| 07.31.2018 – Magnum PI, is one of those classic television series ripe for a remake or reboot for the millennial generation.
It stars Tom Selleck in the title role as “Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV” with John Hillerman as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III that also includes Roger E. Moseley as “Theodore “T.C.” Calvin”, and, Larry Manetti as “Orville Wilbur Richard "Rick" Wright to round up the cast of the series. The series ran for eight seasons but the first complete series certainly was way different to the succeeding episodes as the production was trying to ‘figure out’ who was Thomas Magnum in the eyes of the viewers. |
Its initial season it ran for eighteen episodes and the opening for the pilot episode shows the team ring as the symbol of the show. Back in the 1980s sexism isn’t as a serious issue as today with sensitivities towards women the series was way different and if it was aired today it will be criticized for its portrayal about women being one of the objects of the series as controversial.
Set in Hawaii, the series was slowly developed per episode of its first season. The relationship between Magnum and Higgins was certainly something to look at as being both former ex-servicemen. Magnum, a former Vietnam vet and Higgins as a retired British Intelligence officer being tasked to watch over “Robin’s Nest” during the run of its very first season getting to know each characters was something any new series has to go through.
Higgy Baby’s Playground
TC always refer to Higgin’s with high regard and the same goes to Rick, but Magnum treats the Brit like he was a thorn in his near-perfect backside as a guest at Robin Master’s estate. The humorous rivalry is always played out in every episode of the show as the producers develop the characters from the get go.
“The Lads” are constant foil to Magnum as well having two Doberman Pinchers named “Zeus” and “Apollo” is certainly one of the trademark characters established in the beginning of the series that was fun to see Thomas getting riled up. The series progress and so is the relationship between Thomas and Jonathan. But not as what the succeeding season would give viewers regarding their “odd couple” story.
Riding in-style with the Ferrari GTS 308S
If Michael Knight at KITT and Mr. T has his van so is Thomas Magnum with the Ferrari GTS 308. It was the featured in the very opening of the series and has been the staple personality of the series. Though in the early sequence the “Robin 1” personalized car plate was not established when the series was still in development.
The opening sequence that has been known for the series won’t be established until episode seven that would be the staple identity of the show up to its eight and final season. Though, the “Magnum PI” opening title sequence won’t be a regular one with a fixed title beginning with the third season.
Magnum’s Beauty Knows No Pain
A lot of the starting actors and actresses made their debut on Magnum PI that includes Ted Danson (Episode “Don’t Say Goodbye”), and Marcia Wallace (Episode:” Beauty Knows Pain”) to name a few episodes that have memorable guests that made the first season an interesting start up point in seeing the show.
Like all shows some actors where re-cast into different characters that are odd and familiar. It was those early days how they where trying to budget the cost of the show by casting the same actors to make it a bit fresh in the eyes of the viewers. But these days you can’t do those things and people are easily having Eagle eyes to point that out when a new episode gets aired.
Extra Bits with Some Hits
The DVD released for Australia is a bit different when it was about content. In the US release The Rockford Files that featured Tom Selleck was included in the fifth season DVD release, while Madmen that published this edition have included it in the first season with extra bits of interview to the actors about this show.
The Mike Post and Peter Carpenter opening theme and sequence was already incorporated in the seventh episode for this DVD release and continues to improve it by twelfth episode of this series. There’s nothing much you’ll expect for the first complete series but interesting episodes on how the product developed Magmum and his friends notably his relationship with Higgins has been well established.
Breaking the Fourth Wall
Rarely, a lead character would be able to speak to the audience. A wink, a nod or a simple smirk Thomas Magnum has developed that personality. Donald P Bellisario, who also produced “Quantum Leap”, makes his characters quirky and sometimes interestingly funny. This makes Magnum quite a likable character that started occasionally breaking the fourth wall.
Higgins would have done it rarely but it’s not the same but with Magnum its giving the fans something that makes him different from TV characters. Though Higgins great strength is to put his foot down on some of Magnum’s antics while accompanied by his “Lads” its something viewers to be acknowledged back with that smirk in Thomas face regarding his situation on the show that has a lasting impression among the viewers.
Icing on the Cake Series to See
Overall the first complete season of Magnum PI has a lot of memorable episodes and ‘Beauty Knows No Pain” is one of those laugh or you blink episodes. It may not carry a full season of 24 episodes, but a collection of eighteen is enough to get to know the original characters. "J. 'Digger' Doyle" episode was also the highlight for this DVD as we get to meet Robin Masters or so his voice by the late Orson Welles.
Entirely, the series has something to offer new viewers curious enough to know what made the original series so popular now that it’s getting a 2018 reboot. It’s something to take in for those who are not into old television shows and this home edition will give you that idea why the series lasted eight seasons and won a couple of Emmy Awards for the lead and supporting actors.
Special acknowledgement to Marion Libraries where this DVD was borrowed from and you can get more details of the movies and television series that you can also take home just LIKE Marion Libraries on Facebook and follow on Instagram or visit the website at: www.Marion.sa.gov.au/venues-and-facilities/libraries
You can also acquire Magnum PI: The Complete Series DVD at the ABC Shop HERE!
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