As stated a much darker episode than usual. No doubt inspired by the darker subject matter in Miami Vice which was at its peak at the time. An excellent change of pace. Time Selleck showing that he can show a serious side to his character and perfectly balanced with the Ripper. Great stuff all round.
8 Reviews
One of the Darker segments
thekingschild-6527411 June 2021
This for me, was one of the more disturbing episodes. The psychotic killer who taunts Magnum with nursery rhymes could have been created from the imagination of Thomas Harris (Hannibal Lecter fame). He was truly a scary creation. There were no moments of levity in this one. It was taut and relentless from beginning to end. Warning: do not mistake the error of watching it before bedtime! LOL.
Particularly good ep
MiketheWhistle20 February 2020
This is another ep along the lines of where the series developed with a greater concentration on more serious shows, and this was no different. I agree with the other review that the Collins song Mama was a perfect choice, although I'm a little prejudice in that this is the music I enjoyed as a teen.
The series definitely turned to darker ep's as it developed, and I don't know if that had anything to do with its going away. I watched sporadic ep's as most of the series run I was in high school and the navy so didn't have the time to watch them with they aired generally. Watching/Rewatching them as an older person I enjoy them.
The series definitely turned to darker ep's as it developed, and I don't know if that had anything to do with its going away. I watched sporadic ep's as most of the series run I was in high school and the navy so didn't have the time to watch them with they aired generally. Watching/Rewatching them as an older person I enjoy them.
The Perfect Song
wendisue-7878620 April 2017
I will never forget this because of the song: "Mama" by Genesis. It was by far the absolute perfect choice for this episode "Death and Taxes". Couldn't have picked a better time to play it, or the perfect song to play. I will never forget this one. I seriously think of it every time I hear the song.
My all-time favorite episode of the series...
dd-660566 August 2020
Death and Taxes from Season 7 is by far and away my all-time favorite episode from the vaunted series. Kenneth Tigar (an excellent character actor throughout his career) was great as The Ripper and he played well off Tom Selleck's energy throughout. Always staying one step ahead of Magnum throughout the episode until the very end. A real cat and mouse game. It truly put Magnum to the test. And that's why it'll always be my all-time favorite Magnum, P. I. Episode!
Magnum Vice
safenoe2 February 2023
Warning: Spoilers
A superb, sublime and surreal episode of Magnum, P. I. in its mid-life season, where there's room for experimentation. Who said that Magnum was just about action and all? This episode reminds me (purposely perhaps) of Miami Vice, and wow, it brought back the memories. Even the closing credit theme had the Miami Vice feel to it.
It's a shame there wasn't a spin-off called Magnum Nights, where Magnum pursues criminals of the night and other supernatural elements in Hawaii.
The ending was quite surreal, happening in the Hawaiian night which gave the surreal feeling that made this episode a standout.
It's a shame there wasn't a spin-off called Magnum Nights, where Magnum pursues criminals of the night and other supernatural elements in Hawaii.
The ending was quite surreal, happening in the Hawaiian night which gave the surreal feeling that made this episode a standout.
Unusual
polite-4569210 March 2020
Warning: Spoilers
It seems unusual for Magnum to encounter a serial killer. There also was not any of the childish humor that is common in other episodes.
The killer was particularly annoying, as if he were trying to represent himself as Magnum's gay stalker?
The killer was particularly annoying, as if he were trying to represent himself as Magnum's gay stalker?
Thomas "Miami Vice" Magnum
pensman30 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
Somewhat of an odd episode in that it is either a homage to a rival series, Miami Vice, or a comment indicating Magnum could just as easily be Sonny Crockett if he wanted to. The pacing, camera work, and music scoring are right out of Mann's handbook. The ending in particular as Magnum faces the killer while both are in shadow is pure Vice. As I said, it is a curious episode and the preceding episode and following one have no connection to this one. Magnum as a series always seemed to follow in the footsteps of The Rockford Files with Magnum as a genial ah shucks sort of detective. In this episode he really steps out of character as he channels his rivals.
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