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Re: NO to a movie reboot, Yes to a tv show revival

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 1:40 pm
by Fitzy
A new Magnum P. I
Ahhh, a TV series revival! Now you have my interest indeed!!! :D

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.

Re: NO to a movie reboot, Yes to a tv show revival

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 3:25 pm
by 308GUY
Welcome Fitzy. :magnum:

Certainly an interesting first post!

I like much of what you propose for an opener, and agree, we need something different, more like "the good ole' days" on tv, as opposed to most of what passes for entertainment today,(BB excluded, and a "few" others).

There have been quite a few ideas presented, here and elsewhere, many of which would fly very well, if pulled off correctly by the right people.

Don't know if it'll ever happen with any of the original cast, and that in itself may prevent it from ever coming to fruition in any form.....time will tell.....but I'd watch it! :higgins:

Either way, check out the entire site, JJ has provided an incomparable place for all us Magnum maniacs to share our thoughts, experiences and ideas.

Long live MM! :magnum:

(They're gonna need a car....lemme' see what I can find! 8) ... of course the original 308 will still be there with a couple inches of dust on it, but it can be brought back as well!)
Here we go!...........actually, it's not a real Ferrari yet, and may never be, but it is a gorgeous design and TM would look soooo good behind the wheel! Hope the link works....
http://www.beautifullife.info/wp-conten ... ept-20.jpg

Re: NO to a movie reboot, Yes to a tv show revival

Posted: Mon Apr 21, 2014 8:50 pm
by Rembrandt's Girl
Hi and welcome, Fitzy!

Wow, I love your ideas! What a wonderful concept!

Two things would be important to me as a viewer...

1) Tom Selleck is the star and not Lily (& friends.) I really like Blue Bloods but what keeps me from loving it is that they made Selleck’s role too much of a supporting character for me. I would want him as the main character, and I would bet other Magnum faithfuls would agree. I assume you’re bringing in Lily & friends for the younger audience (and for depth), which is understandable, but I’d really want to see Selleck as the main character.

2) This is minor, but TM would move back into the guesthouse when he returns, and Lily could maybe move to the main house? He just has to live in the guesthouse! :wink:

I love your father-daughter private investigator team idea, love a female Higgins with that “awkward flame” thing with TM, and really love Larry & Roger returning!

Great ideas, Fitzy! Would love to read more!

Have fun here!

~RG

Re: NO to a movie reboot, Yes to a tv show revival

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 1:41 am
by Fitzy
Thanks RG for you comments

Ok, we put TM back in the Guest House. Still must have those impromptu interruptions by Higgins!

I wouldn't imagine TM not being the star. He is Magnum of course!
Like most viewers, I feel having Selleck in Blue Bloods is a big draw card. There probably should be more of him.

I would imagine that Lily would share the lead though. It's a massive physical, and no doubt mental strain to take a full lead roll by yourself. Heaps of long days shooting and remembering lines.Having a dual lead would take that pressure off and hopefully provide Selleck with more stamina do do more years in the series.

I still see Rick as the 'go to guy' for information, probably taking on a little more of Ice Pick's who-is-who roll (the island knowledge base), but without the shady element. Rick was always a good guy!
Perhaps TC's just runs the aviation business and His son does more of the flying. (Must have a chopper in the series)


The introduction to the younger generation is important to take on the bulk of the roll playing and bullet dodging during various cases. It also opens up lateral story lines during the series.

Fitzy

Re: NO to a movie reboot, Yes to a tv show revival

Posted: Tue Apr 22, 2014 5:05 pm
by Rembrandt's Girl
Thanks, Fitzy. I forgot about the physical demands of a TV series with the long hours etc. Guess I’m just being selfish and don’t want any other character stealing screen time from Magnum. I find myself feeling resentful toward the Danny character on BB (and it's not even MPI!), so I’ve already got my back up about Lily! :wink:

Re: NO to a movie reboot, Yes to a tv show revival

Posted: Fri Jun 13, 2014 3:33 am
by Estate resident
ohmygod wrote:After lurking for a bit I just thought I'd offer my 2 cents. And maybe it's already been suggested but I do not think a movie of any kind is a good idea. Look at the quality of movie let alone tv show you get these days. Unless you have someone willing to throw a ton of money behind it you will get a substandard story. Even the star wars prequels weren't very good on story, just flashy special effects.
TV is the way to go, whether it be a new tv movie/pilot like the original, or a revival of the series. I think the way this could work is perhaps, if all the original cast were available still, would be to pick up with Selleck's own idea on the movie, and re-enter the PI business in some way, if not the head of a company that does govt contract work of some sort (perhaps like the foundation from knight rider, or the firm from airwolf). There's a lot of other things that could be worked in, but one way or another he ends up back at the estate. Perhaps in a twist of fate, magnum himself "inherits" the estate or the majordomo responsibilities higgins previously had, and being 20 years or so older, ironically finds himself more and more becoming like higgins. Maybe eventually he meets someone (perhaps a younger version of himself?) who he invites to live in the guest house, where he now resides in the main house, and that way you could have a tie-in to the original series while keeping magnum and the original players. Higgins occasionally offered advice and shared stories (to the point of overkill usually) to magnum on his cases, and even became loose friends with rick and tc, perhaps the same could happen to magnum and a younger protege of sorts, who knows? Just imagine magnum yelling out in frustration "oh my god!" And maybe rick could even become the new ice pick :)
Anyway I think a tv show revival is the way to go and could be done if handled correctly with the right writers/directors and producing. Just look at the new Hawaii Five O - It has survived past 3 seasons now, and originally it looked like it may be cancelled within the first. And if it were to appear on the same network, you could even have a crossover episode(s) to the new Hawaii Five O. I think in fact in the original magnum, McGarrett was actually mentioned early on!
Ohmy - that is easily the best idea I've heard so far re: MPI!

Re: NO to a movie reboot, Yes to a tv show revival

Posted: Thu Jul 10, 2014 10:42 pm
by Seaver41
for those who remember Hardcastle and McCormick........I can see that angle.......older mentor with the younger actor doing the heavy lifting........but Selleck is not hurting for work and my guess is that wouldn't suit his interests.