Magnum, P.I. (TV Series) Limbo (1987) User Reviews

The deepest, most emotional, Magnum episode

[grantss · 10/10 · 26 August 2019]

Magnum is shot and left for dead at a warehouse. Now he walks like a ghost through his world.

Magnum episodes tend to be fairly one-dimensional in plot: someone comes to Magnum with a problem, Magnum investigates, after some great action sequences, Magnum catches bad guys. It is the sub-plots and banter (and scenery) that gave the series its charm and engagement.

This episode takes a deviation from this formula, and it's a wonderful one. With Magnum having to deal with the possibility of his own death, relationships and looking out for the people he cares about become the primary focus. It's easily the deepest Magnum episode and a very moving experience.

Sad but beautiful

[kendrapruitt · 10/10 · 20 October 2020]

I can watch Limbo over and over. Touching but leaves one hopeful. Music is fantastic! Great acting as always. Sorry but the New Magnum will never be the true Magnum. In their dreams.

So Close So Far

[hellraiser7 · 10/10 · 27 June 2016]

Warning do not read unless seen episode.

It's always one of the last things we ever think would ever happen, heroes even superheroes are mortal, which means no matter how many scrapes with death they have survived, death is never far away.

As a kid this episode made me cry, I remember thinking "No Magnum this can't be the end!" and of course it wasn't the end as another season followed. Despite that fact as well as the fact this episode doesn't have the same impact as it does now, the episode was a event which just tugged at viewers/fans heartstrings real hard, from what happened none of us were entirely sure of anything.

The only problem I have with the episode is there is this business with the new guy in Michelle's life, which did nothing for the episode it felt like a complete waste of space. However those scenes are few and brief so you can just fast forward though them easy.

This episode is really about the moments where we see each of the supporting characters in Magnum's life deal with Magnum's condition. Just seeing the emotion on all of there faces just goes to show how much one person can really touch and affect so many people.

One of the moments that stand out is when Thomas was with his daughter and he is playing a game where he is hoping that she will be able to hear and see him but of course she doesn't. However she was looking and picking a book out that was the usual one Thomas read to her. I just thought that was both touching and sad, because that is something we all at times thinking about just to hear or see someone we've lost one last time just to know that there still around. Or even that book his daughter picked out, despite a simple object it's also that feeling of having something they left behind so that when we have it it's as if their still around.

Then of course there is that moment when Higgins then tells a story from one of the memoirs he is having published. It was a hopeful story of a person close to death and just when he was presumed death he actually pulled through and came back from the brink. That story in a way wasn't just one to give Magnum hope but it was one to give Higgins and the viewers hope. After telling the story and not seeing Magnum wake up, Higgins and even the rest of his friends Rick, Carol, and T.C. have a really sad looks on their faces which was the same as my own, that really put a tear in my eye.

The episode though does have a touching message, from Magnum spiritual state throughout the episode he is visiting and talking with each of the supporting characters and laying down his feelings for each of them. Despite not seeing him it just goes to show that he's never far away.

As long as we keep remembering and loving someone, despite how far they may'be they will always be close and live forever in our hearts.

Rating: 4 stars

Bravo

[safenoe · 10/10 · 12 May 2023]

The line infinity and jelly doughnuts said by Mac in Limbo sets up the episode title for the season eight opener. Limbo is an incredibly moving episode that wraps up season seven. Limbo was supposed to be the series finale, but the network renewed the Magnum, P. I. for season eight at the very last minute.

Seeing Magnum, after being shot in the warehouse, weaving his way through the lives of the regular and special cast was quite moving and emotional. What fates await Magnum? Of course he thankfully returned for season eight.

Limbo was directed by Jackie Cooper, who also directed several M*A*S*H episodes.

What a way to end a beloved series, well almost

[brtndr · 10/10 · 11 October 2023]

This is not only one of my favorite episode's of the original Magnum series but, television in general. I don't think there's ever been a series that concluded where the main character is caught between a state of life-and-death, and then visits all the other supporting characters to say his final goodbye's.

As a fan and weekly viewer of the series since 1982, this nearly final episode of Magnum PI was deeply moving for me. Like, saying a final goodbye to a long time friend that you grew-up with.

