Television Pick: The Rockford Files (1974)
Since we missed last week due to general craziness, I missed the chance to touch upon the recent death of James Garner. A celebrated actor who appeared in films such as The Great Escape and Murphy’s Romance, Garner is best known for his work on the television series’ Maverick and The Rockford Files, which is fully streamable on Netflix.
A private investigator, James “Jim” Rockford is not your typical television detective, as the P.I. has spent time in prison, albeit for a crime he didn’t commit. After being released from jail, Rockford takes up shack in a Mobile Home in Malibu, California. A case cracking genius, Rockford is willing to take on cold cases, missing persons investigations, and generally anything that wouldn’t be considered an “open case” by the police.
Much like his character on Maverick, Garner’s Jim Rockford was not your prototypical television protagonist. He was a cranky and wise-cracking detective, who could show his annoyance with the state of the law and his own dilapidated life with a glance of the eyes. Nowadays, this formula has been regurgitated over and over again with lesser returns, but Garner was one of the first to perfect this type of flawed hero.
Despite being the star, Garner is not the only reason to watch The Rockford Files, as a steady stream of excellent guest stars and a wonderful performance from Noah Beery, Jr. are also worth the watch. Stars such as Isaac Hayes, Tom Selleck, and Rita Moreno appear during the show’s run as memorable characters connected to Rockford through his previous and current life. Beery, Jr., who plays Jim’s father, Joseph “Rocky” Rockford, has excellent rapport with Garner. A weary former truck driver, Joseph wants his son to have a more stable career and this relationship is an integral part of the show.
The Rockford Files helped lay the groundwork for the modern, wisecracking television detective that has become so prevalent. While I may not enjoy it as much as Maverick, the show is still an excellent showcase for the talent of James Garner.
