Everyone loved Thomas Magnum (played by Tom Selleck), Hawaii’s golden detective of the ’80s series, Magnum P.I. He had that magnetism that Nathan Fillion‘s Rick Castle also possesses, so I’m seeing lots of similarities between the two characters. Both shows have the same fun feel largely in part to their star.
1. Oozy charm that works in their favor, from getting a Ferrari to getting tickets to a gala. Or even getting a gig tagging along to crime scenes with a homicide detective! These two could talk their way out of prison.
2. Magnum had the smart-ass smile and the raised eyebrows, Castle’s got the crooked smirk. And I’m just waiting for Castle to break that fourth wall like Magnum did; it would definitely work for me.
3. Unbridled enthusiasm for their free-and-easy lifestyle. Cruising around Hawaii in a Ferrari wasn’t half bad, and neither are schmoozing with the mayor and playing high stakes poker games. Castle even embraces his gadgets, like laser tag and fencing sets.
4. They both seem to know everyone. Magnum’s best buddy was the manager of a night club with mob connections, and he was somehow so revered by famous author Robin Masters that he was graced with the use of his Ferrari and guest house. Castle’s got a connection for every case, it seems, even a voodoo practicing consultant.
5. They are smarter than the average bear, even though certain people may not value that (Beckett and Higgins). Higgins always underestimated Magnum, assuming he was the freeloading dope (running from Zeus and Apollo) he appeared to be on the surface. Higgins came around eventually, and Beckett is starting to. She admitted in the finale that she couldn’t have solved the case without Castle, so he’s moved from an annoying shadow to a valuable part of the team.
6. They are freakishly — and attractively — tall. Magnum stands at six feet, four inches, Castle almost 6′ 2″ (really would have bet on more for that height….). It’s a good look for both of them, but then again, I’m a sucker for tall guys.
7. They both have a crazy mother figure — Higgins counts, right? Crazy as Martha is, she does look out for Castle and help guide him in making the important decisions, like whether or not to tell Beckett what he found out about her mom’s murder. Higgins too, became a support for Magnum when he needed it most.
What do you Magnum and Castle fans think — am I onto something?
Clacked by Debbie McDuffee
on May 15, 2009 @ 12:00 EST5EDT
My thesis: 15 years ago, Castle would have been played by Scott Bakula. 30 years ago, Robert Wagner.
*POST AUTHOR*
I cannot disagree with you… spot on casting!
“Castle” reminds me of “Bones” and that one, of course, of “Magnum P.I.”. It’s light entertainment. Other series in that category would be “Simon & Simon” as well as “Riptide” and “Remington Steel”.
So you could add Pierce Brosnan to that list of “people who could play Castle”.
*POST AUTHOR*
All my favorite ’80s shows….
I love the post, but disagree with the comments. I think Castle is so much rooted in Nathan Fillion, from mannerisms and timing and inflection, but I can’t really see anyone else playing him.
I’m getting serious name troubles here “Ivey”, please tell me how to address you in the future :-)
You know I think that Nathan Fillion is perfect for this role too and I don’t want to see anyone else play him either TODAY but then again you would not get this version of a show back in the 80s anyway – it would look more like the Magnum or other shows (like the ones I mentioned – I’d like to add “Harcastle & McCormick” to that list). Back in the day, I think, Pierce Brosnan would’ve fit the role of a much different version of “Castle” and Robert Wagner would be a great choice in the 70s.
My point being: I just finished watching “Buffy” again and the baby-faced Fillion who plays Caleb there wouldn’t be suited for “Castle” either. The show suits him perfectly RIGHT NOW and that’s what makes it so enjoyable.
By the way, only four weeks till “Leverage” returns. Yay :-)
*POST AUTHOR*
Can’t wait for Leverage!
Castle got renewed :-)
I need to cuddle something *looks around* *grabs a Teddy Bear* *hugs*
;-)
Well, my friends call me, “Hey, you! Jerkwad!” so you can pretty much call me whatever you want. Ivey (though that is a nickname as well) is my name, and Dorv is my internet “nick name.” I’ll continue posting like this, but will answer to pretty much anything.
I have zero frame of reference for Magnum (sorry Debbie!), but I think re #1 for Castle, it’s less about charm and more about how he got to #4; he knows how to translate his talent and status into a network. Only his friendship with the Mayor got him the gig. Massaging that network is what I love watching Castle do. :)