Magnum, P.I. is an American television show starring Tom Selleck as Thomas Magnum, a private investigator living in Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi. The series ran from 1980 to 1988 in first-run broadcast on the American CBS television network.
According to the Nielsen Ratings, Magnum, P.I. consistently ranked in the top twenty U.S. television programs during the first five years that the series was originally telecast in the United States.[1] Originally appearing in a prime time American network timeslot of 8 p.m. Eastern, Magnum, P.I. was one of the highest-rated shows on U.S. television.
Premise
Tom Selleck, filming a scene for the episode
Echoes of the Mind in April 1984 at the
Kahala Hilton Hotel in Hawai
ʻi. The woman standing to his right is
Sharon Stone, who guest-starred in this episode
Thomas Sullivan Magnum lives and resides in the 'guest house' of a posh, 200-acre (0.81 km2) beachfront estate, known as Robin's Nest, in Hawaiʻi, at the invitation of its owner, Robin Masters, the celebrated-but-never-seen author of several dozen lurid novels. Ostensibly this is quid pro quo for Magnum's services based upon Magnum's claimed expertise in security; the pilot suggests Magnum also did Masters a favor of some kind.
In addition, Robin’s Nest is guarded by two highly-trained Doberman Pinschers, Zeus and Apollo, and all other aspects of the estate are managed by Englishman Jonathan Quayle Higgins III (played by Texas-born veteran actor John Hillerman), an ex-British Army Sergeant Major with whom, often as a humorous aside during various episodes of the series, Magnum must barter for use of estate amenities other than the guest house and the Ferrari 308 GTS (e.g., tennis courts, wine cellar, expensive cameras, etc.). During early seasons of Magnum, P.I., the voice of Robin Masters, heard only a few times per season, was voiced by Orson Welles.
A recurrent theme throughout the series in later seasons involves Magnum's suspicion that Higgins is actually Robin Masters. This possibility is never fully substantiated or refuted—Higgins' dual identity remains an open question until the final episode, where Higgins first admits he is, but later suggests what he had said about Robin Masters was a lie. (Whether he means during this episode, or the entire series is left an open question.)
Magnum seemingly lives a dream lifestyle: he comes and goes as he pleases, works only when he wants to, has the almost unlimited use of a Ferrari 308 GTS as well as many other of Robin Masters’ luxuries. He keeps a mini-fridge with a seemingly endless supply of fictional Coops beer, is seemingly surrounded by countless beautiful women (who are often his clients or victims in the cases he solves) and enjoys adventures with his buddies Rick and T.C., both former U.S. Marines he served with in the Vietnam War.[2]
Interestingly, Magnum and Higgins often break the fourth wall by "locking eyes" with the audience; other characters do this, though less frequently.
At the end of the seventh season, Magnum was killed off, and this was intended to be the end of the series. However, there was outcry from fans, and an eighth, final season was produced, to bring Magnum 'back to life', and to round the series off.
Cast
- Tom Selleck as Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV: Magnum character's back-story includes a previous career as a former U.S. Navy SEAL. Growing up in Tidewater, Virginia, he's a Detroit-born third generation naval officer, the son of a deceased naval aviator killed during the Korean War. He is also a 1967 graduate of the United States Naval Academy and Vietnam veteran, where he served as a Sea-Air-Land Force (SEAL) commando. Magnum's specialized training includes acquiring appropriate expertise as a counter-insurgency expert, and also demonstrating additional expertise in lock picking and safe-cracking. Magnum played the field position of quarterback for the United States Naval Academy football team. The Magnum character is depicted to have resigned his commission in the U.S. Navy in disillusionment after approximately eleven years of service, including three tours of service during the U.S. military involvement in the Vietnam War. Magnum takes his Private Investigator job quite seriously and does not appreciate abbreviations for his profession such as P.I. and private eye — whenever referred to in such a manner he corrects the person and remarks that he is a "private investigator." It is also not clear what his age or place of birth is. In the season-two episode "Try To Remember," Magnum reports his date of birth (to an examining doctor) as August 8, 1944, his place of birth as Virginia, and his mother's name as Martha. These answers seem to satisfy the doctor (who, of course, has access to Magnum's medical records), though Magnum had sustained an injury to the head following a car accident. In the scene, his head is bandaged, and he has difficulty remembering the accident. The date of birth conflicts with inferences from at least two other episodes. Tom Selleck's mother's name is, in fact, Martha.
