James Garner's fine work in the second year of this popular detective series earned him an Emmy nomination, and deservedly so: watching the 22 episodes of the 1975-76 season, it's readily apparent that Garner—a naturalistic actor to begin with—has so immersed himself in the role of ex-con-turned-private-eye Jim Rockford that actor and character are all but indistinguishable. Series co-creator and chief writer Stephen J. Cannell steers Rockford into many situations this season in which he ends working on behalf of those closest to him. In “Gearjammers”—the only two-parter—Rockford tries to protect his dad Rocky (Noah Beery) from truck hijackers set on eliminating the old man, who is a trial witness against them. In “The Farnsworth Stratagem,” Jim's best friend on the police force, Sergeant Becker (Joe Santos), asks Rockford for help in recovering money lost to bunco artists—look here for Linda Evans, one of the many past or future stars who grace this season. Others guests include Stephanie Powers, Rob Reiner, Blair Brown, and Louis Gossett Jr. My favorite episode here is “Pastoria Prime Pick,” which finds Rockford stranded in an apparently peaceful small town when his car breaks down…and within minutes, he's inexplicably charged with a series of crimes. DVD extras include the original series pilot and an interview with Cannell. Recommended. (E. Hulse)
The Rockford Files: Season Two
Universal, 6 discs, 1,106 min., not rated, DVD: $39.98 Volume 21, Issue 5
The Rockford Files: Season Two
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