This is it, after eight seasons, one of my all-time favorite series comes to its conclusion. Chris Abbott and Stephen A. Miller wrote both parts of the two hour conclusion that aired on 1 May, 1988.

Part one sees Magnum (Tom Selleck) is visiting home in Tidewater, Virginia, recalling his life, his time with Michelle (Marta DuBois), the loss of her and his daughter, Lily Catherine (Kristen Carreira), as well as his time as a private investigator. He does some serious soul searching. That is until his friend, reporter Linda Lee (Patrice Martinez) is attacked back in Hawaii.

He tours the Naval Academy at Annapolis, goes to see his mom (Gwen Verdon) and family. In fact this story goes out of its way to touch base with all the familiar faces. Rick (Larry Manetti), T.C. (Roger E. Mosley), Higgins (John Hillerman) all get their moments, but we also check in with Maggie (Jean Bruce Scott), Diana (Amy Yasbeck), Agatha (Gillian Dobb), Carol (Kathleen Lloyd), Page (Joe Santos), Ice Pick (Elisha Cook jr.) Buck Greene (Lance LeGault) and Mac (Jeff MacKay).

Rick’s marriage to Cleo (Phyllis Davis) is about to happen, the gents are being measured for suits, and Thomas and Linda Lee reconnect, in a sequence that is as much a love letter to Hawaii as it is the series.

While all this is going on, Thomas digs into the deaths of Lily Catherine and Michelle, only to discover the possibility that his daughter may have survived.

There’s a lot going on as there is a lot to be tied up before the end, including the fact that Magnum resigns from his position on the estate. The revelation of who Robin Masters is.

There are a couple things missing, there’s no real internal monologue that we are privy to this time around, its as if we as viewers are losing touch with Magnum as well, but the camaraderie that we have come to expect from the main characters, and there are plenty of nods to all that’s gone before.

The episodes have some nice moments, including Thomas connecting with his grandfather, Captain Thomas Sullivan Magnum I (Howard Duff) and seeing the similarities in their lives, as well as the recognition of second chances. The second chances include an opportunity for T.C. and his family to find their way back to one another.

While there may be no real case this week, just the hunt for whomever is stalking Linda Lee, there is a lot of wonderful character beats, because we know this will be the last time we see them.

Throughout the entire story, once Thomas hands in his resignation there is a big secret about what he’s going to do…

The series comes to a wonderful end, and I can’t believe it’s over. What a ride, and I still love it as much as I do the first time I saw it.

Next week, however, we start on my favorite series of all-time, Quantum Leap!

Until then, Aloha!