- Roger E. Mosley as Theodore "T.C." Calvin: a helicopter pilot who operates a tourist charter business called Island Hoppers, wherein he pilots a Hughes 500D helicopter, decked out with distinctive livery. A former Marine Corps helicopter pilot in Vietnam, T.C.'s combat-trained flight skills are often solicited and put to good use by Magnum during the course of an investigation. T.C. is also powerfully built, a trait which Magnum often benefits from when he expects to, and often does, run into physical trouble. With the exception of some early season 1 episodes, T.C. avoids alcohol, instead preferring milk, soda, or juice, but mostly coffee.
- Larry Manetti as Orville Wilbur Richard “Rick” Wright[3]: a suave playboy who is manager of the King Kamehameha Club, an exclusive beachfront members-only club. In the pilot, Rick owned Rick’s Cafe Americaine (a.k.a. "The Snow Palace"). Rick also maintains a number of underworld contacts (one of whom is Francis “Icepick” Hofstetler, a loan shark, gang boss—and Rick’s stepfather, played by veteran actor Elisha Cook, Jr.), and is an expert in weaponry. He was T.C.’s door gunner during the war in Vietnam.
- John Hillerman as Jonathan Quayle Higgins III: The Major Domo of "Robin's Nest" a mansion in Hawaiʻi. Higgins has a storied military background and loves order above all else. An inveterate "old war story" teller.
Recurring characters
- Lt. Yoshi Tanaka — Homicide-division police lieutenant with the Honolulu police department (played by Kwan Hi Lim), characterized by his casual dress and ironic sense of humor. Seasons 2–8
- Agatha Chumley — Higgins' quintessentially English friend (played by Gillian Dobb). Seasons 3-8
- Colonel “Buck” Greene — Marine Corps intelligence officer (played by Lance LeGault), often Magnum's nemesis. Seasons 2–8
- Carol Baldwin — assistant district attorney (played in all but the first appearance by Kathleen Lloyd). Seasons 3–8 (Before playing Carol Baldwin, Lloyd guest starred in the episode "Almost Home" as Bridget Archer.)[4]
- Lieutenant “Mac” MacReynolds — doughnut-munching Navy Intelligence lieutenant (played by Jeff MacKay), killed off in the series, and later brought back as a look-alike character (see below). Seasons 1–3 and 7–8
- Jim Bonig — con man (played by Jeff MacKay) who was MacReynolds’ look-alike. In at least two episodes ("Mac's Back" and "Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts") MacKay appeared in both roles. Seasons 5–8.
- Francis “Icepick” Hofstetler — see above[clarification needed] (played by Elisha Cook, Jr who had a number of other roles in the series as well)
- Doc Ibold — very minor character (played by Glenn Cannon) who nevertheless appeared in many episodes whenever a physician was needed in the script. First referred to as "Script Writer #1", he was known for writing prescriptions for opiates for any and all ailments. Seasons 2–8
- Michelle Hue — Magnum’s (Presumed former wife- to the viewers' acknowledgment, no divorce/annulment papers were ever signed, even though she returned to her presumed-dead first husband when he resurfaced) (played by Marta DuBois), presumed dead but reappearing as the wife of a North Vietnamese general and the mother of Magnum’s child, and often seen in flashbacks. Seasons 2–8
- Lieutenant (later Lieutenant Commander) Maggie Poole — successor of the deceased MacReynolds (played by Jean Bruce Scott). Seasons 3–8
- Luther H. Gillis — mock-film noir private eye from St. Louis (played by Eugene Roche), and narrator of the five episodes in which he appeared. Seasons 4–8
- Moki - bartender of the King Kamehameha Club in Season 1. He was later replaced with Keoki. Seasons 1-?
- Keoki - bartender / server of the King Kamehameha Club starting in Season 2. Seasons 2-4
- Mike Scholl - nightclub manager often jealous of Magnum's moustache. Season 4
Guest Stars
Former Five-O cast members Kam Fong and Herman Wedemeyer have guest-starred on Magnum, P.I.
Vehicles
Cars
Robin Masters' cars
- ROBIN 1 -
- Season 1: Ferrari 308GTS
- Seasons 2-3: Ferrari 308GTSi
- Seasons 4-6: Ferrari 308GTSQv
- Seasons 7-8: Ferrari 308GTSiQv
- ROBIN 2
- ROBIN 3 - GMC Jimmy
Others
Aircraft
Development
Selleck's contract commitment to the Magnum, P.I. series famously cost him the role of Indiana Jones in the first Indiana Jones film, Raiders of the Lost Ark, which went to Harrison Ford.[8] Selleck was unable to take the part of Indy as Magnum was due to start filming in March 1980. However, due to a writer's strike, the start of production on Magnum was delayed until December 1980, which would have allowed Selleck to play Indy. In Magnum, P.I.'s final season, the producers gave a nod to his sacrifice with the episode “Legend of the Lost Art”, which parodied the film.
