40th Anniversary Watch Party

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

Moderator: Styles Bitchley

Message
Author
User avatar
T.Q.
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1726
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 7:19 pm

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#541 Post by T.Q. »

Styles Bitchley wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 3:32 pm I understand that Computer Date isn’t the best in terms of plot, but it has some really great elements that make it a stand out episode.

Magnum wearing his suit with blue jeans was way ahead of its time. The addition of that tie with the squared off tip (Pahonu must know the name of such ties) is so of the era it really pulls you into history.

The secondary plot with Higgins determined to whip himself into shape with Magnums guidance is absolute classic Magnum PI. It marks another important evolution in the Magnum/Higgins relationship.

There’s something I also like about the computer-based plot line. Like the suit and jeans and squared tie, the computer theme with Mac playing the resident whiz speaks to the early 80s bump in computer themed shows and plot lines (Whiz Kids, Cloak and Dagger, the nerdy guy on Riptide, Revenge of the Nerds…).

Maybe it was clumsily executed, but Magnum’s moral dilemma over his sense of professionalism and loyalty to his buddy shows a side of Magnum we’re not entirely aware of. Clearly he takes his profession seriously if he won’t let in to his buddy that his girlfriend’s husband is on to him. Maybe it’s not realistic but interesting nevertheless. They hinted at this affair having a new short encounters but they don’t say whether he actually sleeps with her. Thoughts?

And let’s not forget TC’s memorable expletive: “Fooey!” How is there not a gif of that??
Great observations on the episode.

Why didn't I think of any of that?

Image
Knocking my rubber chicken or my sloppy habits is within the rules, but you're attacking my character. I would like to think you don't mean that.

User avatar
308GUY
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1245
Joined: Fri Mar 08, 2013 11:42 pm
Location: OH,USA

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#542 Post by 308GUY »

Thanks T.Q.!

One of my all time favorite clips from the entire series! :lol:

Leave it to TC to come up with a totally disgusted comment that is "prime-time" safe that says so much more than what is said. Right up there with TM's head drop as a "I can't believe it" reaction....in my book.

Just always loved that scene. I use it myself when applicable......FOOEY!.....luvit! :D
"C'mon TC...nothing can go wrong!"

User avatar
Pahonu
Robin's Nest Expert Extraordinaire
Posts: 2743
Joined: Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:19 am
Location: Long Beach CA

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#543 Post by Pahonu »

T.Q. wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 11:53 pm
Styles Bitchley wrote: Sat Jan 15, 2022 3:32 pm I understand that Computer Date isn’t the best in terms of plot, but it has some really great elements that make it a stand out episode.

Magnum wearing his suit with blue jeans was way ahead of its time. The addition of that tie with the squared off tip (Pahonu must know the name of such ties) is so of the era it really pulls you into history.

The secondary plot with Higgins determined to whip himself into shape with Magnums guidance is absolute classic Magnum PI. It marks another important evolution in the Magnum/Higgins relationship.

There’s something I also like about the computer-based plot line. Like the suit and jeans and squared tie, the computer theme with Mac playing the resident whiz speaks to the early 80s bump in computer themed shows and plot lines (Whiz Kids, Cloak and Dagger, the nerdy guy on Riptide, Revenge of the Nerds…).

Maybe it was clumsily executed, but Magnum’s moral dilemma over his sense of professionalism and loyalty to his buddy shows a side of Magnum we’re not entirely aware of. Clearly he takes his profession seriously if he won’t let in to his buddy that his girlfriend’s husband is on to him. Maybe it’s not realistic but interesting nevertheless. They hinted at this affair having a new short encounters but they don’t say whether he actually sleeps with her. Thoughts?

And let’s not forget TC’s memorable expletive: “Fooey!” How is there not a gif of that??
Great observations on the episode.

Why didn't I think of any of that?

Image
…and a gif of TC in an aloha shirt! :D

eagle
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 838
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:55 pm

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#544 Post by eagle »

A friend came over last night, and we watched "Computer Date" on my "VCR." I really enjoy this episode -- it is a timeless episode that reminds me so much of what's wrong with so many TV shows today. There's some plot twists, some real drama (as opposed to the contrived drama we see so much today), some action, the excellent Higgins/Magnum plot, and the ending is just awesome -- makes me laugh every time I see it.

User avatar
T.Q.
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1726
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 7:19 pm

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#545 Post by T.Q. »

No episode

Thursday January 21, 1982

[CBS 8:00] Kraft Salutes Walt Disney World's 10th Anniversary [special]

With Eileen Brennan, Michele Lee, John Schneider, Dean Jones, Ricky Schroeder.

A tour of the Florida entertainment center.
Knocking my rubber chicken or my sloppy habits is within the rules, but you're attacking my character. I would like to think you don't mean that.

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

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#546 Post by Styles Bitchley »

Let's see how bored this pandemic has REALLY made you...

