Magnum, P.I. (TV Series) The Elmo Ziller Story (1982) User Reviews

A Tale of Two Higgins

[DVD_Connoisseur · 8/10 · 11 November 2018]

This is a fun yarn and the second story to co-star the very lovely Robin Dearden (she first appeared as Mandy in the IRA-centric tale, "No Need to Know" in Season 1).

Magnum is asked to look after Higgins' half-brother Elmo Ziller, after an attempt on his life in Texas.

The episode contains a standout performance from John Hillerman as the Texan half-brother of Higgins.

As always, there's more to things than initially meets the eye.

8 out of 10. A good hearted romp.

Fun but not the best.

[mm-39 · 6/10 · 9 August 2021]

There is a twist with a Texas flavor. We are introduced to Higgens Half brother Elmo who is a wild Texan. Magnum keeps believing Elmo is a joke which is an on going humor gimmick. There is a over the top ex wife, a rodeo, and Texas breakfast which all add to the humor. The Elmo Ziller Story is a more humorous story then a serious detective episode. Entertaining episode, but I would put The Emo Ziller Story into the comic section of the series. 6 stars.

Tickle Me Elmo

[safenoe · 6/10 · 26 September 2023]

Not a bad episode, with John Hillerman (who is from Texas in real life, so he's not British or English or Welsh or Irish) playing the stereotypical Texan half-brother of Higgins, Elmo Ziller. There's lots of rodeo in this one, and the twist was quite something, although not an M Night level twist, but still.

Anyway, I'm enjoying catching up on the early seasons of Magnum, P. I., and I must admit I've never seen the reboot and i have no interest in doing so. Gillian Dobb (1929-2001) makes a guest appearance as a hotel desk clerk, but it's in season three where she has the recurring role as Agatha Chumley.