Written by John Edward Betancourt
Caution: This article contains spoilers for the Series Finale of ‘Magnum P.I.’ To revisit the show’s Penultimate Episode, click here.
A little over five years ago, something quite incredible happened on television. In that, the decision was made to bring the iconic series, Magnum P.I., back to life and that decision raised some eyebrows. For Thomas Magum’s original adventures were so fun and so iconic, that a return might struggle to win over viewers. Not to mention, the pressure that would be upon the man that replaced Tom Selleck would be extraordinary. But series showrunner David Guggenheim had a special vision in mind for the show, one that would provide a sense of nostalgia while taking the franchise in a bold and fun new direction and well… by sticking to his vision something special happened. In that, new life was indeed injected into this saga, and the casting of Jay Hernandez and Perdita Weeks as Thomas Magnum and Juliet Higgins, instead of Jonathan Higgins, allowed for them to never have to try and out do what Selleck and John Hillerman put forth in the original and well… just like that… we climbed aboard an amazing ride. One that paid the original show proper tribute while forging its own path, one that drew us in deeply and our loyalty to it, allowed for the show to run for multiple years, across two networks, even. But alas, all good things must come to an end and after a wondrous five-year run, last night we had to say goodbye to this show and the joy it brings us and well, since the show’s cancellation came about during the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes, we simply didn’t know how the series was going to end. For there were no reshoots or extensions to bring this to a specific close. But as it turned out, what Mister Guggenheim put together for this twenty-episode final season on NBC, worked quite well for a series finale. For ‘Ashes to Ashes’ and ‘The Big Squeeze’ offered up the right kinds of farewell moments for the characters. The kind that felt akin to a closing of a chapter. For instance, Kumu made peace with her past in this two-hour finale, by helping others no less and even found her way into ownership of the bar alongside Rick. Mainly because TC decided it was high time to take his business to the next level. Not to mention, even Rick found new direction and purpose again by getting his relationship back on track and these were all just wondrous moments to behold. The kind that really did offer closure.
All of which was of course, framed around some epic cases as well. Since there was a criminal mystery involving a faked death to free a convict for Higgins and Magnum to deal with, one that put them in the moral gray, which in turn put them in hot water with Bedrosian again. Since he worked to blackmail them to gain the upper hand in matters that spoke to deep corruption on the island. Which in turn forced Thomas and Juliet to make a tough decision about their own professional futures. For hiding the evidence, they half committed a crime was the only way to truly beat their foe. But letting that evidence out would do a lot of good, and they of course… chose the latter option. Setting the stage for a little tension with Bedrosian down the line… if the show had not been given its cancellation notice. Making that journey perhaps the only real thread left bare.
But outside of that, those wild cases helped to solidify Gordon’s role as mediator and true friend to this duo, and of course… allowed for him to keep rebuilding his future at HPD and well… these cases also allowed for that wondrous duo, to really set their love on a path at last. Because there was a moment in this finale where Juliet had to consider the very real possibility that Magnum would want to commit to a life with her, and that she might not be one-hundred-percent ready for that. Which made her nervous because she wanted to be ready, she wanted this to work on the right terms and eventually she came to learn… it would. Since Thomas made it clear, they would take their time and grow and learn together until the moment was right to say ‘I do,’ and well… that is oddly… a great way to end this saga. Because it leaves our heroes, all of them, on the path to something wonderful and new. Filled with growth and new opportunities, while they undoubtedly continue on in our imaginations, saving the day and doing good deeds for those in need and while that ending isn’t perfect, since we don’t know if Robin Masters was someone within the cast a la the original, and what could come of Bedrosian’s vengeance… that’s okay. Because much like life, we don’t always get all the answers we seek and sometimes there is unfinished business and well… just like that… we’ve reached the end of this incredible journey. One that will stand tall for years on end because it is that rare remake/reboot that held a flame to the original while forging its own path. One where these characters were a true force for good and lifted our spirts up with their kindness during some genuinely trying times. Watch ‘Magnum P.I.’
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