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Mad Buck Gibson

Episode Screen Caps Episode ID: 27
Episode Number: 2.9
Air Date: 11/26/1981
Writer: Robert Hamilton
Director: Winrich Kolbe
Producers: Rick Weaver, Andrew Schneider
Exec Producer: Donald P. Bellisario

Guest Stars
Darren McGavin (Buck Gibson), Vera Miles (Joan Gibson), Wallace W. Landford (Jim), Jo Pruden (Dr. Jewell), Peter Kalua ("Gorilla")
Plot Outline
Magnum is asked by the ex-wife of the adventure-seeking author Mad Buck Gibson to keep him out of harm's way until she collects the alimony he owes her. But, this task proves to be difficult as Magnum learns that Mad Buck is harboring a secret that could be the reason for his self-destructive behavior.
Rating
8.5
(12 votes)MM Episode Forum Thread & Poll
Notes
1 This is the first of a handful of episodes to feature no "bad guys" or villians. Here, Magnum has his time filled trying to keep daredevil Mad Buck from seriously hurting himself!

2 Mad Buck Gibson will be referenced by T.C. in the Season Six episode "The Treasure of Kalaniopu'u" (6.9).

3 Gillian Dobb makes an uncredited appearance as Nola Barnes, a friend of Higgins' (and fellow "beach croquet" player). Dobb will play two more minor characters, a hotel desk clerk in "The Elmo Ziller Story" (2.21) and Mabel (another friend of Higgins') in "Ki'i's Don't Lie" (3.3), before beginning her more familiar role as the reccurring character Agatha Chumley, who will first be seen in Season Three's "Black on White" (3.6).

4 Magnum has a little speech where he tells Mad Buck that baseball really only lasts a summer (however long that summer is). Magnum says his dad gave him that advice after he was passed over by major league scouts. Two seasons later, in "Home From the Sea" (4.1), Magnum is still a kid when his dad is killed. (Noted by Shermy)

5 Lots of physical pain in this episode. Higgins is sent to the hospital with a seperated shoulder, two cracked ribs, a slight concussion and 2nd degree abrasions. Ricks gets beat up (again) and has his jaw wired shut. Mad Buck hurts his leg and breaks his arm. All three spend time in the hospital.

6 The hang gliding scene at the end was filmed at a popular hang gliding spot on Kamehame Ridge, which is very close to the Anderson Estate [map]. This exact same location will later be used for the climactic scene in Season Four's "The Look" (4.9). (Noted by Sam)
Quotes
1
Magnum: You know, there's some quotations that would make good rules to live by, for instance "never drive behind an old man wearing a hat", or another, "it's always brightest just before the storm". If I'd have remembered that one, I'd have really been on my guard, because the afternoon it all started, was a truly beautiful day. (Narration)

2
(Buck is driving the Ferrari recklessly)
Magnum: I was looking at several very grim possibilities involving the destruction of Buck, the Ferrari, innocent by-standers, and any combination thereof. (Narration)
Flubs
1 When Mad Buck leans his walking stick against a chair at the bar, the stick can be seen moving on it's own! The stick continues to move on it's own until it is out of the shot. Maybe Mad Buck picked up a magic walking stick during one of his adventures.

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