Shermy wrote:I think this is the superior half of the finale, mainly because the Lily subplot is the most satisfying one they resolve. When he is finally reunited with her, it's a very moving scene. It's the type of emotional connection that the Tidewater scenes are missing, since the audience has such little invested in that part of Magnum's life. You just can't generate a lot of enthusiasm for characters you've basically only met in one previous episode.
maggiepoole wrote:I would have liked to have seen Higgins, Rick, and TC's reaction to Lily and some interaction.
It does seem a little strange that Magnum fails to introduce Lily to Higgins, Rick, and TC. Not only has he just learned that she's still alive, but that he's actually her dad as well. It's even stranger considering that they are all gathered at the estate when he returns.
I have mixed feelings on the resolutions here. On one hand, Magnum's return to the Navy is a perfect way to resolve the show. Suddenly, the entire series takes on a new meaning, in that it's been Magnum's way of working through the issues he brought home from the war. It's basically his second childhood that he finally has to grow out of.
But at the same time, it's a little disappointing to realize that the entire dynamic of the show is over. Unlike many finales, we're not left feeling that the characters will continue to evolve and grow old together. By removing Magnum (and his investigations), the characters lose the essential link that had kept them so close for so many years.
Higgins fares the worst here, and it's the one aspect that somehow just doesn't seem right. We know Higgins would be more of a grandfather to Lily than her great-grandfather ever could've been. (Or that her step-grandfather will be.) We also know that Magnum's absence will affect him deeply, as we saw in One More Summer. Overall, I'd prefer to think that Magnum resumed his naval career, but continued to reside at the estate.
As for Rick, I actually thought he got the best of all the "friend" subplots. Cleo obviously wasn't right for him, but that's perfectly in keeping with the tone of the show (and character). The final joke was exactly how that subplot should've ended. Even if Rick went through with it, there's no way it could've possibly lasted.
Finally, the subplot for poor TC felt almost like an afterthought. There's really no reason to think that he and his ex-wife will finally work through their differences, but at least he's finally got his son back. Bryant's inclusion in these final episodes bolsters The Great Hawaiian Adventure Company, and makes it a lot more essential than it is on its own merits.