Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

For all non-episode specific topics about the show, including MPI-related "tie-ins"

Moderator: Styles Bitchley

Message
Author
BWheelz54
Admiral
Posts: 189
Joined: Sat Apr 12, 2014 5:24 am
Location: Hillsboro, Illinois

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#11 Post by BWheelz54 »

I never felt like Magnum had a drinking problem while I was watching any of these episodes. However, this thread has gotten me to think a little bit about the Magnum we never really got to know very well through the show. I'm thinking of the Magnum that returns immediately after the war, and I wonder what kind of state he might've been in then, and how those years might impact a question like this. I want to remember some clue - maybe something TC says about Magnum and drinking in that scene in season 5's "Mac's Back," where Magnum is drowning his sorrows on the beach with that bottle of booze - that implies Magnum may have had a drinking problem before the series starts. I've always thought that scene was totally out of character for Magnum, but maybe that drinking binge wasn't so totally out of character if the clues given in the series paint the Magnum immediately back from the war as a very troubled individual. There were also several references throughout the show that Magnum did indeed to through some hard times coming home. And we do know that TC had a drinking problem when he first returned home from the war.

I do wonder a little of we are encouraged to see Magnum as a character on the brink of slipping back into some of those problems he brought back home. Could a drinking problem be included with this? And if so, does that add a whole new layer of risk whenever Magnum takes a playful pull from Higgins' brandy, or goes through a six pack or two watching the Army/Navy game? I wonder if that would go with that theme of healing that I've always thought at the heart of all the episodes.

So, I have to admit that I kinda rolled my eyes a bit when I saw this thread first posted. But know what? It's a good thread, because I think there might be something there if you dig a bit. I'm not sure, but the thread has got me thinking.

Rands
Rear Admiral
Posts: 97
Joined: Sat May 30, 2015 8:46 pm

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#12 Post by Rands »

Speaking in the first person, I can tell you, I often had a few drinks in the Officer's Club, after a difficult deployment, training maneuvers, etc. In many of the units in which I served, it was both a form of stress relief, bonding, and a forum for junior officers to to work a few things out.

In the form of stress relief, I could laugh at dangerous experiences, which were often no laughing matter. I can't tell you how many times after the "lubrication" of several adult beverages, that my compatriots and I could laugh at my vehicle being engaged in another fratricide incident, me nearly being vaporized with a demolition accident, or laugh how fast I could run when being shot at. My thoughts from those times are that I could have given Usain Bolt a run for his money, even with a basic combat load!

During that assignment, I had a friend come to my aid, after the engine in my armored reconnaissance vehicle blew up. I, and everyone there, thought we had taken a hit from an artillery or mortar round, and between the flames, smoke, and me dragging my driver along with me, thought I had indeed set a new world sprint record for the nearest bit of cover. He remarked that maybe we needed a little live fire for our APFT Army Physical Fitness Test, to ensure passing scores for all. A few weeks afterwards, we all laughed about it at the Club.

For bonding, each and every unit has what were known as "Hails and Farewells", where incoming and outgoing personnel, would have the chance to give their hellos or goodbyes. Again, the lubrication of a few adult beverages, made the event a little easier. If you were in the military long enough, coming into a unit you would know several people, and a few drinks to renew a friendship, was good for everyone there. For Farewells, it was a time to say goodbye to those leaving, and to the spouses as well. For those soldiers who had given their all, it was a time for remembrance.

And, it was an opportunity to work a few things out, rather than stepping out behind the Battalion Headquarters. I had been known to do the latter, as well as the former. Often, it was a misunderstanding, or something that had been blown out of proportion, that in a different setting could be seen, as not the problem everyone thought it was.

It was indeed part of the culture of a very stressful occupation, that holds true with both law enforcement and firefighters. It was often a very necessary part of being able to deal with your Command, soldiers, missions, etc. So, in a long winded, first person account, I certainly don't think that Magnum had a problem.

User avatar
ConchRepublican
COZITV Magnum, P.I. SuperFan / Chief Barkeep - Flemingo Key
Posts: 2994
Joined: Fri May 30, 2008 6:19 pm
Location: Flemingo Key
Contact:

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#13 Post by ConchRepublican »

Rands wrote:Speaking in the first person, I can tell you, I often had a few drinks in the Officer's Club, after a difficult deployment, training maneuvers, etc. In many of the units in which I served, it was both a form of stress relief, bonding, and a forum for junior officers to to work a few things out.

