Jason Momoa, renowned for his imposing presence in roles like Aquaman and Conan the Barbarian, takes center stage in Apple TV+’s new historical drama, ‘Chief of War.’ Despite his undeniable ability to embody a formidable warrior, the series, co-created by Momoa himself, presents a performance that, while visually striking, often falls short of the depth one might anticipate. This ‘Chief of War’ review explores the nuances of this ambitious project set against the rich backdrop of Hawaiian history.
In ‘Chief of War,’ Momoa portrays Ka’iana, a Hawaiian warrior draped in little more than a feathered cape and loincloth, exuding a raw, brutal ferocity. Yet, across its nine-hour runtime, the show largely confines his character to perpetual scowling and intense glares. While his commanding presence is undeniable, the narrative, surprisingly, offers limited avenues for a truly multifaceted performance, leaving the lead actor somewhat constrained by the material of his own design in this significant historical drama.
The series, drawing from real events and casting them in mythic terms, centers on Ka’iana, whose father served as the chief of war to Maui’s King Kahekili (played by Temuera Morrison). The initial setup sees Ka’iana drawn back from self-imposed exile to lead Kahekili’s army against the boy king of O’ahu. A prophecy of a great king uniting the islands adds a layer of destiny to Ka’iana’s reluctant return to the battlefield of the Hawaiian warriors.
However, Ka’iana soon discovers he’s been deceived by Kahekili, who reveals himself as a ruthless tyrant intent on uniting the kingdoms through the destruction of all rival royal bloodlines. This dark twist profoundly impacts Ka’iana, who is heartbroken by the massacre he inadvertently perpetrates against innocents, realizing Kahekili is not the prophesied unifier he was led to believe.
Further complicating matters, Ka’iana’s escape from Kahekili’s wrath leads him to Kaʻahumanu (Luciane Buchanan), a woman forced into an unwanted marriage with Kamehameha (Kaina Makua), the son of Hawaii’s dying king. Their encounter introduces the arrival of “paleskin” Englishmen, marking the initial cultural clashes that begin to shape the narrative. This interaction paves the way for Ka’iana’s year-long sojourn in the Spanish port of Zamboanga, where he assimilates foreign languages and customs.
‘Chief of War’ skillfully establishes the core conflict between Ka’iana and Kahekili but then broadens its scope to encompass brewing tensions between Kamehameha and Keōua (Cliff Curtis) within Hawaii. The series delves into Kamehameha’s vision of a just and peaceful kingdom versus Keōua’s desire for power, providing a complex political landscape. These storylines are often visually stunning, complemented by striking panoramas of the island settings that enhance the sense of historical drama.
Despite its narrative strengths and authentic cultural details, the series occasionally falters with clunky CGI effects that detract from the otherwise impressive on-location shooting. While ‘Chief of War’ provides a rich tapestry of European and island traditions and values, the character development, particularly for Ka’iana, tends to become one-note as the series progresses. Many supporting characters also fall into archetypal roles rather than fully realized individuals, affecting the overall impact of this Apple TV+ production.
Like many modern streaming endeavors, the pacing of ‘Chief of War’ could benefit from greater conciseness, and its adherence to formulaic storytelling sometimes dilutes its potential. Yet, the deep knowledge of the material and milieu by creators Sibbett and Momoa lends an authenticity that helps counterbalance its conventional aspects. Ultimately, while visually compelling and steeped in Hawaiian history, the show struggles with mounting monotony, culminating in a finale that plants seeds for a potential second season, hopefully offering more dynamic range for its lead, Jason Momoa.