Flipped through and saw Michael Keaton in a lame role that must have been just before he hit big time. He doesn't even make it in the promo language.


youtu.be/Kjo1IQbN5-4
"How fiendishly deceptive of you Magnum. I could have sworn I was hearing the emasculation of a large rodent."

- J.Q.H.

User avatar
ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan)
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 2149
Joined: Fri Jul 29, 2011 9:11 pm

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#547 Post by ZelenskyTheValiant (Ivan) »

Styles Bitchley wrote: Thu Jan 20, 2022 8:39 pm Let's see how bored this pandemic has REALLY made you...

Flipped through and saw Michael Keaton in a lame role that must have been just before he hit big time. He doesn't even make it in the promo language.


youtu.be/Kjo1IQbN5-4
Is this really what we were subjected to back in the day? :lol:

I love all things 80s but I'm afraid even I have my limits. :P National Lampoon's Vacation this ain't.

User avatar
T.Q.
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1726
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 7:19 pm

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#548 Post by T.Q. »

Styles Bitchley wrote: Thu Jan 20, 2022 8:39 pm Let's see how bored this pandemic has REALLY made you...

Flipped through and saw Michael Keaton in a lame role that must have been just before he hit big time. He doesn't even make it in the promo language.
I watched some of it. :oops: :lol:

The Disney store scene was epic. :P :P :P
Knocking my rubber chicken or my sloppy habits is within the rules, but you're attacking my character. I would like to think you don't mean that.

eagle
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 838
Joined: Tue Oct 09, 2012 2:55 pm

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#549 Post by eagle »

I watched about 30 seconds of it, and decided it's time for another viewing of one of my all-time favorite movies: Mr. Mom.

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

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#550 Post by Styles Bitchley »

It smacks of the ridiculous low budget, low thought, no oversight specials of the day. Star Wars Holiday Special anyone??
"How fiendishly deceptive of you Magnum. I could have sworn I was hearing the emasculation of a large rodent."

- J.Q.H.

User avatar
T.Q.
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 1726
Joined: Wed Mar 21, 2018 7:19 pm

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#551 Post by T.Q. »

Styles Bitchley wrote: Thu Jan 20, 2022 11:02 pm It smacks of the ridiculous low budget, low thought, no oversight specials of the day. Star Wars Holiday Special anyone??
Star Wars Holiday Special was better than the Disney trilogy. :P :lol: :lol: :lol:
Knocking my rubber chicken or my sloppy habits is within the rules, but you're attacking my character. I would like to think you don't mean that.

User avatar
Pahonu
Robin's Nest Expert Extraordinaire
Posts: 2743
Joined: Mon Aug 31, 2009 2:19 am
Location: Long Beach CA

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#552 Post by Pahonu »

T.Q. wrote: Thu Jan 20, 2022 11:36 pm
Styles Bitchley wrote: Thu Jan 20, 2022 11:02 pm It smacks of the ridiculous low budget, low thought, no oversight specials of the day. Star Wars Holiday Special anyone??
Star Wars Holiday Special was better than the Disney trilogy. :P :lol: :lol: :lol:
LMAO!!!

waverly2211
Captain
Posts: 74
Joined: Thu Feb 18, 2016 11:59 pm

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#553 Post by waverly2211 »

Styles Bitchley wrote: Thu Jan 20, 2022 11:02 pm It smacks of the ridiculous low budget, low thought, no oversight specials of the day. Star Wars Holiday Special anyone??
Oh dear god I thought this thing was dead and buried long ago. My neighbors were in the thing, there is some sort of ticket booth scene and they were in the background. The Disney folks juts gathered up some park goers that day and asked if they wanted to be in a movie. They roped off the area and picked out some people/families to either hang around in the background or walk thru the scene. They sort of hung out in the background and then started walking when waved to do so.

They were paid in Disney Dollars, I remember them saying they waited over 2 hours and in a few seconds it was over.

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

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#554 Post by Styles Bitchley »

I just watched the "Fathers and Sons" musical number. I couldn't stop watching. So saccharine. It's in the so bad it's almost good category.
"How fiendishly deceptive of you Magnum. I could have sworn I was hearing the emasculation of a large rodent."

- J.Q.H.

User avatar
Gorilla Mask
Fleet Admiral
Posts: 337
Joined: Wed May 20, 2020 11:50 am
Location: Neuvic, Dordogne, France

Re: 40th Anniversary Watch Party

#555 Post by Gorilla Mask »

Very syrupy, for sure. I thought it was funny for the first two minutes. I made it to the gift store and then realized I'd better quit at that point...

Yes for sure, The 'Father and Son' Singing is a piece of mastering...

Why Eileen Brennan talks about 'ancient culture' regarding Disney World ? it intrigued me.

It made me sad to see Dana Plato again, when you know what her life was like afterwards. :cry:
"Je sais ce que vous allez me dire, et vous aurez raison..."

Post Reply