Magnum PI is promising a “much sexier” feel when the series debuts on NBC on Sunday, Feb. 19. After being saved from cancellation by CBS, the show will be rolling out its first 10-episode Season 5 run, which has a bold new dynamic for Thomas Magnum (Jay Hernandez) and partner Juliet Higgins (Perdita Weeks).
In the final scene of the show’s CBS run, after four years of bantering and flirting, Magnum and Higgins finally faced up to their feelings for each other to share a kiss. It was after that CBS shockingly canceled the show, despite good ratings. Showrunner Eric Guggenheim fought to keep it going to finally get a deal with NBC for two 10-episode seasons. Talking to TV Guide, the man joked, “It was like, ‘wow, we cheated death!'”
The season opens with Magnum and Higgins sharing a steamy shower, thus proving they are a full couple. Naturally, this will change up their dynamic solving mysteries as each approaches the relationship differently.
Also speaking to TV Guide, Hernandez explained that “Higgins is more cerebral and wants to think it through.” Weeks countered with how “Magnum is more heart-led. He’s the more natural romantic. Higgins is like a steel trap.”
Both actors promise there will still be bickering on cases such as going undercover as lifeguards, but the bigger issue is keeping this quiet from their friends.
Who’s the first to find out about Magnum and Higgins in Magnum PI?
As the season begins, both detectives agree it’s best to keep their friends in the dark about being a couple until they figure out how it goes. This leads to complications, such as in Episode 2 when Rick (Zachary Knighton) has to stay at Robin’s Nest, cramping Magnum and Higgins’ planned date night.
It does sound like the first person to figure it out is estate curator Kumu (Amy Hill) for a unique reason: She realizes something’s off when Zeus and Apollo, Higgins’s loyal Dobermans, are suddenly nice around Magnum. “She can’t understand why they’re not ripping his throat out,” Weeks explained.
Other plotlines across the season will involve Magnum and his friends learning their old Captain Buck Greene (James Remar) is in trouble. Meanwhile, Gordon (Tim Kang) is still suspended from the Honolulu PD for helping Magnum and not adjusting well to civilian life. This has Magnum and Higgins clashing with new cop Chris Childs (Michael Rady).
With a new sexier vibe and some hotter cases, Magnum PI is ready to make a jump to its new network in style.