In the form of stress relief, I could laugh at dangerous experiences, which were often no laughing matter. I can't tell you how many times after the "lubrication" of several adult beverages, that my compatriots and I could laugh at my vehicle being engaged in another fratricide incident, me nearly being vaporized with a demolition accident, or laugh how fast I could run when being shot at. My thoughts from those times are that I could have given Usain Bolt a run for his money, even with a basic combat load!

During that assignment, I had a friend come to my aid, after the engine in my armored reconnaissance vehicle blew up. I, and everyone there, thought we had taken a hit from an artillery or mortar round, and between the flames, smoke, and me dragging my driver along with me, thought I had indeed set a new world sprint record for the nearest bit of cover. He remarked that maybe we needed a little live fire for our APFT Army Physical Fitness Test, to ensure passing scores for all. A few weeks afterwards, we all laughed about it at the Club.

For bonding, each and every unit has what were known as "Hails and Farewells", where incoming and outgoing personnel, would have the chance to give their hellos or goodbyes. Again, the lubrication of a few adult beverages, made the event a little easier. If you were in the military long enough, coming into a unit you would know several people, and a few drinks to renew a friendship, was good for everyone there. For Farewells, it was a time to say goodbye to those leaving, and to the spouses as well. For those soldiers who had given their all, it was a time for remembrance.

And, it was an opportunity to work a few things out, rather than stepping out behind the Battalion Headquarters. I had been known to do the latter, as well as the former. Often, it was a misunderstanding, or something that had been blown out of proportion, that in a different setting could be seen, as not the problem everyone thought it was.

It was indeed part of the culture of a very stressful occupation, that holds true with both law enforcement and firefighters. It was often a very necessary part of being able to deal with your Command, soldiers, missions, etc. So, in a long winded, first person account, I certainly don't think that Magnum had a problem.

Rands, first and foremost, thank you for your service. I and my family appreciate you and your family's sacrifices. It sounds like you did more than late night watch at Great Lakes.

Thank you for your 1st hand account and experiences of the bonding in military life. Your explanation was how I took Magnum's drinking but couldn't find a way to articulate it, especially not being a member of the armed forces. I never saw it as a problem or concern and someone who has had the experiences and experienced the losses Thomas has I would think would be expected to have a few down days now and then. Now, were he found shooting smack in some alley on Hotel Street, that would be something different. :-)
CoziTV Superfan spot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPTmsykLQ04

User avatar
Luther's nephew Dobie
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1245
Joined: Thu May 30, 2013 4:16 am
Location: Swamps of Jersey

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#14 Post by Luther's nephew Dobie »

SignGuyHPW wrote:This may be a sensitive topic, but I have often wondered about this. Throughout the series Magnum was often shown drinking or hungover. In "Mac's Back" he had kept himself in a drunken stupor for weeks on end. He was always raiding the wine cellar or putting drinks on Robin's tab at the club. When he got stood up he switched from beer to scotch. Were we to gather that Thomas Magnum had an alcohol problem or was he supposed to be a moderate drinker that would occasionally over imbibe?
SignGuy,
All things considered, I always thought Magnum's and his buddies' drinking wasn't realistically portrayed. They should have been drinking a whole lot more.
CBS historically being the "family" oriented network that also drew a large share of older and rural viewers likely factored in to the boys not being shown boozing the way single young men did in the 1980's.
The culture has changed a lot since then, men of the 20th century adhered to a different code of ethics and mores, rightly or wrongly.
Magnum and the boys would have been bar hopping most every weekend Mad Buck Gibson style, chasing not just the local women but also female tourists from around the world flocking to Hawaii.
Of course now a days young "men" spend their time chasing Pokemon monsters instead.

