The world seems such a complicated place lately–between world violence, political strife and a difficult economy things can just feel so overwhelming. Sometimes we all get nostalgic for a simpler time. That’s one of the reasons that Yankee Bill and I enjoy watching old TV shows from the 70’s and 80’s.
Maybe life wasn’t really simpler back then, but it sure feels like it now! One of Yankee Bill’s favorites is The Rockford Files.
For those of you not familiar with the show, it ran from 1974-1980. It follows the adventures of Jim Rockford (played by the handsome James Gardner), a Los Angeles private investigator (and ex-con, wrongly accused of course) who lives in a trailer on the beach and frequently finds himself (along with his dad “Rocky”, a retired truck driver, and an assortment of friends) embroiled in a mystery. He’s a fast talker and is much more likely to con his way out of a situation with one of his assorted characters (the Texas tycoon always cracks me up) rather than shoot or fight his way out. Although there is some fighting and shooting, which he is frequently on the wrong side of. I swear he gets beat up at least once an episode. He’s perpetually broke despite charging “$200 dollars a day, plus expenses”, mostly because he’s a softy who winds up taking on charity cases, especially if it’s a pretty young lady who needs help.
The mysteries are fun and the characters are appealing. I get a kick out of seeing the fashions, watching people have to use pay phones, and remembering things that were part of the public culture (like hippies and new age devotees) that aren’t really around any more. The theme song is just peppy and makes me smile every time I hear it, the ongoing gag about his answering machine messages is humorous, and for some reason the way they do the preview scenes at the beginning of the show giving you a teaser of the plot just seems charming to me.
Sure, there are gangsters, con men, murders and thefts. . . but somehow it still seems like a more innocent time.
We watch the series on Netflix (they have them all), but I found 3 seasons worth of episodes on Hulu and embedded one below. It’s “Feeding Frenzy”, Season 3 Episode 4.
The description from IDMB: Jim helps a friend who wants to pay back money he stole three years earlier when his daughter then gets kidnapped leading to problems for Jim with the kidnappers and the police.
I hope you watch and enjoy it, and maybe you’ll decided to check out the full series.
Wondering what TV Thursday is all about, and how to best watch YouTube Videos on your computer or TV? Check out my post “TV Thursday & Tips“.
My dad has always loved this show, so I’m very familiar with it. Love his plaid suits and such, as well.
Remember the show well.
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