Is Jonathan Higgins Robin Masters?

[midnightx]

Clearly the final determination as to whether it would be revealed that Higgins was Robin Masters at the end of the series was not determined and planned out at beginning of the series. Without putting too much thought into it, it seems as though the writers originally conceived that Higgins was simply Higgins and Masters was Masters. There are various examples during the first half of the series where the Season 8 revealing makes little sense. As the show evolved and Wells died, it made it easier and perhaps more compelling to move towards the direction that Higgins may have indeed been Masters all along; but again, the events from the first few seasons that separate Higgins and Masters are hard to overcome (particularly in J Digger Doyle episode).

On some level, I like the concept that Higgins was secretly Robin Masters, but it is hard for me to overlook the details from first few seasons. While the idea that Higgins hired some guy to jet set around the world acting like a flamboyant, extravagant, wealthy, playboy to help define the persona of author Robin Masters is not entirely inconceivable, the idea that he would have this character call Higgins and make certain demands and requests seems a bit odd (unless you believe Higgins' assertions that he did it to keep Magnum on his toes knowing that Magnum was secretly trying to listen). I can see Higgins having this hired character call Magnum or even meet with Magnum occasionally so that the estate's security consultant would also be someone who could confirm there was a Robin Masters, but it still seems to me that the show did not originally intend to have Higgins be Robin Masters, and therefore, the concept seems a bit unconvincing as much as I like the concept.

But, at the end of the day, when it comes to television series from previous eras and the development of those story lines and characters, it isn't always good to overanalyze it. It probably comes down to each individual fan and how they want to remember it, and how they would prefer it to be.

[Doc Ibold]

But, at the end of the day, when it comes to television series from previous eras and the development of those story lines and characters, it isn't always good to overanalyze it. It probably comes down to each individual fan and how they want to remember it, and how they would prefer it to be.

Love this quote, because I feel the exact same way. I think everyone on the forum prefers to remember Magnum in their own way, and different episodes and themes resonate differently with each of us. For instance, I don't mind the sport themed episodes all that much simply because I think the guys said "Hey, let's go play some softball or volleyball or football and make an episode about it" I secretly suspect the actual sports scenes took longer to film simply because they were having fun with it. And it's no secret that I have a soft spot for Birdman of Budapest simply because of Higgins slowly losing his grip throughout the episode.. Even though it's arguably one of the more patently absurd plots in the series and one of the more cited "Higgins is not Robin Masters" episodes.

To each their own, I say!

[EZiller]

Absolutely agree that the idea of Higgins being RM's ghost writer was not something they originally intended but a gimmick they hit on a bit later down the road.

[Styles Bitchley]

But, at the end of the day, when it comes to television series from previous eras and the development of those story lines and characters, it isn't always good to overanalyze it. It probably comes down to each individual fan and how they want to remember it, and how they would prefer it to be.

Exactly!

[EZiller]

One more thought-I think the reason they went with this and why it would have any plausibility at all was because the writers changed direction with Higgins character during the first season. Instead of just having him portray Higgins as the major-domo who was stiff, autocratic and rather humorless…they realized that Hillerman was an incredible actor and they had limitless possibilities of what they could do with Higgins character, given his extensive career resume and his background. For me the scenes with Higgins are usually the highlight of every episode.

[midnightx]

One more thought-I think the reason they went with this and why it would have any plausibility at all was because the writers changed direction with Higgins character during the first season. Instead of just having him portray Higgins as the major-domo who was stiff, autocratic and rather humorless…they realized that Hillerman was an incredible actor and they had limitless possibilities of what they could do with Higgins character, given his extensive career resume and his background. For me the scenes with Higgins are usually the highlight of every episode.

Agreed. And it certainly was an intriguing story line to develop; the issue however becomes the contradictions in early episodes that would make it very unlikely that Higgins was Masters. If those can be overlooked as imperfections before the writers were able to fully develop the direction of the show, then the Higgins as Masters story line becomes more credible as the series progresses.

[Higgins (aka Bondtoys)]

Watching 'J Digger Doyle' tonight.

Higgins taping his resignation while in the Audi.
Why would he do this if he was Masters?

[Styles Bitchley]

Watching 'J Digger Doyle' tonight.

Higgins taping his resignation while in the Audi.
Why would he do this if he was Masters?

Good one, Bond!

[Higgins (aka Bondtoys)]

Thanks, Styles,

It seems that I am on a run

[The Birdman]

Watching 'J Digger Doyle' tonight.

Higgins taping his resignation while in the Audi.
Why would he do this if he was Masters?

Yes, why would he do that? That is exactly what people would ask later when they hear the resignation. It would pretty well prove he was not robin masters. All part of the elaberate hoax. Or not.

[eagle]

I finished my first run through of my DVDs last night, and I agree with those who believe that Higgins is not Robin. The writers certainly had fun with that plot line toward the end of the series, and it's certainly fun to think about.

I loved Higgins's comment at the marriage ceremony.