User avatar
ConchRepublican
COZITV Magnum, P.I. SuperFan / Chief Barkeep - Flemingo Key
Posts: 2994
Joined: Fri May 30, 2008 6:19 pm
Location: Flemingo Key
Contact:

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#15 Post by ConchRepublican »

Luther's nephew Dobie wrote:
SignGuyHPW wrote:This may be a sensitive topic, but I have often wondered about this. Throughout the series Magnum was often shown drinking or hungover. In "Mac's Back" he had kept himself in a drunken stupor for weeks on end. He was always raiding the wine cellar or putting drinks on Robin's tab at the club. When he got stood up he switched from beer to scotch. Were we to gather that Thomas Magnum had an alcohol problem or was he supposed to be a moderate drinker that would occasionally over imbibe?
SignGuy,
All things considered, I always thought Magnum's and his buddies' drinking wasn't realistically portrayed. They should have been drinking a whole lot more.
CBS historically being the "family" oriented network that also drew a large share of older and rural viewers likely factored in to the boys not being shown boozing the way single young men did in the 1980's.
The culture has changed a lot since then, men of the 20th century adhered to a different code of ethics and mores, rightly or wrongly.
Magnum and the boys would have been bar hopping most every weekend Mad Buck Gibson style, chasing not just the local women but also female tourists from around the world flocking to Hawaii.
Of course now a days young "men" spend their time chasing Pokemon monsters instead.
Game, set and match folks. This one's over. :lol:
CoziTV Superfan spot
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qPTmsykLQ04

User avatar
Luther's nephew Dobie
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1245
Joined: Thu May 30, 2013 4:16 am
Location: Swamps of Jersey

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#16 Post by Luther's nephew Dobie »

ConchRepublican wrote:
Luther's nephew Dobie wrote:
SignGuyHPW wrote:This may be a sensitive topic, but I have often wondered about this. Throughout the series Magnum was often shown drinking or hungover. In "Mac's Back" he had kept himself in a drunken stupor for weeks on end. He was always raiding the wine cellar or putting drinks on Robin's tab at the club. When he got stood up he switched from beer to scotch. Were we to gather that Thomas Magnum had an alcohol problem or was he supposed to be a moderate drinker that would occasionally over imbibe?
SignGuy,
All things considered, I always thought Magnum's and his buddies' drinking wasn't realistically portrayed. They should have been drinking a whole lot more.
CBS historically being the "family" oriented network that also drew a large share of older and rural viewers likely factored in to the boys not being shown boozing the way single young men did in the 1980's.
The culture has changed a lot since then, men of the 20th century adhered to a different code of ethics and mores, rightly or wrongly.
Magnum and the boys would have been bar hopping most every weekend Mad Buck Gibson style, chasing not just the local women but also female tourists from around the world flocking to Hawaii.
Of course now a days young "men" spend their time chasing Pokemon monsters instead.
Game, set and match folks. This one's over. :lol:
Hi Conchmeister,
Thank you for your kind words. Seeing as you are the "Chief Barkeep-Flemingo key" my Uncle Luther Gillis and me are raising our steins to you, a fellow traveler.
Unless of course you have gone on the wagon.
200 years ago when condemned prisoners were being taken to Newgate Prison to be hung, they were allowed to stop in at a pub for one last drink.
Just one mug, courtesy of the Crown.
Then they had to go back "on the wagon" to their execution, which meant not just their death but even worse no more beer.
Dobie Gillis
Don't ruin my whiskey with ice! I'm not a bloody American!
...Higgins

User avatar
Steve
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1852
Joined: Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:13 pm
Location: Chicago, Illinois

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#17 Post by Steve »

Hi Conchmeister,
Thank you for your kind words. Seeing as you are the "Chief Barkeep-Flemingo key" my Uncle Luther Gillis and me are raising our steins to you, a fellow traveler.
Unless of course you have gone on the wagon.
200 years ago when condemned prisoners were being taken to Newgate Prison to be hung, they were allowed to stop in at a pub for one last drink.
Just one mug, courtesy of the Crown.
Then they had to go back "on the wagon" to their execution, which meant not just their death but even worse no more beer.
Dobie Gillis
Don't ruin my whiskey with ice! I'm not a bloody American!
...Higgins[/quote]

Fascinating............Does it make any statement about some of us that it takes a thread about roistering to get into multiple posts :wink:

SignGuyHPW
Admiral
Posts: 191
Joined: Sun Apr 13, 2014 5:58 pm

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#18 Post by SignGuyHPW »

