I would love to have been a fly on the wall at that auspicious network meeting when they were brainstorming for the brilliant small screen phenomenon known to the American public as Magnum PI. VP of CBS Development (Played in my mind by Charlton Heston): Gentlemen, we need a show for the 8 o’clock time slot. Something that will appeal to men who spend gobs of money and happen to currently be stuck in arrested development. Bruce, what’ve you got?
Bruce: Yeah, how about a private investigator?
VP: Nice. All men wish they could be dangerous. What else? Hal?
Hal: Well, we could film it in Hawaii?
VP: Perfect. Every man wishes he lived in Hawaii. Nick?
Nick: How is a private investigator going to afford living in Hawaii?
Hal: We could have him live for free on an estate. That way he has no real adult responsibilities. Not even a mortgage.
VP: I likey. Nick, you’re fired, unless you get with the program.
Nick: We could have the owner of the estate give him a Ferrari to use at his leisure?
VP: Nick, you’re a beautiful man. That’s genius. Now I want a Ferrari.
Hal: Also, he should have a mini-fridge that is endlessly full of cold beer.
Bruce: Also, this guy is going to be able to get any woman he wants. A new one every week, since he won’t ever really be involved in any kind of relationship that requires maturity, sacrifice, compromise, or formal wear.
VP: Of course he is. He’s got an estate, a Ferrari, the coolest job…and what else?
Nick: A mustache?
VP: Bingo. I smell a hit, gentlemen. Nick, go pick me out a Ferrari.
