Chief Of War

In the likes of Dune, See, or Game Of Thrones, the outsized physicality of Jason Momoa has always been put to ferocious use. There’s a visceral strength to his every sneer or battle cry, the kind that can casually rip studio artifice asunder. It feels somehow fitting, then, that Momoa's best performance yet is based on a real-life warrior who forever changed the history of his native Hawaii, an ocean away from Hollywood.

Momoa (who also co-created the series, co-writes, and directs the epic ninth episode) plays Kaʻiana, a real-life Native Hawaiian warrior from history. In the opening episode, Momoa seems to be almost channelling Aquaman, leaping into the ocean and wrangling a shark, but this role is actually his best showcase yet as a dramatic actor. Torn between worlds, this statuesque mountain of a figure commands every frame, whether he’s conversing in the Ōlelo Hawai‘i native language or flinging himself into battle with only a loincloth to protect him.

Chief Of War feels admirable but with something still to prove.

Alongside that not-so-modest attire, the show is packed with elaborate and opulent costumes which speak to the show’s attention to detail; everything from the weaponry to the boats were recreated using traditional techniques — a level of authenticity which grounds the grandiose battles. There’s strong support from a predominantly Polynesian cast, too.

But between the show’s multiple set-pieces, the plotting somewhat meanders. Dense but still lacking in depth, the drama compares unfavourably to similar historical-fiction shows like Shōgun. It's one thing to know you're creating something important and another to completely do that story justice. In this regard, Chief Of War feels admirable but with something still to prove.

Momoa, however, has more than proved himself — not just as an actor, but also in wearing his multiple writing/directing/co-creating hats. Based on how the finale plays out, Chief Of War could yet return to share more of this fascinating story; here’s hoping it hits the mark more squarely next time.