Luther's nephew Dobie wrote:
SignGuyHPW wrote:This may be a sensitive topic, but I have often wondered about this. Throughout the series Magnum was often shown drinking or hungover. In "Mac's Back" he had kept himself in a drunken stupor for weeks on end. He was always raiding the wine cellar or putting drinks on Robin's tab at the club. When he got stood up he switched from beer to scotch. Were we to gather that Thomas Magnum had an alcohol problem or was he supposed to be a moderate drinker that would occasionally over imbibe?
SignGuy,
All things considered, I always thought Magnum's and his buddies' drinking wasn't realistically portrayed. They should have been drinking a whole lot more.
CBS historically being the "family" oriented network that also drew a large share of older and rural viewers likely factored in to the boys not being shown boozing the way single young men did in the 1980's.
The culture has changed a lot since then, men of the 20th century adhered to a different code of ethics and mores, rightly or wrongly.
Magnum and the boys would have been bar hopping most every weekend Mad Buck Gibson style, chasing not just the local women but also female tourists from around the world flocking to Hawaii.
Of course now a days young "men" spend their time chasing Pokemon monsters instead.
Don't forget that TC had given up drinking shortly into the the first season so he'd not be drinking at all. Rick was usually shown as a social drinker. Magnum and Higgins both were shown to be drinkers. Higgins never shied away from having wine or scotch with his meals, but I doubt he was the type to go out drinking at a series of bars on a regular basis. From what we saw, I can imagine Magnum doing that, but that fits in with my original question.

User avatar
Styles Bitchley
Magnum Wristwatch Aficionado / Deputy SpamHammer
Posts: 2674
Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 12:15 pm
Location: Canada

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#19 Post by Styles Bitchley »

Rands wrote:Speaking in the first person, I can tell you, I often had a few drinks in the Officer's Club, after a difficult deployment, training maneuvers, etc. In many of the units in which I served, it was both a form of stress relief, bonding, and a forum for junior officers to to work a few things out.

In the form of stress relief, I could laugh at dangerous experiences, which were often no laughing matter. I can't tell you how many times after the "lubrication" of several adult beverages, that my compatriots and I could laugh at my vehicle being engaged in another fratricide incident, me nearly being vaporized with a demolition accident, or laugh how fast I could run when being shot at. My thoughts from those times are that I could have given Usain Bolt a run for his money, even with a basic combat load!

During that assignment, I had a friend come to my aid, after the engine in my armored reconnaissance vehicle blew up. I, and everyone there, thought we had taken a hit from an artillery or mortar round, and between the flames, smoke, and me dragging my driver along with me, thought I had indeed set a new world sprint record for the nearest bit of cover. He remarked that maybe we needed a little live fire for our APFT Army Physical Fitness Test, to ensure passing scores for all. A few weeks afterwards, we all laughed about it at the Club.

For bonding, each and every unit has what were known as "Hails and Farewells", where incoming and outgoing personnel, would have the chance to give their hellos or goodbyes. Again, the lubrication of a few adult beverages, made the event a little easier. If you were in the military long enough, coming into a unit you would know several people, and a few drinks to renew a friendship, was good for everyone there. For Farewells, it was a time to say goodbye to those leaving, and to the spouses as well. For those soldiers who had given their all, it was a time for remembrance.

And, it was an opportunity to work a few things out, rather than stepping out behind the Battalion Headquarters. I had been known to do the latter, as well as the former. Often, it was a misunderstanding, or something that had been blown out of proportion, that in a different setting could be seen, as not the problem everyone thought it was.

It was indeed part of the culture of a very stressful occupation, that holds true with both law enforcement and firefighters. It was often a very necessary part of being able to deal with your Command, soldiers, missions, etc. So, in a long winded, first person account, I certainly don't think that Magnum had a problem.
This was great to read. Thanks for taking the time to paint that picture and enlightening me.
"How fiendishly deceptive of you Magnum. I could have sworn I was hearing the emasculation of a large rodent."

- J.Q.H.

User avatar
KingKC
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 571
Joined: Mon Feb 29, 2016 10:16 pm
Location: Third World Country of Arkansas

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#20 Post by KingKC »

Luther's nephew Dobie wrote:
SignGuyHPW wrote:This may be a sensitive topic, but I have often wondered about this. Throughout the series Magnum was often shown drinking or hungover. In "Mac's Back" he had kept himself in a drunken stupor for weeks on end. He was always raiding the wine cellar or putting drinks on Robin's tab at the club. When he got stood up he switched from beer to scotch. Were we to gather that Thomas Magnum had an alcohol problem or was he supposed to be a moderate drinker that would occasionally over imbibe?
SignGuy,
All things considered, I always thought Magnum's and his buddies' drinking wasn't realistically portrayed. They should have been drinking a whole lot more.
CBS historically being the "family" oriented network that also drew a large share of older and rural viewers likely factored in to the boys not being shown boozing the way single young men did in the 1980's.
The culture has changed a lot since then, men of the 20th century adhered to a different code of ethics and mores, rightly or wrongly.
Magnum and the boys would have been bar hopping most every weekend Mad Buck Gibson style, chasing not just the local women but also female tourists from around the world flocking to Hawaii.
Of course now a days young "men" spend their time chasing Pokemon monsters instead.
Now that I think of it Sign Guy is correct. From the late Seventies to the mid Eighties discos and singles bars were the rage. I was single during that time and weekends were definitely made for barhopping and skirtchasing.

