I have to admit I was a little reluctant when a friend suggested I watch the 2018 reboot of classic American TV show Magnum, PI. Growing up in the 80s the Tom Selleck-led series was a firm favorite of mine, and such was Selleck’s synonymity with the titular Vietnam veteran turned private investigator, it was hard to imagine anybody else succeeding in the role. I mean, how could anyone even hope to improve on the original? Much less pull off the trademark moustache and super-short shorts that helped make Selleck’s Thomas Sullivan Magnum an icon of American television?
Now five seasons, 96 episodes and an ever-increasing number of rewatches later, I’m more than happy to state that the new Magnum PI (note the absence of the comma!) is just as good as - dare I say perhaps even better than - the original. Ok, the shorts are a little longer, there’s no moustache and you won’t see Magnum wearing a Hawaiian shirt until he’s gifted one by Higgins in the seventh episode. But the overall feel of the show is the same. There’s still a strong emphasis on family, friendship, veteran wellbeing and helping each other out. Fast cars, high-octane adventure and the beautiful Hawaiian backdrop are omnipresent, and the spirit of Aloha imbues each episode with a positivity that leaves you feeling good long after the credits have rolled. So here’s how, thanks to a fantastic team of writers and a remarkable cast and crew, Magnum PI (2018) turned this one time reluctant viewer into a super fan…
Jay Hernandez: The Perfect Casting
Helped by a markedly different look, Jay Hernandez’ Magnum is immediately distinct from Tom Selleck’s tall, fuzzy-chested symbol of 80s masculinity. Shorter, slicker, some might say even more handsome, Hernandez wisely avoids any attempt at imitating Selleck’s iconic portrayal and instead brings his own unique charisma to the role. Whilst many of the original character traits are retained - Thomas is still a decorated war hero, still heart-led and charming, still reliant on friends for favors - the actor’s own interpretation of these qualities enables us to see Magnum through an entirely different lens. Less guarded, more convivial, equally easy on the eye, Hernandez’ new Magnum blends the very best of Selleck’s OG with his own captivating presence. The result? A twenty-first century version of an iconic character, no less loveable than his predecessor.
Juliet, Not Jonathan
Fans of the original series often cite the love-hate relationship between Magnum and Higgins as integral to the show’s longstanding success. Memorably portrayed by John Hillerman, British Army RSM (Regimental Sergeant Major) turned Hawaii estate manager Jonathan Quayle Higgins was the perfect foil for Magnum’s laid back private investigator. A generation apart with vastly different personalities, the two characters clashed continuously, and yet despite their wildly opposing views and constant disagreements formed an unlikely bond which fuel the show’s enduring popularity.
Perhaps the most inspired twist in the new series then is the casting of British actress Perdita Weeks in the role of Juliet Higgins. Whilst Weeks’ Juliet and Hillerman’s Jonathan have similar service backgrounds (both had spells with MI6 before assuming the role of major-domo at Robin’s Nest), the gender switch differentiates the reboot from the original series and adds an extra ingredient to the mix. By reimagining Higgins as a woman, show bosses not only bring a strong female voice to a series that’s historically been dominated by males, but also lay the foundations for a fiery, flirtatious dynamic between the two leads that proves an instant hit with fans.
Teamwork Makes the Dream Work!
Whilst the original series regularly saw Thomas assisted by his war buddies Rick and TC, the reboot bolsters Magnum’s Ohana by beefing up the roles of the ex-Marines and introducing (or reintroducing) a number of other recurring characters that essentially serve as our hero’s extended family. These include Kumu (Amy Hill) - the Cultural Curator at Robin’s Nest where Magnum and Higgins reside, Shammy (Christopher Thornton) - a fellow veteran befriended by Rick and TC in the show’s first season, Jin - a former pickpocket played by comedian Bobby Lee, and most notably Gordon ‘Gordie’ Katsumoto (Tim Kang) - the Honolulu Police Detective who eventually warms to Magnum’s charms despite initially been irritated by his perceived interference in open cases.
As well as possessing the requisite skills to help Magnum with his cases, chopper pilot TC (Stephen Hill) and bar owner Rick (Zachary Knighton) bring light hearted banter and a sense of brotherhood that builds on the friendship the three characters shared in the original series. Owing perhaps to Selleck and Hernandez’ different physiques - at 6 feet 4 inches the former towered over his two pals whilst the latter is the shortest of his troop - the modern relationship between Magnum and his friends feels warmer, closer, more supportive some how. Don’t get me wrong, Hernandez’ Magnum still kicks ass in a physical fight, but there’s a vulnerability to his portrayal that yields a more protective response from his buddies; these guys have each other’s backs; they will literally do anything for each other, and watching that kind of friendship play out on the television screen each week is sure to bring a smile to anybody’s face.
If It Ain’t Broke, Don’t Fix It
Remaking a classic television show is never easy - stay too true to the source material and you’re labelled a copycat; deviate too much and your work is unrecognisable as a reboot. With Magnum PI 2018 creators seem to have struck the perfect balance by retaining much of what made the 1980s series so successful, whilst implementing just enough in the way of change to ensure that their version feels fresh and original. We still have the much-loved voiceover commentary, the red Ferrari, the Dobermans, the iconic theme tune, the big name guest stars, the breathtakingly beautiful Hawaiian landscape. We still have the binding thread of friendship, the refreshing message that asking for help is a sign of strength not weakness, and the general vibe of positivity that differentiates this show from pretty much anything else on the TV schedule. But we have new stuff too! A Latino lead heading a more ethnically diverse cast, a host of strong female characters and a team of talented writers whose stories pay homage to the original whist simultaneously propelling the series into the 21st century.
So whether you’ve never heard of the charming private investigator in paradise, or you’re a loyal fan of the original who’s so far resisted the temptation to try out the reboot, this version of Magnum PI is the perfect antidote to our busy lives!