Stemming from thoughts generated in another thread: What would Magnum PI have been like had it premiered current day rather than in early 1980s?
I'd like to think that JAG or maybe even NCIS would give us some hints. But perhaps not?
Thoughts?
What if MPI was made today?
Moderator: Styles Bitchley
-
Tran Quoc Jones
- Lieutenant
- Posts: 19
- Joined: Wed Apr 11, 2007 11:24 pm
I think you have to look at MPI in its own historical context. Although we wax nostalgic at the short shorts, huge cellphones, and its ultra macho image (did I mention the short shorts?), MPI was actually a cutting edge and very modern show for its time. Magnum and his esteemed collegues always seemed to be on the cutting edge of technology, weapons, cars, computers, etc. In keeping with the spirit of MPI's cutting edge I think if it debuted today it would probably have a somewhat darker feel (similar to CSI, NCIS, etc.), and would probably delve deeper into Magnum's past in Vietnam (or in this case perhaps the Middle East). However, I think it would still be possible for Magnum to pull off the day to day image of a happy-go-lucky kind of dude who still knew how to have a good time and to get people to lighten up.
Having said that, I'm not a big fan of the MPI film being made at all, I think we should simply let Magnum stand as is and not mess with it, BUT, if Hollywood were to make a MPI film I would rather see a modern, serious but fun, cutting edge Magnum, not the microwaved leftovers of yesteryear. But seriously dude, don't make the film.
Having said that, I'm not a big fan of the MPI film being made at all, I think we should simply let Magnum stand as is and not mess with it, BUT, if Hollywood were to make a MPI film I would rather see a modern, serious but fun, cutting edge Magnum, not the microwaved leftovers of yesteryear. But seriously dude, don't make the film.
To be perfectly honest, I don't know if it would have made it if it was made today (and I'm sure I'll tick a lot of people off by saying this).
Today's shows are very "CSI" type where the focus on the cast isn't as important as the focus on the episode and how to solve the case. Its all eye candy and glitz and glamour. Part of what Magnum great was character development.
For instance, watching the pilot episode of Magnum, who would have EVER believed that Higgins' reaction in "Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts" would have ever happened? Its all character development. TC in the first few episodes is for better or worse, a perv, who's obsessed with women, but at the end of the series, he won't willingly go into an "exotic dancing emporium" (censoring for the younger ones ). Rick - well he's pretty much a caricature at the beginning, but his character gets flushed out into someone with significant issues in his life. Magnum pretty much speaks for himself/
Sorry to ramble, but todays shows aren't designed to hold an attention span that would allow for character development to happen, which to me, is the entire premise of why Magnum was successful. My final (and longwinded) point is to look how many shows get cancelled after like 2 shows? Maybe its my age betraying me, but I don't recall shows being cancelled after 2 initial eps. (In fact I recall TONS of terrible shows going on for like 3 seasons). Now, you don't get the benefit of growing with the characters like you did back in the day.
Just my two cents...
Today's shows are very "CSI" type where the focus on the cast isn't as important as the focus on the episode and how to solve the case. Its all eye candy and glitz and glamour. Part of what Magnum great was character development.
For instance, watching the pilot episode of Magnum, who would have EVER believed that Higgins' reaction in "Infinity and Jelly Doughnuts" would have ever happened? Its all character development. TC in the first few episodes is for better or worse, a perv, who's obsessed with women, but at the end of the series, he won't willingly go into an "exotic dancing emporium" (censoring for the younger ones ). Rick - well he's pretty much a caricature at the beginning, but his character gets flushed out into someone with significant issues in his life. Magnum pretty much speaks for himself/
Sorry to ramble, but todays shows aren't designed to hold an attention span that would allow for character development to happen, which to me, is the entire premise of why Magnum was successful. My final (and longwinded) point is to look how many shows get cancelled after like 2 shows? Maybe its my age betraying me, but I don't recall shows being cancelled after 2 initial eps. (In fact I recall TONS of terrible shows going on for like 3 seasons). Now, you don't get the benefit of growing with the characters like you did back in the day.
Just my two cents...
-
lutherhgillis
- Fleet Admiral
- Posts: 528
- Joined: Tue Jul 31, 2007 5:54 pm
This is a great question, VM02. For me, I do not believe MPI as a TV series developed for 2008 would be anywhere similar to the 80s classic. Everything would be different except the location (assuming the Anderson Estate is still avaiable for use). All of the episodes would be vastly different since we are in much different times than the optimistic 80s.
I fear that T&A and blood & gore would rule the show instead of character development and humorously dramatic story lines.
On the other hand, we need a change of pace on TV now. Every show seems to be a copy of the others. A fresh approach of a happy-go-lucky PI with friends and clients who are slightly off-kilter might do us all some good.