List of episodes
DVD releases
Universal Studios Home Entertainment has released all eight seasons of Magnum P.I. on DVD in Region 1, 2 and 4.
| Season(s) |
Ep # |
Region 1 |
Region 2* |
Region 4 |
| The Complete First Season |
18 |
September 7 2004 [9][10] |
September 13 2004 |
December 1 2004 |
| The Complete Second Season |
22 |
April 12 2005 |
July 4 2005 |
September 19 2005 |
| The Complete Third Season* |
23 |
January 31 2006 |
January 30 2006 |
July 12 2006 |
| The Complete Fourth Season |
21 |
April 4 2006 |
June 26 2006 |
September 20 2006 |
| The Complete Fifth Season |
22 |
October 10 2006 |
February 12 2007 |
March 21 2007 |
| The Complete Sixth Season |
21 |
February 27 2007 |
May 7 2007 |
July 4 2007 |
| The Complete Seventh Season** |
22 |
October 30 2007 |
March 31 2008 |
June 4 2008 |
| The Complete Eighth Season*** |
13 |
March 4 2008 |
May 19 2008 |
September 3 2008 |
| Seasons One, Two, Three & Four |
84 |
N/A |
November 20 2006 |
N/A |
* Includes the crossover Season 2 episode from Simon & Simon titled "Emeralds Are Not a Girl's Best Friend".
** Includes the crossover Season 3 episode from Murder She Wrote titled "Magnum On Ice".
*** Includes the bonus Season 5 episode from The Rockford Files titled "White on White and Nearly Perfect" featuring Tom Selleck.
Ratings
- Season 1 - #14, 16.77 million viewers[11]
- Season 2 - #17, 17.03 million viewers[11]
- Season 3 - #04, 18.80 million viewers[11]
- Season 4 - #06, 18.77 million viewers[11]
Awards
Selleck won an Emmy in 1984 for his portrayal of the title character; three years later costar John Hillerman also won an Emmy.[12] In 1981, series creators and writers Glen A. Larson and Donald P. Bellisario received an Edgar Award from the Mystery Writers of America for Best Episode in a TV Series.[12][13]
In popular culture
- In the movie The Big Chill (film), Sam Weber, played by Tom Berenger, is a Hollywood star in a television series similar to Magnum, P.I.. Berenger has a mustache and bears a close resemblence to Tom Selleck.
- In the series finale episode of Will & Grace, the recurring character Beverly Leslie (portrayed by Leslie Jordan) refers to putting on an episode of Magnum, P.I. to "get in the mood!"
- The Family Guy episode "Stuck Together Torn Apart" mocked Magnum, P.I., with Magnum repeatedly referring to Higgins as "Tattoo." When Higgins tries timidly to correct him repeatedly, he steps out of the Ferrari, slaps him to the ground, and asks his name. Higgins, even more timidly, says "Tattoo." This is a clear reference to the Fantasy Island character portrayed by the late Hervé Villechaize.
- In episode #149 (7.22) "Limbo," the song that plays off and on during the entire episode and as Magnum walks off is "Looking for Space" by John Denver. This episode, where Magnum was to be shot dead by mobsters, was to be the CBS series finale on 15 April 1987. When the show's fans heard this, there was a huge public outcry and the "shot dead" plotline was nixed by the producers. Magnum was indeed shot by mobsters in this episode, though he survived and returned for an unprecedented 8th season on CBS, filming 12 more episodes.
- In an episode of The Simpsons, Carl gives Homer a DVD player and the first season of Magnum, P.I. as a Christmas gift.
- The video Hard to Explain by The Strokes, begins with a scene from Magnum, P.I., where the Red Ferrari is accelerating from the dirt.
- In an episode of NCIS, Magnum, P.I. is referred to by Tony DiNozzo, after finding some "Magnum's style" Hawaiian shirts. Magnum, P.I. is also referred to in "Frame-Up", when DiNozzo is being interrogated, he says he wanted to watch Magnum.
- One of the teaser movies for the game World in Conflict is a parody of Magnum, P.I.'s opening.
- Larry Manetti and Roger E. Mosley both appear in an episode of Las Vegas alongside Tom Selleck, playing characters named "Larry" and "Roger," respectively. Their characters are essentially older, multi-millionaire versions of their Magnum characters ("Larry" is a wealthy nightclub owner and "Roger" owns fleets of helicopters).
- On My Name Is Earl, Earl dresses up as Magnum for Halloween.
- In 2008, a promo on the USA Network for the upcoming season of Monk parodies the show, with Adrian Monk starring in "Monk, P.I."
- The show was parodied in the 2009 Chick-fil-A calendar where the show in April was referred to as Angus, P.I..
- Haha the Moose, a side project of the band moe., regularly incorporate the theme song from Magnum, P.I. into their setlist.
