alexanderdavies-99382 "The Rockford Files" was another winning series from "Universal" studios. It lasted from 1974 til 1980 and consisted of six seasons. The series starred James Garner in a role for which he will be forever remembered, that of private eye Jim Rockford. He was the kind of character who was usually on the receiving end of less than honest people - including his own clients sometimes. In just about every episode, Rockford stated what his rate of pay was and his expenses. He seldom saw a penny in any of the cases he took on and this scenario reminds me of Raymond Chandler's Phillip Marlowe. Rockford was living in rather modest accommodation, that of a camper van without wheels by the Los Angeles beach. He had little in the way of hard cash and his credit with the local banks wasn't exactly healthy. The Los Angeles police department always kept Rockford under their own microscope and it wasn't just because Rockford was a private eye who encroached on their territory. The fact that he was an ex convict didn't exactly endear him to them! James Garner made Rockford a very affable and easygoing character but could be tough when necessary. Rockford also wasn't a fool and he knew instinctively when someone he had dealings with wasn't being honest. James Garner was very convincing. He had his dad in his life which was essential in Rockford having his father to turn to if times were really challenging. The episodes usually deliver the goods in their being well acted and written. Sometimes the episodes had somewhat bittersweet endings. The best of them I would say, are the ones from the first season til the end of the third one but the series is always very watchable. The theme tune for "The Rockford Files" is quite catchy and it suits the style of the show.

sadg ewtas The Show was first aired on my birthday. And now, 43 years later it still comes fresh and in no way quirky or odd. That has to mean something.It also is a very pleasant change to the overly hectic and rushing crime shows running nowadays. Which I also like most of the time but still it is a little exhausting and there comes handy the nice and relaxing fifty second drive of Jimmy Rockford just to show off his ride.

MoneyMagnet Although I was sentient between 1974-1980, I never watched this show because I was a kid and it seemed like a "boring grown up show." Now that James Garner has sadly passed on, I decided to check it out and am highly enjoying it. Very little about this show seems dated (except for the clothes and the 1970s lack of TV sex and gore). The dialogue often sparkles and even when the plots are repetitive, you just want to spend an hour hanging out with Jim and his friends every episode.Also, you can tell a high quality show by the caliber of guest actors it attracts. The Rockford Files attracted the cream of the crop of '70s TV, including many actors who would go on to have their own shows and be pretty famous. And of course, Garner is so perfect in this role that you don't even notice the character he's playing is a bit of a loser! (not personality-wise -- but he's got no money, lives in a trailer, has lowlifes for friends and is constantly getting beaten up and arrested... that he managed to attract any women at all is a minor miracle.) I'm sorry it took me so long to check it out. It's awesome.

severe_td "Rockford" showed up on the small screen nearly 35 years ago. That's a long time, and the world has changed a lot since then. This makes it even more satisfying to see how well the show has held up over the years. While the cars, hairstyles, and clothing are noticeably dated, the endearing characters, intelligent writing, and clever story lines aren't.Jim Rockford is an atypical TV hero, especially for the 1970s. He is often cranky and impatient, and he usually wants nothing to do with a case unless it's going to put his usual $200/day plus expenses in his pocket. However, after being talked into reluctant participation into many of his capers, Rockford displays an unusual sense of morality. Once he finds someone getting the short end of the stick, he can't turn his back on them until he puts things right -- even at his own life's peril.The supporting cast really makes this show. All have a complex, sometimes unexplained relationship with Rockford that is often unconventional. Angel Martin is an extremely shady ex-con who constantly lies to Rockford and gets him into trouble, yet the viewer comes to eventually understand their strange friendship, as Jim begrudgingly takes the good with the bad. Beth Davenport's relationship with Rockford is never clarified. It's implied they had or have some sort of romantic involvement, but the relationship seems open, and at times, just a friendship. However, the viewer gets the sense that the two care about one another very much, and the strong, educated Ms. Davenport is a refreshing departure from damsel-in-distress characters of the time. Sgt. Dennis Becker is Jim's friend, but he isn't shy to share his suspicions that Rockford is often using him for information and police protection, nor is he reluctant to complain that Jim's ever-presence is preventing his advancement within the LAPD. Even Rockford's own father has an unconventional relationship with him, as Jim refers to him as "Rocky" and treats him as more of a best friend than a father. Rocky is more trusting and happy-go-lucky than his cranky, cynical son, but the two of them have an excellent chemistry that is even touching at times. It helped that Noah Beery and James Garner had a physical resemblance, as well.The show had a few mainstays that were present in nearly every episode. It always had its share of humor, though often subtle. There were always a few exciting car chase scenes, however improbable that they could take place on L.A. streets without ever running into traffic. Someone always seemed to find a way to break into Rockford's trailer and either tear the place up, attack him, or both. Apparently he never learned his lesson about investing in some better locks. Regardless of these patterns, however, the show remained fresh and interesting throughout its entire run, especially with the creative writers they were fortunate enough to employ.The Rockford Files was one of the most expensive shows to produce at the time, given its extensive use of on-location shooting throughout Los Angeles and its surrounding cities. While I'm sure this made things tougher on the staff, it especially enhances the show now, as one now has an excellent look at 1970s Los Angeles. It's especially invigorating for me to see this, as memories of my childhood there come rushing back with every scene change.I did not start watching this series until 2007. It has been a pleasant surprise, and I recommend it to anyone who is looking for some great TV from 3 decades ago.