[Mrs. Higgins]

As much as it pains me to admit it, I don't believe Higgins is Robin Masters. I clung to the notion that Higgins paid someone to be Robin until I re-watched "Deja Vu" today. There's a scene where Higgins takes a call from Robin who asked if the party arrangements at Robin's Keep were in order. There's nobody else in the room for him to fool. So it's with a heavy heart that I admit...Higgins isn't Robin.

[BWheelz54]

I can't help it. I have to jump into the classic "Is Higgins Robin Masters Debate."

If you follow the show's logic, especially when Bellasario was really still leading the parade, I think there's absolutely no doubt, at all, that Robin and Higgins are two separate characters. Higgins and Robin share the shot on too many instances. There are episodes that just do not work at all if Higgins is Robin, for instance the episode - title eludes me at the moment - when a spy disguises herself as Robin's high school English teacher, or the episode where Robin gambles the estate over a softball game. I definitely agree that Robin and Higgins are written as very separate characters early on in the show.

However, I will admit that I prefer to imagine that Robin Masters is Higgins' pen name by the end of the series. I think someone got the idea that a whole new string of possible story ideas might be opened if the show could convince viewers that Higgins was the true writer of all those books. Higgins is always at the typewriter. I think a new level of intrigue might've been opened as Higgins explains perhaps why he assumed the false identity. I like to imagine all kinds of flashback episodes opening up. I watch the show to see Higgins as much as I watch it to see Magnum. He's really one of my favorite characters anywhere, and I love the idea that he's got this rich storyline in the background as the famous Robin Masters, that he lives on that estate to get away from it all to concentrate on his books, a task Magnum distracts him from on so many occasions.

I just take that leap of imagination. Honestly, I just suspend my logic, and let it go so that Higgins, in my viewings, is indeed Robin Masters. I don't at all feel guilty about this, because if my favorite show can reuse the same actors time and time and time again for different characters, then I feel I can ignore all the proof and logic and see Higgins and Robin as the same person. In those episodes, like Digger Doyle, when Higgins and Robin seem to share the spotlight, I just laugh and say, "oh, look, there's that body double Higgins hires to play Robin Masters again." It's silly, but it's how I enjoy the show. Guess you can say I'm taking some viewer liberties with the Magnumverse. Hope the pure-bloods can forgive me for doing so.

[Turkey]

I can't help it. I have to jump into the classic "Is Higgins Robin Masters Debate."

If you follow the show's logic, especially when Bellasario was really still leading the parade, I think there's absolutely no doubt, at all, that Robin and Higgins are two separate characters. Higgins and Robin share the shot on too many instances. There are episodes that just do not work at all if Higgins is Robin, for instance the episode - title eludes me at the moment - when a spy disguises herself as Robin's high school English teacher, or the episode where Robin gambles the estate over a softball game. I definitely agree that Robin and Higgins are written as very separate characters early on in the show.

However, I will admit that I prefer to imagine that Robin Masters is Higgins' pen name by the end of the series. I think someone got the idea that a whole new string of possible story ideas might be opened if the show could convince viewers that Higgins was the true writer of all those books. Higgins is always at the typewriter. I think a new level of intrigue might've been opened as Higgins explains perhaps why he assumed the false identity. I like to imagine all kinds of flashback episodes opening up. I watch the show to see Higgins as much as I watch it to see Magnum. He's really one of my favorite characters anywhere, and I love the idea that he's got this rich storyline in the background as the famous Robin Masters, that he lives on that estate to get away from it all to concentrate on his books, a task Magnum distracts him from on so many occasions.

I just take that leap of imagination. Honestly, I just suspend my logic, and let it go so that Higgins, in my viewings, is indeed Robin Masters. I don't at all feel guilty about this, because if my favorite show can reuse the same actors time and time and time again for different characters, then I feel I can ignore all the proof and logic and see Higgins and Robin as the same person. In those episodes, like Digger Doyle, when Higgins and Robin seem to share the spotlight, I just laugh and say, "oh, look, there's that body double Higgins hires to play Robin Masters again." It's silly, but it's how I enjoy the show. Guess you can say I'm taking some viewer liberties with the Magnumverse. Hope the pure-bloods can forgive me for doing so.

Agreed, it's a bit of fun to think Higgins & Robin are one and the same for me too


It actually leads to one of my all-time favourite Higgins moment, when he stirs Magnum up during the last episode 'admitting' to being Robin then taking it back

[Styles Bitchley]

Watching 'J Digger Doyle' tonight.

Higgins taping his resignation while in the Audi.
Why would he do this if he was Masters?

Was just rereading this thread from the beginning and noticed Kenji noted the Audi scene on page 1.

I think Higgins is not R.M. based on a few episodes, one being J. Digger Doyle where he is giving Robin his resignation over the Audi's tape recorder /dictaphone just before the ambush. If you are the real Robin why would you take this step, as there is no real need. Which means you would be leaving your own house and the front you have carefully put together and going where....Robin's chalet or..? Also Magnum has so much access to info. via Maggie, Mack (until Ivan came along) and being a world class private investigator that it should be easy for him to find out something as simple as this. I loved they played this guessing game with us, but at the end of the day my vote is no.