Chief Of War Episode 3 Recap & Ending Explained

Chief of War episode 3’s ending offers plenty of complicated material to unpack. Jason Momoa leads Chief of War’s cast as the warrior Ka’iana, a real-life historical figure known not only for his culture-changing actions on the Hawaiian islands, but also for his unprecedented trips away from his homeland.

Chief of War’s historical setting takes Apple TV+ subscribers to a pivotal time for the islands. While the show depicts Hawai’i split into four divided kingdoms, these nations would eventually come together as one, unified kingdom. The series also depicts the beginning of Western influence, which would eventually lead to Hawai’i becoming a US state in the 20th century.

The series takes place during the late 18th century, though Chief of War has had a time skip since episode 2. Ka’iana’s time aboard the British vessel has allowed him to learn passable English, while Englishman John Young has taught the language to those on the island of Hawai’i.

Ka’iana’s Plan To Acquire Guns & Why He Needs Them

Aside from simply learning the English language, Ka’iana’s time on the seas has taught him about gunpowder and weaponry beyond what the Hawaiian Islands have seen before. This fascinates him, and throughout the episode, he looks for a way he can acquire a hefty amount of firearms, so that he may return to Hawai’i with greater strength.

The episode opens with Ka’iana learning to fire rifles, with quick cuts to King Kahekili. Kahekili is Temuera Morrison’s character, who tricked Ka’iana into helping him conquer the island of O’ahu in episode 1. This sets up an evident motivation for Ka’iana, who hopes to return to the Hawaiian Islands and right this wrong, defeating Kahekili.

While on land, Ka’iana meets a woman named Vai, and the two recognize each other as Hawaiians. Vai is interested in opening trade between the English and Hawai’i, knowing that the Western ships are going to sail that way regardless. She hopes to control the British influence through compromise, knowing it may be their only choice.

Vai is willing to provide Ka’iana with the weapons he needs, but she needs his help convincing the Chiefs of Hawai’i to establish these trade routes. Hawaiian sandalwood is a valuable resource that could greatly benefit English traders, and Vai realizes they’re going to get it one way or another.

Ka’ahumanu and Kamehameha’s Marriage & Prophecy Ties Explained

Episode 3 introduces Kamehameha in the most badass way possible, demonstrating his fortitude in an underwater contest. After this, he returns to the Ka’u District on the island of Hawai’i, where he speaks with the King. The king is on his last legs, and Kamehameha’s cousin Keōua is set to inherit the throne.

In this meeting of royals, an immediate duality is established between Keōua and Kamehameha. Despite the age advantage, Keōua is more rash, hoping to defeat Kahekili in war, while Kamehameha insists that establishing a sustainable food supply is the real strategic opportunity.

Ka’ahumanu, whom we met in episode 2, is betrothed to Kamehameha, and her father, Moku, has a specific reasoning for this. Kamehameha is evidently a great man, and Moku sees a future in him, even if he isn’t first in line to become king. Moku wants Ka’ahumanu to help Kamehameha realize his potential.

This troubles Ka’ahumanu, as in her meeting with the seer Taula, she was given disappointing news: she will never be able to have Kamehameha’s children. Her concern is that if she is to become a queen, she would be unable to fulfill the duty that queens are meant to provide in a monarchical society.

Tony’s Fate & Marley’s Plan To Return To Hawai’i Explained

The subplot of Ka’iana’s time away from Hawai’i introduces audiences to a sailor named Tony, who takes a liking to Ka’iana and helps to teach him English. Also aboard the ship, unfortunately, is a repulsive, bigoted man named Marley, who sees Hawai’i as nothing but an opportunity to make some cash.

At the end of the episode, Tony finds himself in the captivity of Marley and the other racist goons, who capture him and threaten to sell him into slavery. It’s unclear what Tony’s fate will be, but the episode has evidently set up a race between Ka’iana and Marley, as both intend to return to Hawai’i with different goals for European integration.

How Moku’s Belief In Kamehameha Sets Up Chief Of War’s Conflict

Chief of War has introduced the idea of a prophecy, telling of a great king who will rise up and unify the islands. Kahekili believes he is the prophesied king, and now we’re seeing that Moku believes it to be Kamehameha. Kamehameha was born on the night of the comet amidst the prophecy’s inception, and Moku felt it then.

Moku hopes that Ka’ahumanu will help form Kamehameha into the man he’s destined to become, with or without giving birth to heirs. Moku’s belief also sets up an important narrative, which was already teased in Chief of War episode 3, which is a succession conflict between Kamehameha and Keōu. The addition of Ka’iana and gunpowder can only fuel the flame.