The cast features natural diversity reflective of Hawaii's demographics, with additions like Beulah Koale as Junior (Polynesian heritage fitting the locale) and promotions for local actors like Taylor Wily and Kimee Balmilero, alongside Meaghan Rath as a capable female officer Tani Rey—organic inclusions that enhance the team without narrative contrivances or identity-focused arcs. Episode plots center on standard threats like Yakuza syndicates, hackers, arsonists, and drug busts, with no evidence of systemic critiques, identity politics, LGBTQ+ focal points, or social justice sermons dominating the storytelling.

The sole external controversy was the pre-season departure of Asian actors Daniel Dae Kim and Grace Park over pay disputes, framed by critics as a diversity failing on CBS's part rather than woke overreach in the show itself; replacements maintained ethnic representation without forced changes or backlash labeling the content 'woke.' Showrunner Peter Lenkov defended the series' existing diversity, underscoring a commitment to apolitical fun over activism. This season exemplifies classic TV escapism, unburdened by contemporary ideological impositions, allowing pure enjoyment of its thrills and character dynamics.