Re: NO to a movie reboot, Yes to a tv show revival
Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 1:40 pm
A new Magnum P. I
Ahhh, a TV series revival! Now you have my interest indeed!!!
As huge fan of the show I would love to see it's return. Return is the key word here. There are soooo many ways to pick up where it left off, and to not try to “remake” the series. The talk of a feature film, and "who would play who", doesn't have the appeal of a really good serial drama. God knows we need one! (Blue Bloods aside)
The key here is to ‘Evolve’ from what has been paved from the 80’s show into what could be some of the best TV drama of our current time.
The bottom line is the Magnum P.I can only be Tom Selleck. Selleck is without any doubt an incredibly talented and brilliant actor. He made the show what it was in the 80's. Without Selleck, the original series would have only lasted a couple of years. Yes I accept that there was an amazing bunch of writers and actors that went along with it, but Selleck is Magnum!
The guy is capable of playing the serious to the jovial-larrikin if still need be. He undoubtedly has many years left in his career as an actor and incredible screen presence.
Everybody appears to throw their two cents in for a comeback comment, so I will do mine here.
This is What I would suggest for the First episode to kick off the evolution process:
Thomas Sullivan Magnum
Can only be played by Tom Selleck. That's a given!
TM, soon to be retiring as a Vice Admiral (Navel Intelligence), returns to Hawaii after many years of being away and serving on the mainland. His early return is instigated by receiving information from Rick that his daughter, Lilly Catherine Magnum, has not been seen or heard for a few months. (More on that later - I’m in the process of a screenplay for first 4 episodes - I have some creative time on my hands)
TM’s character would of course be a little older and wiser, but with the same hints of minor delinquent behaviour that we all remember in his character. His career in the navy could have gone higher, but often clashed with the political aspirations of others.
Lilly Catherine Magnum
Perhaps played by Haley Atwell (right age and certainly great appeal. She can pull of the accent too)
Lilly Magnum is a serving officer in Navel Intelligence at Pearl Harbor. She is missing after an, off-the-books, personal investigation into corruption and misappropriation of govt funds by navel contractors. More on that later.
Background:
Lilly had moved into the guesthouse at the estate some years ago, while her father was living on the mainland. She developed a special bond with JQ Higgins prior to his retirement and his move back to the UK. She has been fathered by JQ Higgins, Rick and TC in TM’s absence in the recent years. She has developed close friendships and bonds with Rick and TC's children over the years.
Much like her father, Lilly Magnum doesn't always follow the rules and often sways outside of 'protocol'. Her behavior, and clashing with the "navy way", ultimately leads to her resignation of Navy duty near the end of the first episode. Lilly decides that her new career path, much to her fathers dislike, will change to that of a private investigator.
Higgins
Sadly due to Hillerman's age, (god love him -he also made the show what it was! Sheer Brilliance!) he is probably reluctant to kick off the first episode. With that said, there could be room for Hillerman to do the odd 'read letter voice over' etc, for the show if he was up for it.
The void of the “Higgins” character would certainly need to be filled.
Jonathan Quail Higgins, in his retirement, returns to the UK to live at the family (Higgins) Estate back home after the death of his older brother. The eldest niece of JQ Higgins, Pippa Jane Higgins, is the daughter of JQ’s elder (now deceased) brother.
PJ Higgins comes out from the UK to look after the "The Estate" and take over JQ's role. There would still be some questions as to who is the owner of the estate which comes about in later episodes. (more of that later)
A female in this role would work really well when you think about it. Somebody like Helen Mirren would be amazing, or at least somebody of that caliber and age. She would need to portray that strong, Brittish-siff-upper-lip attitude. A female could certainly bring across a real ‘love-hate’ relationship with TM, perhaps a small ‘awkward flame’ down the track to make things interesting. I see the new PJ Higgins as still being very patriotic to the Queen and having a colourfull past within the military and MI-6. This adds to the confidence and interesting past of her character.
I also see this female version of Higgins as building a ‘mother hen' style relationship with Lilly. This would add real depth to the series.
TC and Rick
Bring back Larry and Roger.
Without going into the first four episodes, I could see the return and odd appearances of Rick and TC in some episodes. I would certainly envisage Rick and TC’s children as regulars and close friends with Lilly. (more on that later)
The introduction of Lilly as a full time investigator, and the relationship she has with TM would provide some incredible dynamics and interesting TV drama. The concept of a father-daughter investigative team is very new and also brings a captivating angle. This would give some writers an interesting backbone for creative drama beyond that of the normal cop and crime shows. It will certainly open up some interesting perspectives and dialogue amongst the characters to say the least.
Perhaps a cameo written episode by Chris Abbott would sneak it’s way in. Hmmm.
There are definitely a few other things from the old series that would need to return.
The original Ferrari, reshoot at the Anderson’s Estate (come on CBS, buy it for god sake, it’s an icon and should be restored to its original form) and a couple of Doberman of course!
Without a doubt, the priceless ‘coy look’ into the camera by TM and Lilly, and self narration by the two (perhaps almost banter like with, “I know what your thinking” statements.) Priceless!
That’s my two cents worth.
Ahh come on CBS a return will make you millions and certainly bring happiness to all that enjoy good TV drama!
