Season 1, Episode 9 of Rescue: HI-Surf definitely delivered on the drama, bringing the characters to a series of emotional and moral crossroads. Will and Em’s rekindled affair, Laka’s ongoing spiral, and the simmering chemistry between Hina and Kainalu all created a tense, unpredictable hour of television. As much as I’ve been loving this show, this episode left me with a lot of mixed feelings, and I’m both excited and dreading where things go from here. The stakes are higher than ever, and it feels like everything is about to blow wide open when the show returns from hiatus.
The Will-Em Affair: A Complicated, Messy Connection
First off, let’s talk about Will and Em. I’ll admit, part of me was rooting for them to get back together after that intense kiss in Episode 8. The chemistry between them is undeniable, and it's easy to see why they fell into each other’s arms again. But as the episode went on, I started to feel more and more uncomfortable with how casual and unthinking their affair became. Sure, the physical attraction is there, but it’s clear they’ve both got unresolved emotional baggage.
What struck me the most was how they’re both so willing to ignore the fact that Will is still engaged, and Em has a boyfriend. It’s one thing to dive into an affair and deal with the consequences later, but the complete lack of self-awareness from both of them made me a little frustrated. There’s a deep history between these two, and I get that the chemistry is hard to resist, but the fact that they’re not even talking about what happened between them before or what they really want now just seems like avoiding the inevitable.
I was also disappointed by how little Will seems to care about the damage this is doing to their relationships. The episode shows Em’s friend catching them in a very compromising situation, and I honestly felt a little bad for her. It’s one thing for Will and Em to act like their affair is just fun and games, but there are real people with real emotions involved here, and it felt like neither of them was fully acknowledging that. I couldn’t help but feel uneasy about how much of a mess they’re making for themselves and for the people they’re supposed to care about.
Em’s Captain Dreams and Sonny’s Political Maneuvering: Uneasy Politics
Em’s potential promotion to captain really took a backseat in this episode, but I can’t help but feel for her. It’s clear she deserves the role—she’s qualified, she’s dedicated, and she’s proven herself time and time again. But watching Sonny’s attempts to push her into the role, knowing full well she’d face resistance and political pushback, was a bit painful to watch. Sonny clearly has good intentions, but I felt like he was setting her up for failure. It’s easy to talk about what should happen, but the reality of getting a woman into that leadership position—especially when she’s a “hothead” in the Chief’s eyes—is so much more complicated than Sonny is willing to admit.
What really got under my skin was how Em, despite being the more qualified candidate, is still having to play the game in a way the male candidates don’t. It’s frustrating, and I found myself angry at the system and the way politics play such a huge part in what should be a straightforward promotion. Even if Em does get the position, she’s not going to get it on her own merit, but because of Sonny’s behind-the-scenes maneuvering. That made me feel icky for her—like her whole career could end up being tainted by the way she got the job.
Sonny’s political games and deals have now backfired on him. His relationship with the Mayor has soured, and he’s now on the Chief’s bad side. As much as I still like Sonny, it’s hard not to see that he’s dug himself into a hole. He may have gotten Em closer to the captain’s seat, but at what cost? The fact that he’s not out of the picture just yet gives me the sense that there’s still more for him to reckon with, and I’m honestly not sure where his arc is going. It could go either way, and that uncertainty keeps me hooked.
Laka’s Struggles and Will’s Hypocrisy: A Bit Too Much
Laka’s storyline hit me with mixed emotions. On the one hand, I feel for him. He’s clearly struggling, and his self-destructive behavior is hard to watch. His hangover and late arrivals have already cost him, and seeing him get robbed only capped off a truly miserable day. I honestly thought he was going to turn it around this episode, but it’s clear he’s just not ready for the responsibility of being second-in-command. He’s proven himself as a good lifeguard, but he doesn’t have the discipline or maturity to take on the next step in his career.
That said, I couldn’t help but feel frustrated by Will’s reaction. Instead of showing any empathy or support, Will completely tears into him. Will’s attitude toward Laka throughout the episode really rubbed me the wrong way. He’s so quick to judge others, but it’s hard to ignore that he’s the one tangled in an affair, lying to his fiancée and ignoring his own problems. The hypocrisy was just too glaring for me.
Sure, Laka needs to learn from his mistakes, but Will’s harshness felt like he was more concerned about his own issues than helping a teammate who clearly needed guidance. I couldn’t shake the feeling that Will was being unnecessarily cruel in a moment when he could’ve shown a little more grace.
Hina and Kainalu: Finally Giving In
Then there’s Hina and Kainalu. I’ll admit, I was rooting for them from the start. Their chemistry was palpable, and I liked how their rivalry slowly turned into a more personal, almost tender connection. When they finally gave in to their attraction and hooked up, it felt earned. Sure, the “enemies to lovers” trope is overdone, but I thought it was handled well here. Their moments of tension throughout the season made their eventual hookup satisfying, even if it’s bound to bring complications in the future.
I also appreciate how their relationship has developed beyond the surface-level rivalry. Both characters have shown growth—Kainalu has proven himself as a capable lifeguard, and Hina has started to let her walls down. Their connection felt natural, and it was a welcome moment of emotional release in an otherwise tense episode. Of course, I know there will be fallout when the show returns—Rescue: HI-Surf doesn’t do easy relationships—but I’m invested in how their story will unfold.
Final Thoughts: A Break Before the Storm
Episode 9 of Rescue: HI-Surf left me feeling a bit shaken, but I’m hooked. The characters are in messy, complicated places, and I can’t wait to see how they navigate the fallout from the events of this episode. From Will and Em’s affair to Laka’s downward spiral and Hina and Kainalu’s explosive chemistry, the show has really raised the stakes. There’s a lot to unpack when the series picks back up, and I’m curious to see who comes out on top and who will be left picking up the pieces. One thing’s for sure: when Rescue: HI-Surf returns, the drama is going to be even more intense.
What did you think?
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