‘Magnum P.I.’ Recap: ‘Number One with a Bullet’

Written by John Edward Betancourt 

MAGNUM P.I. -- "Number One with a Bullet" Episode 503 -- Pictured: (l-r) Stephen Hill as Theodore "TC" Calvin, Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum -- (Photo by: Zack Dougan/NBC)

Caution: This article contains spoilers for Episode 503 of ‘Magnum P.I.’ To revisit the Season Five Premiere, click here.

​When we think of the benefits of the fresh start, we immediately think of what it does for people and rightfully so. For we are the ones that are oft in need of a change of scenery or a shake-up in our lives. To find fresh direction and focus and whatever else the reset button can provide us with. But what’s fascinating about the fresh start, is that it and its unique benefits are no longer exclusive to people. Because this era of peak television, where shows now switch networks and are given their own fresh start… is allowing for writers and actors and anyone associated with the show to enjoy all the perks of this wondrous notion, and for proof… then look no further than this week’s episode of Magnum P.I. on NBC. 
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Because not only did this episode further expand on the serialized connective plot thread introduced last week, something new to the show this season (more on that in a bit), but it also… opted to dig deep into some fascinating thematic concepts. Granted, themes are no stranger to this series in the slightest, since we oft find lessons regarding the cases that Magnum and Higgins, and the crew solve, but we really haven’t seen the series do what it did here. Since it took the time to really explore the nature of treachery and how those who indulge in it, cannot be trusted and how it can find anyone at any time… since it spreads like an infection, and it accomplished this feat by way of two key storylines in ‘Number One with a Bullet’. One of which, involved Gordon. Whose journey in this story, explored the latter aspect of treachery, courtesy of a gig he took to pay the bills. 

For he took a private security job with mega singing star Rae Song and what seemed like a run of the mill, stand around security gig, turned out to be quite the challenge. Thanks to an unruly fan that injured him and a bevy of revelations about Rae’s record label and her security team, that came to light while Gordon was recovering. In that, they murdered that fan and were ready to murder Rae, for they worked for an organized crime syndicate, and the label was funded by the same individuals and since Rae was ready to leave her label and move out on her own, they were ready terminate more than her contract, and this came at the blessing of her mother… who stood to lose out the most cash wise. Making it clear that money tends to fuel treachery often and that can truly inspire people we trust, to betray us, and while her story ended happy thanks to Gordon, it was a fine exploration of treachery none the less.

One that was wonderfully bookended by Magnum and Higgins’ story in this tale. For Juliet went to help Rick in some business matters for the bar, only to be pulled into a murder plot, with a kidnapping chaser to maintain their silence. Which Rick’s friend, Kona, set in motion by not delivering on a super rare type of whiskey to the very individuals now interested in whisking Juliet and Rick away for knowing too much. Which of course, meant that Thomas and TC had to step in and help and through their travels around the island, they came to learn that this whole mess came to fruition, by the one of the men searching for this whiskey. Because they got a little greedy and took matters into their own hands to cover their tracks and ensure their own cut of the goods, and lied and manipulated their partner as needed to further ensure that payout. An act they clearly had taken part in before, to their benefit, no doubt. But of course, Magnum and TC were able to save the day in a supremely creative and poetic manner. One that reminded us that once a person goes down the path of treachery, they rarely come back and can never be trusted again. Since it becomes their nature.

Which really was some lovely commentary on treachery to say the least and it really was quite amazing to find here and spoke volumes to how season five really is going to take full advantage of this fresh start, by taking this series into new territory from time to time, and push the storytelling envelope whenever it can, and the wonder of this tale… didn’t end there. After all, the whole matter with Captain Greene was expanded upon here. Since we came to learn that the former commander of this crack team of specialists, did everything he could to protect their identities for now and figured out how to warn them as well. Setting the stage for a grand side investigation on Magnum’s part, to head off whatever they have planned. All of which, made for one engaging tale. One that gave us plenty to chew upon and plenty to look forward to and truly, it will be interesting to see what other surprises await us as this fresh start season continues along. Until next time.  

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