I hope this helps.
Luther
I fear that T&A and blood & gore would rule the show instead of character development and humorously dramatic story lines.
On the other hand, we need a change of pace on TV now. Every show seems to be a copy of the others. A fresh approach of a happy-go-lucky PI with friends and clients who are slightly off-kilter might do us all some good.
I hope this helps.
Luther
IMO it could have been all the same as it is and would have been successfull. Look at the young fans, they have been kids in the 80s or even were born later (like my sons, born 1990 and 1993 are MPI fans).
The only nowadays show they are watching is "scrubs", something completely different, but with focus on the characters also.
They could use better computers, cell phones, navigation systems for their cars etc. but that would not make a big difference to the show as it is.
The only nowadays show they are watching is "scrubs", something completely different, but with focus on the characters also.
They could use better computers, cell phones, navigation systems for their cars etc. but that would not make a big difference to the show as it is.
Sometimes I get so lucky, even I don`t believe it (TSM)
-
J.J. Walters
- Founding Father
- Posts: 4196
- Joined: Tue Jan 02, 2007 10:54 pm
- Location: Suburbia, USA
- Contact:
Indeed!Doc Ibold wrote:Today's shows are very "CSI" type where the focus on the cast isn't as important as the focus on the episode and how to solve the case. Its all eye candy and glitz and glamour. Part of what made Magnum great was character development.
Amen! I couldn't agree more!lutherhgillis wrote:On the other hand, we need a change of pace on TV now. Every show seems to be a copy of the others. A fresh approach of a happy-go-lucky PI with friends and clients who are slightly off-kilter might do us all some good.
"slightly off-kilter" clients .... LOL! I love it!
Higgins: It's not a scratch! It's a bloody gouge!
-
tidal pool
- Rear Admiral
- Posts: 98
- Joined: Fri Apr 25, 2008 8:27 pm
-
IKnowWhatYoureThinking
- Macho Taco & Coops Connoisseur
- Posts: 1890
- Joined: Tue Apr 01, 2008 9:19 pm
- Location: NC
I think Doc Ibold brings up an excellent point about character development. I do not think they would've progressed them as they did then. I think all would have been womanizers, and I don't think that Magnum would have such a human side as he has now. He shows compassion, has flaws, and he is loyal.
You also have to look at the development of technology. With the internet and cell phones investigating is easier, and I believe this would've limited some of the intelligence in Magnum's character, as well as taking some of th eplot of of the stories.
You also have to look at the development of technology. With the internet and cell phones investigating is easier, and I believe this would've limited some of the intelligence in Magnum's character, as well as taking some of th eplot of of the stories.
I think Magnum PI was successful because the show exploited so many issues that were around in the 80s.
Hawaii has changed a lot in the last 20 years. MLB changed a lot in the last 5 years.
The 80s had this whole aerobic fitness thing going on. The new leisure activity for men today is golf. I can hardly see Magnum "today" swimming, running, and riding a surf ski as much.
I don't think in today's time, Magnum could just drop by any military base and get information.
The vet angle would have to tie into another conflict. VietNam was 40 years ago. The Berlin wall fell. No one would watch a group of guys 60+ years in age running around. And with security advancements and the use of technology, it would be hard to justify having a live in security expert. That whole part of the world has changed.
Most locks can't be picked today either.
Someone mentioned cell phones, that alone would change the dynamic of the show compared to the original. No calls to Rick or TC or the estate looking for Magnum - unless of course he couldn't afford one of his own.
Think about what the Bond movies had to finally do with Casino Royale. Dark, dark, dark. The 80s were probably the last time you could see a fist fight (with that slappy sound effect) and no one breaks their hand.
Hawaii has changed a lot in the last 20 years. MLB changed a lot in the last 5 years.
The 80s had this whole aerobic fitness thing going on. The new leisure activity for men today is golf. I can hardly see Magnum "today" swimming, running, and riding a surf ski as much.
I don't think in today's time, Magnum could just drop by any military base and get information.
The vet angle would have to tie into another conflict. VietNam was 40 years ago. The Berlin wall fell. No one would watch a group of guys 60+ years in age running around. And with security advancements and the use of technology, it would be hard to justify having a live in security expert. That whole part of the world has changed.
Most locks can't be picked today either.
Someone mentioned cell phones, that alone would change the dynamic of the show compared to the original. No calls to Rick or TC or the estate looking for Magnum - unless of course he couldn't afford one of his own.
Think about what the Bond movies had to finally do with Casino Royale. Dark, dark, dark. The 80s were probably the last time you could see a fist fight (with that slappy sound effect) and no one breaks their hand.