User avatar
Steve
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1852
Joined: Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:13 pm
Location: Chicago, Illinois

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#21 Post by Steve »

KingKC wrote:
Luther's nephew Dobie wrote:
SignGuyHPW wrote:This may be a sensitive topic, but I have often wondered about this. Throughout the series Magnum was often shown drinking or hungover. In "Mac's Back" he had kept himself in a drunken stupor for weeks on end. He was always raiding the wine cellar or putting drinks on Robin's tab at the club. When he got stood up he switched from beer to scotch. Were we to gather that Thomas Magnum had an alcohol problem or was he supposed to be a moderate drinker that would occasionally over imbibe?
SignGuy,
All things considered, I always thought Magnum's and his buddies' drinking wasn't realistically portrayed. They should have been drinking a whole lot more.
CBS historically being the "family" oriented network that also drew a large share of older and rural viewers likely factored in to the boys not being shown boozing the way single young men did in the 1980's.
The culture has changed a lot since then, men of the 20th century adhered to a different code of ethics and mores, rightly or wrongly.
Magnum and the boys would have been bar hopping most every weekend Mad Buck Gibson style, chasing not just the local women but also female tourists from around the world flocking to Hawaii.
Of course now a days young "men" spend their time chasing Pokemon monsters instead.
Now that I think of it Sign Guy is correct. From the late Seventies to the mid Eighties discos and singles bars were the rage. I was single during that time and weekends were definitely made for barhopping and skirtchasing.
Yep, I started in College the early seventies when many States lowered the drinking age to 18 and I hit them all..........College bars, Strip Bars, Discos, Fern Bars, live music venues and even up to the, uuugh, ultra lounges when I finally settled down. If I remember correctly the legal limit for blood alcohol back in the seventies and eighties was .18...My gosh were were heathens back then...... 8)

Mad Kudu Buck
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 414
Joined: Sun Sep 24, 2017 3:02 pm

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#22 Post by Mad Kudu Buck »

I'm sure people here have already seen Magnum P.I. - Pub Investigator (Drunk Opening) :D


youtu.be/OGDsgxKBgHE
Last edited by Mad Kudu Buck on Mon Apr 30, 2018 10:54 pm, edited 1 time in total.

User avatar
Steve
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1852
Joined: Fri Jul 27, 2007 3:13 pm
Location: Chicago, Illinois

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#23 Post by Steve »

Mad Kudu Buck wrote:I'm sure people here have already seen Magnum P.I. - Pub Investigator (Drunk Opening) :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGDsgxKBgHE
Now that's funny....Some of the comments are hilarious as well...............

User avatar
Styles Bitchley
Magnum Wristwatch Aficionado / Deputy SpamHammer
Posts: 2674
Joined: Tue Mar 24, 2009 12:15 pm
Location: Canada

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#24 Post by Styles Bitchley »

Steve wrote:
Mad Kudu Buck wrote:I'm sure people here have already seen Magnum P.I. - Pub Investigator (Drunk Opening) :D

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGDsgxKBgHE
Now that's funny....Some of the comments are hilarious as well...............
Yep. That re-edit is truly funny.
"How fiendishly deceptive of you Magnum. I could have sworn I was hearing the emasculation of a large rodent."

- J.Q.H.

User avatar
Luther's nephew Dobie
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1245
Joined: Thu May 30, 2013 4:16 am
Location: Swamps of Jersey

Re: Did Magnum have an alcohol problem?

#25 Post by Luther's nephew Dobie »

Mad Kudu Buck wrote:I'm sure people here have already seen Magnum P.I. - Pub Investigator (Drunk Opening) :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OGDsgxKBgHE
Mad Kudu Buck,
Now THAT is the 1980's I remember. I salute you sir.
Dobie

"The past is a different country. They do things differently there".
L.P. Harley

Post Reply