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Magnum, P.I.: Solo Flight (1987)
Clip show + the fly
Considering how lazy most clip shows are, this episode not only adds some nice tension, but the kind of character growth that goes with "serious" episodes. This one gives us a maturing and depressed Magnum as he nears his 40th birthday.
Magnum, P.I.: Paper War (1986)
What the show is all about
This episode represents what the show is all about. Playful banter. Childish behavior. Danger. Mystery. Silliness. Friendship. That all sounds cheesy in print but the back and forth between Higgins and Magnum has always been a staple of the series and this ep really brings that into focus. Their continuous back and forth, upping the ante with each childish prank until they find themselves in a life and death situation in an elevator. And after seasons of speculation, it's great to see Magnum finally accuse Higgins and being Mr Masters all along. Now I haven't seen the rest of the series yet, but somehow I doubt that'll ever be resolved. Because if I've learned anything from Magum so far it's that not all cases get a finite conclusion.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: The Arsenal of Freedom (1988)
Quality
I've always enjoyed this episode and when I watched it again (on Blu-Ray) I was surprised how it really holds up. Sure the effects mostly stink, but this works as a great character episode. la Forge especially gets a few great moments here as he is given command of the Enterprise while basically the rest of the bridge crew (what no red shirts) heads down to a planet where nothing is working for them. It's been a while since I watched the series and I don't recall liking Geordi until later in the series. Boy was I wrong. He's professional yet so unsure (much like everyone on board save for Picard, Riker and Troi) of his capabilities but he's a great example of watching a man work on his feet. Oh and then tries that awkward scene down on that cave with Picard and Crusher. It should've been more of a development scene, but it ends up bringing up more questions than answers.
Star Trek: The Next Generation: Too Short a Season (1988)
Reversal
It's always interesting to revisit something 20 years after originally seeing it. I remember the story of an elderly admiral who wants once last shot of glory a dark tale that seemed frightening. Now, of course, it's anything but that. The deaging makeup looks OK at best and even worse in HD. Beside Pat Stewart, the acting all feels weak and cheap. There's a few reaction shots of Riker that he's probably embarrassed about. Or the leader of the planet. The man knows how to overact. If the story was a little thicker and the episode didn't resolve around the "special" effects this might have worked. As is... It's Next Gen still finding their legs.
Magnum, P.I.: The Love-for-Sale Boat (1985)
Good but awkward
I have to admit one of the oddest things about Magnum (especially if viewed in order) comes from the tonal shift between dead serious and downright goofy. Here's the perfect example. After the serious two parter back in Nam, now we have a Mac episode which ends with Magnum throwing lemons at the bad guys. Now that's goofy. Magnum mostly is on the sidelines as Rick works out a deal with Mac to take over a boat. Why anyone would do business with Mac (or whatever his name is now) beats me. Regardless, there's some good moments especially with Rick and TC own their own mission. But after so much drama last...who can blame Magnum for taking it easy for once.