million), and adults 18 to 49 (2.2/06),) according to the Nielsen ratings.
However, it was a small dip compared to last Monday's (Jan. 14) ratings.
The “Five-0” team was in an absurd situation — investigate and book the murderer of a prostitute, found dead in the home of a Congressman’s home. Governor Denning (Richard Jones ) had imposing presence, not telling McGarrett (Alex O’Loughlin) why he had to make this probe ... till the matter was resolved before the final credits.
Wo Fat (Mark Dacascos), we find out, is at the crux of the bizarre case, and the revelation here is that he is a sharp shooter and a terror on ATV. Or, like the Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” he hosts, he has a penchant to survive.
Danno (Scott Caan), in the whirlpool of fighting to keep his daughter here, probably needs to refocus on his work first; he was a lousy shooter, unable to bring down Wo Fat, in a predictable chopper segment (it rises from beyond a cliff, a favorite movie set-up), in a round of bullet exchange. Even with Wo Fat’s jammed gun, Danno has no whammo to shoot to maim or kill; guess the baddie still is needed to keep the story thread going. A missed opportunity means a re-encounter down the line.
The ratings God was good to all CBS comedies (each with a new episode) leading up to 9 p.m. (10 p.m. Mainland), so “Five-0” surfed the wave from the build-up.
ABC’s “Castle,” the spoiler for “Five-0” in some weeks, logged double the audience of NBC’s upstart “Deception” in the time slot; the Alphabet Network is touting “Castle’s” general gains of 5 per cent in the 18 to 49 adults demographics, maintaining that the numbers equaled that procedural’s highest ratings since last October.

* * *
A Matter for Discussion: 'Castle' on a cloud

Viewers also have openly wondered if one of “Five-0’s” problems is a lack of viewer-friendly promotion.
Like, the show very rarely gets “recommended” tips in such publications “Entertainment Weekly,” which prod viewers/readers to explore and consider tuning in on any given week.
That recent effort, to have viewers decide the ending the episode, got some additional press.
But: there’s been a noticeable lack of publicity and coverage on the “Five-0” team, outside of network promos. Even the current clips of CBS stars anticipating the upcoming Super Bowl, excludes McG and company.
On one rare occasion, there were national blurbs about the arrival of O’Loughlin’s newborn. But little else on any other member of the TV team.
People and EW regularly depict visiting actors at work (think Johnny Depp of the “Pirates of the Caribbean” franchise and more recently, the “Hunger Games” acting ensemble) or at play (anyone from Britney Spears to Rihanna), but seldom or never print pics of the “Five-0” delegation of performers.
And Sarah Lynn, a reader and frequent responder to this blog, makes a good point: Nathan Fillion of “Castle” won the People's Choice Award, and “Castle” landed the favorite drama prize — where was “Five-0”? This actor and this show are the prime competition for the locally-filmed series.
“It's just strange to me that the rabid fans can't even get H50 or Alex nominated, and the competition wins in those categories,” Sarah Lynn said in a recent response.
“I wonder if many of those rabid fans have disappeared due to the personal issues discussed here in the past. Some of the fan sites have also shut down or are no longer updating. FATD, I know you try to stay away from these discussions, but what do you think? I know I believe that stars' personal lives can drive away viewers. Is that part of the case here?”
Any other thoughts about this?