Texas Lightning (2.18)

[J.J. Walters]

This is the official MM thread for Texas Lightning (2.18). All discussions and reviews for this episode should go here. If you wish to rate the episode, please do so with the poll. The avg. score will be the official 'community rating', which will be used on the episode page (updated monthly).

This thread is also linked in the episode page of the Episode Guide.

Original Air Date: 2/18/1982
Card shark Jeannie Lowry (aka "Texas Lightning") hires Magnum as her bodyguard at a high-stakes poker game aboard a luxurious yacht. But Magnum learns that the poker game is just a facade and Jeannie has criminal dealings on board a neighboring yacht owned by a shady individual named Thompson. When Thompson catches Magnum and Jeannie aboard his yacht, they escape, become stranded on a deserted island, and are presumed dead.

[J.J. Walters]

Just watched this again recently. Overall, a solid episode with a good ensemble cast (Seth Sakai, Danny Kamekona, Jack Hogan). Lots of unsavory characters abound, high stakes poker games, some great helicopter stunts, and Magnum is trapped on a small island with a beautiful babe. What more can you ask for?

And Matt Thompson has to be one of the most heinous villians ever seen in the show! The guy works on his marksmanship by releasing and shooting live pigeons, and he orders his henchmen to kill two people by knife! Tame by today's standards, but somewhat shocking for the early '80s.

_________________
Higgins: It's not a scratch! It's a bloody gouge!

[Shermy]

[sophia]

I watched this a few days ago and I noticed something that could never be.
Her red fingernail polish.
At the end when she leaves the hospital her red nails look perfect.
After fighting with the bad guys, climbing the rocks, collecting wood for the
fire, grabing a hot fish rights out of the fire, etc.
Maybe they give manicures in the hospital.
Maybe this should be a flub.
Thought the episode was great, like when Magnum could take no more
and told her to shut up and then fixed her dress for her.
He is such a gentleman.
sophia

[Carol the Dabbler]

[Carol the Dabbler]

The title of this episode refers to Jeannie's "lightning-fast" dealing of cards, but she didn't look fast to me. Have I been watching too many fancy dealers on tv?

I wonder if they had planned to get a stunt-dealer for the closeups, then changed their minds?

[N1095A]

Interesting, TC wears the SEAL cap in this one.

_________________
" It's also very dark between here and Kahoolawe."

[J.J. Walters]

Check out the establishing shot they used for the opening scene in Miami...



Based on the cars, it appears to be from the 1960s!

Couple of questions for you guys:

1) During the card game, there is this little exchange...

Chan: I've been admiring your most unusual ring all evening Mr. Magnum. May I ask its origin?
Magnum: Oh, it's a souvenir of a "visiteer" part of the world, sir.

I hear "visiteer", but it may be something else that sounds similiar. I have no idea what "visiteer" (or something similiar) could be. Any ideas?

2) Matt Thompson's helicopter, is that a Bell 206 JetRanger?



3) Is there any realistic chance at all that a single flare gun shot to the side could bring down the bird seen above?

_________________
Higgins: It's not a scratch! It's a bloody gouge!

[Doc Ibold]

[N1095A]

It indeed is a 206 Jetranger. My second favorite helicopter. Bell Textron ceased production of this model this year after over 40 years.
And no, I don't see how a flare could bring down the chopper. It wouldn't have enough force to penetrate vital engine areas, and if it did, so what? it wouldn't tear anything up like some kind of ammunition would. Maybe if there were a pre existing fuel leak? Maybe if it went into the cabin, and smoke blinded the pilot and he flew into a mountain or something.

_________________
" It's also very dark between here and Kahoolawe."