As most people know who watch episodic television a new series takes a while to get its footing. This is even more the case when the series is a recreation of an original series that was hugely popular when it first aired. MAGNUM PI is a perfect example of this. The original series made a star out of actor Tom Selleck. It was immensely popular and to think that it could be remade seemed blasphemous to its many fans. And yet it happened.
The new series may feature the same characters, their names and their traits but it is its own series. That had to happen since the original characters served together in the Vietnam was while this group served in Afghanistan. But other changes were made as well. Instead of a somewhat pompous major domo with a stiff English accent in the form of Higgins we now have a female version of the character. She still rides Magnum but it’s a different take on the character. Much of the show is done this way and it works.
For those who haven’t seen the series Jay Hernandez stars as Thomas Magnum, an ex-Navy SEAL who inspired author Robin Master’s series of book about an heroic figure. He now resides in Hawaii at Master’s retreat known as Robin’s Nest in the guest house. In return he’s supposed to provide security advice. But most of that is covered by Juliet Higgins (Perdita Weeks), and ex-MI6 agent who runs the place. The two have a definite love/hate relationship going on that has softened with time.Helping these two characters each week are Rick (Zachary Knighton) and TC (Stephen Hill), two former team mates of Magnum, Kumu (Amy Hill) who runs a cultural center for the estate and Det. Gordon Katsumoto (Tim Kang) a local police officer. Rick still has ties to the criminal element of the island from the past and this season manages a bar that the three friends invested in. TC continues to fly helicopters of tourist around the island. Kumu continues to offer assistance wherever possible. And Det. Katsumoto has begrudgingly become friends with the group as they help one another back and forth.
The series is well shot and made with some of the most spectacular locations possible. Hawaii is a perfect place to view when seen from the opening and transfer shots in this film. One would think that the tourist bureau in Hawaii would love this. But you have to wonder about that as each week would be terrorists, kidnappers, bank robbers and more seem to be riding a crime wave. And yet by the end of each episode things are back to normal and the island life looks great again.
So what are our new found friends up to this season? Well first off Thomas offers a partnership to Higgins with his investigative job. This seems natural since he often turns to her for help. Con man Jin Jeong (Bobby Lee) becomes more of a regular often appearing in episodes that involve him getting in trouble. Mercenaries show up seeking the real White Knight at Robin’s Nest, the character that was based on Magnum. And perhaps most importantly Higgins visa expires and she’s about to be sent back to England unless she can find a way to remain in the country. To do so, Magnum offers to marry her so she can stay. Not out of love, though there is definitely something that is there beneath the surface of these two, but out of necessity.
All of these items, the photography, location, acting skills, directing skills and more combine to make a weekly series that’s enjoyable to watch and that holds your attention from start to finish while never seeming repetitious. The character development results in your caring for each person involved on screen. And the entertainment factor is off the charts. The series is one worth watching weekly but also one worth owning so you can revisit it time and time again. You can’t ask for much more than that.
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