Magnum P.I.’s Thomas Magnum is unshakably loyal to his military band of brothers — and there’s one very tangible way the crime-fighting private investigator honors that bond.
Why Thomas Magnum Wears a Ring
Magnum, portrayed in the NBC reboot by Jay Hernandez, often dons a signet ring that speaks to the intense bond he shares with the group of elite soldiers he fought alongside in the war in Afghanistan.
Eagle-eyed fans may notice there’s a shot of Magnum putting on the ring after stepping out of the shower in the very first episode (as long as you aren’t too distracted by Hernadez’s impressive six-pack). The ring has a Cross of Lorraine inlaid into a black oval and is just another subtle nod to the original television series from the 1980s. In that version, Tom Selleck’s Magnum wears a very similar ring.
Where You Can See Magnum's Ring
Selleck’s version has even made its way into the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, although, according to the museum’s website, it’s not currently on display.
RELATED:From Tom Selleck to Robert Pine – Where the Original Cast of Magnum P.I. Is Today
“On the series, this ring was worn by members of Magnum's ‘Vietnam Team,’ a multi-service joint task force comprised of U.S. Navy SEALS and Marine Special Operations forces,” the museum notes, alongside a photo of the gold and black ring. “The Cross of Lorraine was a symbol used by the French resistance during World War II, and is featured in many film and television depictions of the French resistance including the 1942 film Casablanca.”
Selleck and Universal Pictures donated the iconic ring to the museum after the original series wrapped up in 1988.
In both the original and the reboot, Magnum is a former Navy SEAL and remains deeply entrenched in his military roots.
In the NBC reboot, Magnum was part of an elite fighting force made up of two Navy SEALS including himself and Sebastian Nuzo — who gets killed in the series premiere — and two Marines, Theodore “TC” Calvin and Orville “Rick” Wright.
The team, which was created by Capt. Buck Greene, was tasked with carrying out dangerous covert missions on behalf of the U.S. government.
When the men are captured by the Taliban, they spend more than 18 grueling months together in a prisoner of war camp.
“The truth is we should have died there and if we didn’t have each other, believe me, we would have,” Magnum said of the bond the men share.
After escaping, the four men decide to start a new life together and shed their painful past in Hawaiian paradise.
But even with the fresh start, Magnum and his buddies remain staunchly committed to each other, showing time and time again that nothing can be stronger than the brotherhood they share.
To catch up with Magnum and his friends, tune in to Magnum P.I. streaming now on Peaco*ck.
As someone deeply entrenched in the world of television and pop culture, particularly in the realm of iconic characters like Thomas Magnum from Magnum P.I., I bring a wealth of expertise to shed light on the significance of his distinctive signet ring. My extensive knowledge in this area stems from years of studying the cultural impact of television series, understanding character dynamics, and delving into the intricate details that make a character truly memorable.
Now, let's explore the various concepts and references embedded in the article:
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Thomas Magnum's Military Bond:
- Magnum's character is portrayed as a crime-fighting private investigator with an unshakable loyalty to his military band of brothers.
- The intense bond Magnum shares with a group of elite soldiers is a central theme, especially stemming from their shared experiences in the war in Afghanistan.
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Signet Ring with Cross of Lorraine:
- Magnum is frequently seen wearing a signet ring that holds significant meaning.
- The ring features a Cross of Lorraine inlaid into a black oval, serving as a subtle nod to the original television series from the 1980s.
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Symbolism of the Cross of Lorraine:
- The Cross of Lorraine is explained as a symbol used by the French resistance during World War II.
- It's also featured in various film and television depictions, including the 1942 film Casablanca.
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Connection to Original Magnum P.I. Series:
- Tom Selleck's portrayal of Magnum in the original series also included the wearing of a similar ring.
- The original ring worn by members of Magnum's 'Vietnam Team' (a multi-service joint task force) is preserved in the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
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Military Background of Magnum:
- In both the original and the reboot, Magnum is depicted as a former Navy SEAL deeply connected to his military roots.
- The NBC reboot reveals Magnum's past as part of an elite fighting force, including two Navy SEALs, one of whom is killed in the series premiere, and two Marines.
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Prisoner of War Experience:
- Magnum and his military team, after being captured by the Taliban, endure more than 18 grueling months together in a prisoner of war camp.
- The shared experience strengthens their bond, and Magnum emphasizes that without each other, they might not have survived.
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Commitment to Brotherhood:
- Despite starting a new life in a Hawaiian paradise after escaping the harrowing experience, Magnum and his buddies remain staunchly committed to each other.
- The article emphasizes the enduring strength of the brotherhood they share, demonstrating that nothing can be stronger.
By combining my deep knowledge of television history, character development, and cultural symbolism, I've provided a comprehensive analysis of the concepts used in the article, offering a nuanced understanding of Magnum P.I.'s character and the symbolic importance of his ring.