Film version
In January 2006, it was announced a feature film is again in the planning stages (after several false starts most recently in 2005) and Rawson Marshall Thurber (whose filmmaking credits notably include Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story) would write and direct the screenplay.[citation needed]
In January 2007, it was reported Matthew McConaughey would play Magnum, with Steve Zahn as Rick, Tyrese Gibson as T.C., and William H. Macy as Higgins.[14]
Although IMDB has several times reported that the film is in production, it has currently been pushed back to 2011.
Broadcasters
- Australia: Channel 10 (1980-1988 Saturday 7.30pm), TV1 (2007 Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday), Channel Seven (2009- Sunday 11am)
- Austria: ORF1
- Bangladesh: BTV (Bangladesh Television) From mid 1985 to 1990
- Belgium: VTM,VT4
- Brazil: Globo, TNT, Rede 21, Sony, TCM
- Bulgaria: Diema
- Canada: First run was on CTV; currently in syndication on DejaView
- Catalonia: First run was on TV3; currently on Barcelona Televisió (BTV).
- Croatia: RTL
- Colombia: Cadena Uno, (now Canal 1), Sony
- Estonia: TV3
- Finland: MTV3. Magnum, as it was known in Finland, was first heavily edited and then cancelled as "too violent" during its first season. It has never been broadcast after that in any of the main Finnish TV-channels.
- France: France 3 Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at 09:30 AM
- Germany: ARD, RTL, Super RTL, DAS VIERTE
- Hungary: Viasat 3
- Ireland: RTÉ One
- Israel: Channel 1
- Italy: Canale 5, Italia 1, Rete 4
- Lithuania: TV3 Lithuania
- The Netherlands: Veronica, SBS6, Net 5, 13th Street(UPC Digital TV)
- Mexico: Televisa Canal 5
- Nepal: Nepal Television
- New Zealand: (first run, 1980): TV2, (reruns, 1990s and onwards): TV3
- Norway: (first run, 1980s): NRK, (reruns, 1990s and onwards): TVNORGE
- Pakistan: NTM
- Poland: Telewizja Polska Program 2
- Russia: STS (Russian: СТС)
- Slovenia: POP TV
- South Africa: SABC
- Spain: (Galicia:) TVG
- Sweden: (First run, 1980s): SVT (reruns 2005 and onwards): Kanal 5
- Turkey: TRT 2, Star TV
- United Kingdom: ITV Regional (1981 - early 1990s, billed as simply 'Magnum'), Five (formerly Channel 5) (2002-2003), Men & Motors (2006- ) DMAX (2009-)
- United States (first run): CBS
- United States (Syndication): Retro Television Network Weeknights 10:00 PM ET, The CW Weeknights 11:30 PM ET
- Zimbabwe: ZTV1
New Zealand: Weekdays TV 2 7pm (early 1980s to early 90's)
References
- ^ Entry for Magnum, P.I from the Museum of Broadcast Communications website
- ^ The three buddies wear a gold Team Ring, which bears a Croix de Lorraine on a black field, as a bond of wartime camaraderie.
- ^ In the last episode, "Resolutions 2", where Rick gets married, the priest announces Rick's full name as being Orville Wilbur Richard Wright(he actually hated being named after both of the Wright brothers, hence the more appropriate nickname. The series ended in a cliffhanger, as the audience never sees whether or not Manetti's character said the legally-operative phrase "I do". The name may be a discontinuity, as early on in the series Roger E. Mosley's character had referred to him as "Elliot," though in the first episode he is in fact identified as Orville.
- ^ "Almost Home" - Season Three, Episode 10
- ^ a b Magnum, P.I., TV Series, 1980-1988, Internet Movie Car Database, http://imcdb.org/movie_80240-Magnum,-PI.html
- ^ Mercedes-Benz SL [R107], Internet Movie Car Database, http://imcdb.org/vehicle_32875-Mercedes-Benz-SL-R107.html
- ^ T.C.'s Chopper, Magnum Mania!, http://magnum-mania.com/Articles/The_Chopper.html
- ^ http://web.archive.org/web/20031207015023/http://www.indianajones.com/raiders/bts/news/news20030923.html
- ^ The Region 1 version of the Season 1 DVD release comes with an extra disk, featuring extra episodes from later in the series.
- ^ The Season 1 release (both Regions 1 and 2) has an error in the episode "China Doll": the musical cues are about 30 seconds off throughout much of the episode.
- ^ a b c d http://www.classictvhits.com/tvratings/1980.htm
- ^ a b Magnum, P.I. (series) at the Internet Movie Database
- ^ The 1981 Edgar Award was won for an episode entitled "China Doll."
- ^ Magnum at BitsofNews.com
External links