As for the episode itself, it's not only very touching and moving, that's aided by a really good soundtrack. It also contains a lot of action scenes, along with some light effective humorous moments. And, the ending scene almost brought tears to my eyes.(almost)

After 7-seasons, this episode was intended to be the final broadcast of the original Magnum PI series, but viewer demand brought it back at the last moment. The series eventually concluded a season later on a much more positive note for Thomas Magnum, but, not nearly as emotionally moving as this episode.

Definitely 10 out of 10 stars from me, and a must see episode for all the fans of the original Magnum PI series.

Side Note: I first saw this episode during summer re-runs of 1987, just after graduating from high school. Like most young people, I was overwhelmed with confusion and fear about what I was going to do with the rest of my life after school, this episode of Magnum somehow gave me a renewed appreciation for all the people in my life at the time, and some sense of temporary relief for what lies ahead in my future.

There's Always Time

[Far_Out · 10/10 · 28 January 2024]

Until there isn't. Magnum often spoke this in the series as he was in a spot of bother. It was appropriate that he would meet his demise having no inkling of the ambush which awaited him.

Perhaps my biggest takeaway of this ep was that the cast was mourning for real - this was to be the end of a remarkable run of making TV. Seeing Maggie weep never fails to choke me up. She wasn't acting, imo.

I loved the lads barking like crazy at Thomas in the study while nobody else was aware of his presence. I also very much liked the reveal that Thomas had submitted Higgins' memoirs to the prestigious publisher. What a beautiful circle that was.

Another fun moment was when Magnum instantly conjured up the Napoleon pastries as he was begging Mac for more time. It reminded how industrious and quick to learn Thomas was, and it signaled that he had accepted Mac's truth as to his mortality.

Seeing Buck dealing harshly with Maggie, only to reconsider it all after first softening his demeanor with her, was a peak series moment for me. We did not get to see the true Buck often as he was introduced as an antagonist and a hard butt.

I would have been just fine with this as the actual finale. The Denver music and the walking off amongst the clouds worked extremely well. I would, however, have preferred a two-parter.

My Favorite Magnum Episode!

[spasek · 10/10 · 4 April 2024]

Tom Selleck did a heck of a job coming up with the story, and Jackie Cooper's direction was inspired.

I saw this episode when it first aired, and I had the foresight to tape it. I'm certain that I watched this episode more than any other Magnum, P. I. episode. I was especially hooked by John Denver's "Looking For Space." I would even replay the sections of the episode just to hear the song. I had no idea what the title was, so it took me a number of years before I was able to track it down. Of course, it's also my favorite John Denver song as well.

I didn't know that Magnum, P. I. has been renewed for an eighth season when I saw this episode. It was virtually unheard of for the main character of a TV series--especially a hit series--to be killed off. However, with Selleck's beautiful script, by the time the episode ended, I strangely didn't find it that upsetting or even disturbing. Magnum was at peace, and so was I.

However, given how the series finale transpired, I was happy that they brought him back. My favorite story arc of the series has always been the handful of episodes that included Michelle and eventually, Lily. Season 8's "Unfinished Business" was heartbreaking to say the least!

Still, I enjoyed seeing Mac again and having him "guide" Magnum around in his spirit form trying to "get through" to someone. I found it ironic that Michelle came to Hawaii to tell Magnum that she was getting married again. It's even more ironic that Durant is a virtual look-alike of Magnum himself, which causes the viewer to wonder about Michelle's choice and why she chose him.

The sweetest and most tender moment was resevered for end, when it becomes apparent that Lily does, indeed, see Magnum just before he walks away. It's especially poignant that Magnum's last wish (for Lily to see him) would come true.

I've seen this episode dozens of times and yet I never get tired of it. It's light, and we also get a chance to see the things that Magnum has done for his friends. This is the most beautiful and tender episode of the series.

A horrible ep, and had it been the end it would have been a huge stain

[MiketheWhistle · 2/10 · 26 February 2020]

Based on reading trivia it appears that this was originally intended to be the series finale, and it's great that it wasn't as it was simply a horrible ep.

I won't intentionally give away any spoilers, but it truly seemed to be thrown together haphazardly. It obviously tried to bring together most of the semi-regular characters into a likely finale and try to have some sort of plot. Well the plot was ok, but poorly delivered.

Also if you read the trivia, or guess it's a goof, the resolution with Rick was ridiculous.

I've not see the actual series finale but will soon in rerun, and from what I've read it's far better than what this was.