Magnum, P.I. (TV Series) Skin Deep (1981) User Reviews

Erin Wolfe superstar

[safenoe · 8/10 · 27 June 2023]

I liked the meta aspects of this episode when Magnum saw the showreel of Erin Wolfe, and seeing her evolve as an actress. Ian McShane guest stars in this episode, and his American accent is kind of okay, but I guess the British actor worked on it over time.

This episode was dedicated to camera technician Robert Van Der Kar who tragically was killed in a helicopter crash during production of Skin Deep.

Talking about Skin Deep, a close-up on the script for Erin Wolfe's upcoming movie shows it shares the title and writer of this episode ("Skin Deep" by Donald P. Bellisario). I loved the meta approach of this episode.

A solid and surprising episode featuring Ian McShane

[DVD_Connoisseur · 9/10 · 30 September 2018]

A baby-faced Ian McShane appears in "Skin Deep", a strong episode from the first season of "Magnum P.I.".

The subject matter is somewhat gritty - a successful actress apparently blows her own head off with a shotgun but was this really a suicide?

Thoroughly gripping, I give this tale 9 stars. The series is clearly settling in to a good rhythm by this sixth episode. The chemistry between the main cast is excellent and there's a lovely exchange between a bleary eyed Magnum and Higgins early on in the proceedings.

Great stuff.

"LAURA" ala' MAGNUM, P.I.

[heroforhire-19620 · 9/10 · 17 January 2024]

This episode is an almost note-for-note TV episode-length version of the 1944 classic film noir "LAURA".....

The plot is the same. The pay-off is the same, with Magnum-tailored 'Nam allusions peppered in along the winding plot path of a 'suicide' investigation that results in a reveal of obsession, jealousy and murder. Hawaiian locations impart a different viewing 'vibe' than the almost-claustrophobic-by-comparison black & white classic.

But Viet Nam combat trauma and Hawaii locales aside; this IS 'Laura" without a doubt. No less august personages than Donald Bellisario AND Glen Larson are credited with the writing, and I refuse to believe that they never saw the movie 'Laura", given the many similar elements in this tale.

Not that I am complaining, mind you--just sayin'....

Hey, if you're going to.... 'Homage', shall we say....you may as well Homage from the best!