Reboot vs. Original: Which ‘Magnum P.I.’ Is Better?

TV Insider Staff
8 Comments
Magnum PI -Jay Hernandez, Tom Selleck - Magnum PI -Jay Hernandez, Tom Selleck
CBS

Yup, reboots are very much in. Just try watching TV without stumbling on a souped-up new version of some long bygone hit (see: Dynasty, Hawaii Five-0, etc.). Now CBS has resurrected its 1980–88 smash Magnum, P.I., about a beach-loving, awfully hirsute and surprisingly competent Hawaii-based sleuth.

Here, two writers make a case for their preferred gumshoe: the original, played by Tom Selleck, or the update, with Jay Hernandez.

Behind the Scenes of the 'Magnum P.I.' Reboot With the Cast & Crew (PHOTOS)
Related

Behind the Scenes of the 'Magnum P.I.' Reboot With the Cast & Crew (PHOTOS)

New Magnum

"Death is Only Temporary" - An aging tychoon suffering from dementia (guest star Ben Vereen) asks Magnum to find his lost love who recently contacted him - only problem is that she died thirty years ago. Also, Rick and TC meet a fellow vet who is having a hard time adjusting to civilian life, on MAGNUM P.I., Monday, Oct. 15 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Jay Hernandez as Thomas Magnum Photo: Karen Neal/CBS ©2018 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved8

Let’s get this out of the way: Jay Hernandez is not Tom Selleck. But that’s not a bad thing. Casting him was one of many smart moves that executive producer Peter Lenkov did in freshening up — not copying — the original series. And what Hernandez lacks in ’stache, he makes up for in wit and charm, characteristics that are paramount in defining the private investigator.

His tight-knit crew (and former Marine buddies) — helicopter tour guide TC (Stephen Hill) and beach club owner Rick (Zachary Knighton) — are also welcome: They provide not only crime-solving support but also comic relief in their group bantering.

But the relationship that has to work for the show to succeed is the one between Magnum and Higgins, the majordomo of novelist Robin Masters’s Hawaii estate, where our hero handles security. Like Selleck, the late John Hillerman could never be duplicated. In this version, Higgins is a woman (Perdita Weeks), a fun twist. Though still adversarial, Higgins and Magnum have a delicious will-they-or-won’t-they layer that didn’t exist before. — Jim Halterman

Tom Selleck Weighs In on the 'Magnum P.I.' Reboot — And If He'll Make a Cameo
Related

Tom Selleck Weighs In on the 'Magnum P.I.' Reboot — And If He'll Make a Cameo

Old Magnum

(CBS via Getty Images)

Let’s get this out of the way: A man is not his mustache. And the bush that’s sat on Tom Selleck’s lip for more than 40 years has no bearing on his Thomas Magnum. Likewise, Hernandez’s baby stubble doesn’t hurt his version (OK, maybe a little).

But what Magnum No. 1 will always have over his successor is a heavy backstory that gave his antics (and Hawaiian shirts) a little more meaning. The show’s cocreators, Donald P. Bellisario and Glen A. Larson, forged the character in response to the popular portrayal of Vietnam vets in the 1970s as ruined men — mentally and physically — who couldn’t or wouldn’t re-enter civilian life. But Magnum thrives in everyday society. (Yes, Hernandez’s Magnum is also an ex–Navy SEAL, but it’s a character device, not a statement.)

And no disrespect to Perdita Weeks, who portrays caretaker Higgins on the new series, but the verbal sparring between the PI and Higgins (John Hillerman) on the original can’t be equaled by any other man, woman, Alexa, Siri… — Aubry D’Arminio

(The original airs Sundays at 10/9c on Cozi TV and streams on the Starz app.)

Magnum P.I., Mondays, 9/8c, CBS

Magnum P.I. (2018)Magnum, P.I. (1980)Jay HernandezTom Selleck



Conversation8 Comments

Please read the TV Insider Community Guidelines.

Comments are closed on this story.

  1. O

    OrangePin

    The new show is terribly bland, Rick and TC are barely in it, there is no chemistry between the two leads, and adding a will-they-won't-they to a show is the laziest, most overplayed, and cliched move a show runner can make. A critic treating such a generic and common plot device as a "delicious" addition to a show really questions their credibility.

    13

  2. G

    GreenHat

    I liked the original series and I like the new series for different reasons. I have so far watched all the episodes and hope the new series does well The only concern is that with a female Higgins... is there going to be sexual tension there? ...and will it enhance or take from the new series? The dynamic/conflict between Magnum and Higgins in the original series was one of the things that separated it from all the rest of the cop/investigator series out there. Not sure if it would still be Magnum PI without that dynamic.

    3

    1. R

      RedCupcake

      I feel the same about MacGayver.... both are good shows, but for different reasons. The new one is really NOTHING like the old one, but that's okay. (I didn't even like all seasons of the "original flavor" MacGyver, so.....)

      Anyway, as for Magnum and Higgins, you JUST KNOW that there will be tension between them. It seems that TV shows can't be written in this country with a male+female lead having some "will they or won't they" kind of deal, and usually having them end up together. (I think Elementary is finally going to buck that trend, but it's prevalent everywhere else.)

  3. B

    BlueChefHat

    I like the characters, the interactions are humorous and without being loud and obnoxious; Magnum P.I. was never meant to go in that direction. As with all shows it takes a while to make minor script and character adjustments. I like the fact there are few, if any weapons or explosions- just good clean fun, humour and adventure and I like seeing the characters explore areas of beautiful Hawaii -this adds to the quality of the show. I prefer Magnum to the new Hawaii 5-0 which relies on the 'safe' formula of big guns, big explosions, too much CGI and a few unbelievable characters. The Jack Lord Hawaii 5-0 was much better in this respect.
    Jay Hernandez is doing a great job as Magnum #2. I like Amy Hill and her character, she is the right person for a new character who was not on the first Magnum. Magnum original and Magnum new? Both good.

    2

  4. O

    OrangeStrawberry

    I remember Selleck's Magnum being Navy Intelligence, not SEALs. I like the new Magnum, and liked the old Magnum. I watched a few shows of the new McGyver, yet found it lacking in many ways and left it. The 9th episode of the new Magnum, for me, is its best at the moment.

    1

  5. G

    GreenElephant

    I only watched a few eps of the original, have yet to watch any of the new version...

    1

  6. O

    OliveSnow

    Both series are enjoyable and fun....the first Magnum will always be a classic iconic series...as with the original Five-0. The cast and show will always have a special place in pop culture and fans hearts. The New Magnum , like the new Hawaii Five 0, brings a new look and a hard working cast that have their own stories and carry on the original series TV traditions that makes both franchises a joy to watch in 21st century Hawaii.

    1

  7. C

    CyanCoathanger

    I don't really like either of them.