The reboot of Magnum P.I. This series has been talked about so many years after the original ended, but it's been just that, talk. Now it's been re-imagined with a new Thomas Sullivan Magnum IV, but he's not quite macho Tom Selleck, not as imposing, no mustache, less charismatic, and simply put, not as handsome. Forty-year-old Jay Hernandez is the new Magnum...Selleck was 35 at the start of the original series, and literally no one would've chosen Hernandez for the reboot. Very few knew who Tom Selleck was before Magnum P.I.
The person I had in mind as Magnum for a reboot, once announced, was Hawaiian Jason Momoa, who has all the physical traits, all the charisma, and he would've brought a different angle to the role as a native son. I never envisioned another Tom Selleck because that person doesn't exist. But, the show could have done wonders with Momoa and the conflict of some times having to disobey Hawaiian tradition or custom trying to solve the case. He would've had contacts throughout the Islands, a sense of loyalty to his people, and a reputation good and bad for working for the white woman (female Higgins). They could have made him a mercenary still doing black ops. He would've been great with the women and a gentle giant with younger ones. There's so much you could do with a physical presence like Jason Momoa. But, now that has passed and we've got Jay Hernandez as Magnum.
I protested, as everyone did, when Jay was selected because I couldn't imagine him playing the part. But, after watching the First Look in the link below, I quickly realized they weren't trying to recreate the original Magnum character, they are trying to recreate the show's appeal that I saw back in 1980. The show was an adventure series many times with T.C. and Rick...some times with Higgins too. And, that's what I get from this reboot. It doesn't appear to be about Magnum, the epitome of masculinity, but rather his close relationship with his best friends, and his still less than perfect working relationship with another Higgins. Elements of the original show are ever present, but I see another show wanting to flourish and expand in other directions. The times have changed and the show must progress, and from what I see, it has. And, a lot has to do with Jay Hernandez, who surprisingly looks good behind the wheel of the Ferrari.
Back in 1980 when the show began, I kept asking my friends in school if they watched the show. They all laughed at me, especially when I told them I recorded the show. "You recorded Magnum P.I.? What kind of show is Magnum P.I.? Oh, my God, he drives a Ferrari!" It wasn't long before they were asking if I had seen the previous night's show. The show's appeal grew very quickly among my friends. They now saw what I did on the very first show. There was much more to the show than just Tom Selleck. And, I believe the reboot will rely more on the show's stories, support cast, and again, the relationship with Higgins. But, don't sell Jay Hernandez short (so to speak), he has his own appeal, and he looks like he's enjoying the ride so far. Give the man a chance.
So many fans of the original have already stated they will not watch the reboot. As one of the biggest fans of the show, I will. I am not loyal to Tom Selleck, I am loyal to the series, which remains one of my all-time favorites. I lived in Hawaii for six years, long after the show ended, but I've stood at the front gates of the Robin Masters Estate, walked the beach behind the mansion, and even swam in the tidal pool. Sadly, the Robin Masters Estate is no more. It was demolished (see the link below). I'm going to watch the show because I miss the series, I miss seeing Hawaii, and quite frankly, I miss seeing the character Magnum. I am now in Jay Hernandez' corner as Magnum, and I hope the show succeeds. Watching the show's First Look changed my opinion about what to expect, and now I look forward to seeing Magnum P.I. (2018).
https://www.cbs.com/shows/magnum-pi/
http://www.honolulumagazine.com/Honolulu-Magazine/Real-Estate/April-2018/Iconic-Magnum-PI-Robins-Nest-Has-Just-Been-Demolished/#.W1bj_dVKh0w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RulrPIl_9cg