"Magnum, P.I." Birdman of Budapest (TV Episode 1983) Poster

(TV Series)

(1983)

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9/10
Excellent episode, a bit unorthodox
VisionExile1 May 2021
This one starts with archival black&white video footage from the Hungarian Revolution in 1956. Nice historical context.....It sets the stage for Magnum's search for a KGB agent from that era who is now possibly in Hawaii. Both simultaneously search for a bird-keeping recluse who is living on a secluded estate. A person from Higgins's past resurfaces as well.... Not really a great action or crime mystery, but this episode has a number of nice quirky elements, and it seems that Magnum even cedes the spotlight a bit. Higgins has a number of nice moments (especially trying to keep pace during a jog). His meticulous/suppressed personality comes across quite well too. And, the Ferrari is accompanied by a few other rarely seen guest stars: T. C.'s helicopter, a vintage Ford Bronco, and a large Parrot named Merlin (that is a key part of the final scene).

This memorable episode is well-paced, with interesting characters. You almost sympathize with the Birdman's desire for isolation. Great scenery as well.
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8/10
I like this one
mm-391 September 2021
Warning: Spoilers
Birdman of Budapest has it all! There is an old Masters friend who needs to find a guy. Magnum is set on a missing person case. There is cold war intrigue as the man is hiding from the Hungary up rising of 58. There is many parrots in the episode, and my parrot lover wife enjoyed the moments. Well written directed with the usual Higgens humor. Magnum get on top of the mystery. A memorable ending with the parrot. A memorable episode. 8 stars.
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7/10
A dead parrot
safenoe30 October 2023
Warning: Spoilers
Monty Python would have been proud of this episode, with the dead parrot at the end thanks to T. C.'s helicopter blades and all, so quite gruesome but in a Monty Pythonesque manner.

Anyway, Birdman of Budapest is an episode worth watching, and I'm really enjoying catching up on the early seasons of Magnum, P. I., and immersing myself in the Hawaiian beaches and streets sun soaked and all. Anyway, I have no desire to watch the Magnum reboot really because it just doesn't draw me into it with due respect to the reboot people and all. Anyway, Birdman of Budapest is one to watch with the dead parrot scene.
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4/10
Lousy ep but couple good reasons
MiketheWhistle28 January 2020
First the plot on this ep really stinks, but none the less is interesting to watch.

First to see Selleck's former wife who is very pretty is well worth watching.

I don't want to give anything away, but the resoution with the bird is simply hilarious which comes with about 5 minutes left in the show.

For these two reasons watch this ep.
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