Perhaps Tom could produce too.
Fitzy.
Ahhh, a TV series revival! Now you have my interest indeed!!!
As huge fan of the show I would love to see it's return. Return is the key word here. There are soooo many ways to pick up where it left off, and to not try to “remake” the series. The talk of a feature film, and "who would play who", doesn't have the appeal of a really good serial drama. God knows we need one! (Blue Bloods aside)
The key here is to ‘Evolve’ from what has been paved from the 80’s show into what could be some of the best TV drama of our current time.
The bottom line is the Magnum P.I can only be Tom Selleck. Selleck is without any doubt an incredibly talented and brilliant actor. He made the show what it was in the 80's. Without Selleck, the original series would have only lasted a couple of years. Yes I accept that there was an amazing bunch of writers and actors that went along with it, but Selleck is Magnum!
The guy is capable of playing the serious to the jovial-larrikin if still need be. He undoubtedly has many years left in his career as an actor and incredible screen presence.
Everybody appears to throw their two cents in for a comeback comment, so I will do mine here.
This is What I would suggest for the First episode to kick off the evolution process:
Thomas Sullivan Magnum
Can only be played by Tom Selleck. That's a given!
TM, soon to be retiring as a Vice Admiral (Navel Intelligence), returns to Hawaii after many years of being away and serving on the mainland. His early return is instigated by receiving information from Rick that his daughter, Lilly Catherine Magnum, has not been seen or heard for a few months. (More on that later - I’m in the process of a screenplay for first 4 episodes - I have some creative time on my hands)
TM’s character would of course be a little older and wiser, but with the same hints of minor delinquent behaviour that we all remember in his character. His career in the navy could have gone higher, but often clashed with the political aspirations of others.
Lilly Catherine Magnum
Perhaps played by Haley Atwell (right age and certainly great appeal. She can pull of the accent too)
Lilly Magnum is a serving officer in Navel Intelligence at Pearl Harbor. She is missing after an, off-the-books, personal investigation into corruption and misappropriation of govt funds by navel contractors. More on that later.
Background:
Lilly had moved into the guesthouse at the estate some years ago, while her father was living on the mainland. She developed a special bond with JQ Higgins prior to his retirement and his move back to the UK. She has been fathered by JQ Higgins, Rick and TC in TM’s absence in the recent years. She has developed close friendships and bonds with Rick and TC's children over the years.
Much like her father, Lilly Magnum doesn't always follow the rules and often sways outside of 'protocol'. Her behavior, and clashing with the "navy way", ultimately leads to her resignation of Navy duty near the end of the first episode. Lilly decides that her new career path, much to her fathers dislike, will change to that of a private investigator.
Higgins
Sadly due to Hillerman's age, (god love him -he also made the show what it was! Sheer Brilliance!) he is probably reluctant to kick off the first episode. With that said, there could be room for Hillerman to do the odd 'read letter voice over' etc, for the show if he was up for it.
The void of the “Higgins” character would certainly need to be filled.
Jonathan Quail Higgins, in his retirement, returns to the UK to live at the family (Higgins) Estate back home after the death of his older brother. The eldest niece of JQ Higgins, Pippa Jane Higgins, is the daughter of JQ’s elder (now deceased) brother.
PJ Higgins comes out from the UK to look after the "The Estate" and take over JQ's role. There would still be some questions as to who is the owner of the estate which comes about in later episodes. (more of that later)
A female in this role would work really well when you think about it. Somebody like Helen Mirren would be amazing, or at least somebody of that caliber and age. She would need to portray that strong, Brittish-siff-upper-lip attitude. A female could certainly bring across a real ‘love-hate’ relationship with TM, perhaps a small ‘awkward flame’ down the track to make things interesting. I see the new PJ Higgins as still being very patriotic to the Queen and having a colourfull past within the military and MI-6. This adds to the confidence and interesting past of her character.
I also see this female version of Higgins as building a ‘mother hen' style relationship with Lilly. This would add real depth to the series.
TC and Rick
Bring back Larry and Roger.
Without going into the first four episodes, I could see the return and odd appearances of Rick and TC in some episodes. I would certainly envisage Rick and TC’s children as regulars and close friends with Lilly. (more on that later)
The introduction of Lilly as a full time investigator, and the relationship she has with TM would provide some incredible dynamics and interesting TV drama. The concept of a father-daughter investigative team is very new and also brings a captivating angle. This would give some writers an interesting backbone for creative drama beyond that of the normal cop and crime shows. It will certainly open up some interesting perspectives and dialogue amongst the characters to say the least.
Perhaps a cameo written episode by Chris Abbott would sneak it’s way in. Hmmm.
There are definitely a few other things from the old series that would need to return.
The original Ferrari, reshoot at the Anderson’s Estate (come on CBS, buy it for god sake, it’s an icon and should be restored to its original form) and a couple of Doberman of course!
Without a doubt, the priceless ‘coy look’ into the camera by TM and Lilly, and self narration by the two (perhaps almost banter like with, “I know what your thinking” statements.) Priceless!
That’s my two cents worth.
Ahh come on CBS a return will make you millions and certainly bring happiness to all that enjoy good TV drama!
Perhaps Tom could produce too.
Fitzy.