Historical dramas often focus on very specific historical periods. In Europe, any medieval era is acceptable, but the Regency and Victorian ages are particularly appreciated. In the US, anything from the 19th century onwards is valid. In Japan, both the 19th century and the Tokugawa era stand out in a very particular way. And now that Korea is beginning to gain weight in popular culture, the final part of the Joseon Dynasty, between the 18th and 19th centuries, is often highly valued.
Aside from that, it is difficult to find historical dramas. That is why those who dare to make series or movies outside of those parameters tend to stand out. Whether from those regions or from those very specific historical periods. This is exactly what happens with the new Apple TV+ series, The Great Warrior.
A historical drama of an emerging Hawaii
At the beginning of the 19th century, the four great kingdoms of the Hawaiian Islands were at war. This is the context in which Ka’iana, a warlord from the kingdom of Kaua’i, decides to travel beyond the islands to become the most famous Hawaiian in the world. Upon returning home, he will join a bloody military campaign, rebelling at the last minute against the unification of Hawaii, under the command of Kamehameha I.
This is the premise of the series, which will take us to know the story of Ka’iana and, perhaps even more importantly, the unification of Hawaii. An inevitable fact, but one that led to a war of almost 28 years that, it seems, will provide material for a historical drama of nine episodes in which to narrate the story of this warlord who could not prevent the unification of all the islands under one mantle. Although we won’t tell you the reasons for it, because for that you’ll have to watch the miniseries.
Jason Momoa like you’ve never seen him
One of the great attractions of the series is that Ka’iana will not be just anyone, but will likely be the most famous Hawaiian in the world today. Jason Momoa, strikingly shaved and with his hair tied up, plays the most celebrated Hawaiian of his time until Kamehameha took that title from him, promising to draw many eyes to this series.
Because although it is true that the premise is interesting, let’s not kid ourselves: the history of Hawaii is not very well known. It is not the kind of story that will attract the audience at first glance. But a name and a face like Momoa’s, even unrecognizable as he is in the promotional images of the series, could very well be a good excuse to give the series a chance. Something you should do, because the story of the unification of Hawaii in general and that of Ka’iana in particular has the makings of a great television series.
Apple TV+, synonymous with quality
Being one of Apple TV+’s major bets for this summer, it shouldn’t surprise us that they will be airing them weekly. Unlike the competition, Apple believes it’s better to let people savor the stories and make them their own, something they have demonstrated with the great critical and public success of most of their original productions.
Pending the result of The Great Warrior, this miniseries presents itself as one of the major premieres of the season. Now we have to see if it also becomes one of the great premieres of the year, thanks to the presence of Momoa and the interesting story it wants to tell us. But coming from Apple TV+, one thing we are sure of is that the quality is guaranteed.
