Magnum P.I. – Home From The Sea
April 24, 2024
Enos – 1980
June 18, 2024
Walter ends up on a security detail after the band Sweet Kicks (featuring Laura Branigan) is almost blown up. Automan is excited to live the rock and roll lifestyle and ends up kind of dating Jessie (Laura). Then, he dad goes to an old mob friend for some protection, but they end up being taken out. It’s up to Walter and Automan to save the day!
- I am Automan
- Walter Nebicher is the police department's resident computer geek
- his immediate superiors think Walter's place is behind the desk and not on the streets
- However, Walter has other ideas
- Walter's expertise in computer programming is unparalleled and he creates a special program, 'Automan,' an artificially intelligent computer hologram that looks real, sounds real and given enough power can physically exist in the real world
The episode “Murder MTV” opens with Walter Nebicher working on his police computer system when a new case lands on his desk. A popular music video network, reminiscent of the real-life MTV, has been rocked by the sudden death of one of its rising stars, rock singer Rick Fargo. Fargo, a charismatic and rebellious figure in the music world, is found dead under mysterious circumstances. Initially ruled as a drug overdose, Walter and his holographic sidekick Automan soon uncover clues that suggest foul play.
The investigation begins when Walter learns that the network has been receiving threatening messages and that Fargo was involved in a shady dispute with a powerful record producer, Max Kruger. As Automan and Walter dig deeper, it becomes clear that Fargo’s death might be part of a larger conspiracy tied to the cutthroat world of music videos, high-profile egos, and corporate greed.
The Investigation Begins
Walter, with the help of Automan, starts the investigation by visiting the MTV-like network where Fargo was filming his latest music video. They meet with the producer of the network, Amanda Steele, a savvy executive who is deeply concerned about the impact of Fargo’s death on the network’s reputation. Steele provides them with insight into Fargo’s final days, revealing that he had been receiving anonymous threats but had dismissed them as part of the rock-and-roll lifestyle.
Automan, using his ability to interact with technology in ways no human can, taps into the network’s surveillance systems to review footage from the night of Fargo’s death. It quickly becomes apparent that something suspicious occurred during the video shoot. The footage reveals strange interference in the network’s electronic systems during Fargo’s performance, which Automan identifies as a deliberate cyber-sabotage attempt.
As Walter and Automan continue to investigate, they uncover a web of conflicting interests and rivalries within the music industry. Max Kruger, the ruthless record producer, had been trying to control Fargo’s career, and rumors swirl that he might have been involved in sabotaging Fargo’s rise to success. At the same time, they discover that Steele, though outwardly cooperative, might have her own motives for keeping certain information under wraps.
Automan’s Role
One of the standout elements of Automan is how Walter’s holographic partner uses his extraordinary abilities to solve crimes. In this episode, Automan takes full advantage of his digital powers, seamlessly blending into the world of music videos. He can manipulate video equipment, hack into secure systems, and access hidden files to uncover more clues.
At one point in the episode, Automan transforms into his “Cursor” form to infiltrate the network’s editing room, where he discovers that the final cut of Fargo’s music video was altered to erase evidence of a deadly confrontation between Fargo and Kruger during the shoot. This breakthrough leads Walter and Automan to suspect that Fargo’s death was no accident but rather part of a larger plot to remove him as a threat to Kruger’s control over the music industry.
Automan also takes on a more hands-on approach when the investigation turns dangerous. Using his ability to materialize a sleek, futuristic car, Automan engages in a high-speed chase through the neon-lit streets of Los Angeles, pursuing one of Kruger’s henchmen who holds critical information about the case. The action-packed sequence is a testament to the show’s blend of sci-fi elements with traditional police drama.
The Confrontation
As Walter and Automan close in on the truth, they confront Kruger at his luxurious mansion. Kruger, now desperate to cover his tracks, admits that Fargo had threatened to expose his illegal dealings in the music industry, including payola schemes and extortion. In a fit of rage, Kruger had ordered one of his henchmen to tamper with the electrical systems during Fargo’s video shoot, leading to the singer’s death.
Before Kruger can escape, Automan uses his digital abilities to trap him inside his own mansion’s security system, allowing Walter to apprehend him. The evidence against Kruger is overwhelming, and justice is finally served. The case is closed, but not before Amanda Steele is revealed to have known about the threats against Fargo but chose to stay silent to protect her career. This final twist adds an additional layer of intrigue to the case, as Walter grapples with the moral complexities of the entertainment industry.
Character Dynamics and Themes
The episode “Murder MTV” offers viewers an engaging blend of high-tech investigation and classic detective work. The dynamic between Walter and Automan continues to be a driving force of the show, with Walter’s grounded, methodical approach contrasting with Automan’s almost limitless technological capabilities. Together, they represent a perfect fusion of human intuition and digital prowess.
Themes of corruption, greed, and the dark side of fame are central to the episode, as the music industry is depicted as a glamorous yet dangerous world where success often comes at a high price. The episode also touches on the ethical dilemmas faced by those in positions of power, as Amanda Steele’s decision to ignore the threats against Fargo for the sake of business success highlights the morally ambiguous world of entertainment.
The Sci-Fi Edge
As always with Automan, the show’s science fiction elements provide a fun and futuristic twist to the procedural genre. Automan’s ability to interact with technology, navigate digital spaces, and manipulate systems adds a layer of complexity to the investigation that wouldn’t be possible in a standard detective show. The futuristic gadgets, car chases, and holographic transformations all contribute to the episode’s distinctive appeal.
Conclusion of the Case
By the end of the episode, justice is served, but Walter is left with the realization that the world of fame and fortune is not as glamorous as it seems. The final moments of “Murder MTV” depict Walter and Automan driving through the city, reflecting on the case and the lessons learned about the corrupting influence of money and power.
“Murder MTV” stands out as a memorable episode of Automan, blending the glitzy world of 1980s music videos with a detective story and a dash of sci-fi adventure. It’s a thrilling ride filled with action, intrigue, and, of course, the signature digital prowess of Automan.
