Saturday, January 21, 2012

Caricature 23/500: Magnum pi Part 2, Higgins

No, it's not Hitler. But thanks for noticing because several times on the show Higgins was referred to as "that little Hitler looking fellow." 


We continue our Magnum pi series with our second victim. The stodgy Englishman Jonathon Quail Higgins (played by native Texan John Hillerman) was the caretaker of Robin's Nest (the estate) and Magnum's biggest foil. He was known to ramble on for days about his memoirs and war experiences, particularly when a quick answer or action was needed. He was constantly berating Magnum's slovenly lifestyle and career choice... "Up all night on another tawdry divorce case, no doubt." Magnum was in charge of estate security and lived in the guesthouse. Higgins was quick to point out every violation and security breech to discredit him and get him out. 


On the other hand, Magnum suspected that Higgins was really the estate's owner and noted pulp fiction author Robin Masters going undercover to hide his true identity as not to tarnish his blueblood social status. It all makes for a lot of childish pranks and humorous insults.


It is pretty impossible to not make Higgins look like Hitler with just a head sketch. Even if there never were a Hitler I think Higgins is more identifiable by his body type and other props than by his facial features. He has a tiny mustache and serious look but not a lot to pick on and I wasn't able to find anything on the internet to cheat from. This isn't my favorite caricature so far but when you see the group scene at the end you may think it fits just fine.


Higgins was the anti-Magnum and a big part of the shows's success. Coming next is one of Magnum's best pals and Vietnam comrades. Stay tuned to find out who!

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