"Recap of 'Chief of War' Episode 6: Uneasy Alliances Form Between Rivals"
In the heart of the Ka'ū District, a new series titled "Chief of War" is captivating audiences, set in the Kingdom of Hawai'i. The show, available for subscription, rental, or purchase on Apple TV+, Amazon Prime Video, and the Apple TV Plus Amazon Channel, offers a riveting portrayal of the era.
At the centre of the story is Keōua, the newly crowned King of a divided Hawai'i. His bravery is evident when he travels to Kahekili's fort on conquered O'ahu unannounced and unarmed, an act that impresses the mad king. Keōua, however, has no intention of preserving his kingdom. Instead, he aims to live and build his own.
Keōua's mother, Kekuhi Keali'ikanaka'oleohaililani, a formidable singer and one of his chief advisors, supports him in his endeavours. Yet, not everyone is pleased. Prince Kūpule is aghast at his father's decisions and begins making statements of rebellion.
Meanwhile, Ka'iana's chief is too slow to war, according to Ka'iana's estimation. Ka'iana, an evil old shipmate of Marley, Ka'iana and Tony, is on his way with a crew full of buccaneers. It seems Ka'iana's alliance with Kamehameha, brokered by Ka'ahumanu, looks good now, but Ka'ahumanu is warned that she'll be the first to be blamed if it goes bad.
Kamehameha, on the other hand, tries to broker a truce with Keōua. However, his shipmate Tony is training Kamehameha's men in the use of guns. This tension between the two leaders sets the stage for a power struggle.
Keōua proposes a deal to Kahekili, offering to loan some of his troops to defeat Keōua's cousin Kamehameha in exchange for staying out of Kahekili's way. Yet, Kahekili, a psychotic character who uses human bones as building materials and has hallucinogenic-fueled visions of slitting women's throats, may not be one to honour such a deal.
In a significant turn of events, Keōua tosses his father's mahiole, a symbol of his wise father's rule, on the flames, indicating he no longer fights to preserve his kingdom. This act signals a shift in the power dynamics within the Kingdom of Hawai'i.
Amidst this power struggle, Kamehameha learns a valuable lesson about not assuming he is welcome in a village and institutes a new law, The Law of the Splintered Paddle, prohibiting lethal force except in immediate defense of life.
As the series unfolds, relationships evolve. Ka'iana and Kupuohi's relationship seems to have stalled out, but his brother Nāhi and her sister Heke are really hitting things off.
The "Chief of War" offers a gripping portrayal of power, betrayal, and the struggle for control in the Kingdom of Hawai'i. With its compelling characters and historical accuracy, it is a must-watch for fans of historical dramas.