5 ‘Rockford Files’ Episodes to Watch Before the Reboot
What To Know
- NBC has ordered a pilot for a reboot of The Rockford Files, sparking renewed interest in the original 1974–1980 detective series starring James Garner as Jim Rockford.
- Key episodes recommended for rewatch include the pilot “Backlash of the Hunter,” the accidental series finale “Deadlock in Parma,” and standout installments like “The Farnsworth Stratagem” and “Sleight of Hand.”
- These episodes showcase the show’s signature blend of clever cons, strong character relationships, and memorable guest stars, making them ideal for both longtime fans and newcomers ahead of the reboot.
Deadline recently broke the news that NBC has officially ordered a pilot for a reboot of the classic James Garner detective series The Rockford Files. While details are still largely under wraps, the news has led fans to become nostalgic about the original series, which ran from 1974 to 1980. It starred Garner as the laid-back, sharp-witted private investigator Jim Rockford and remains one of television’s most beloved detective dramas.
If you’re curious about revisiting the original series before the reboot shows up, here are a few of the best episodes to rewatch, including the pilot and final episode.
“Backlash of the Hunter”
Season 1, Pilot Episode, Aired March 27, 1974
Everett Collection
Every Rockford rewatch really should start where it all began. “Backlash of the Hunter” originally aired as a movie-length pilot and immediately established the tone that would carry the series for six seasons. In the episode, Jim is hired by a young woman to investigate the murder of her homeless father after the police have abandoned the case. Lindsay Wagner appears as Sara Butler several years before she became a television phenomenon on The Bionic Woman, and the supporting cast begins taking shape with early appearances by Joe Santos as Dennis Becker and Stuart Margolin as Angel Martin. Robert Donley plays Rocky Rockford in the pilot, before Noah Beery Jr. assumed the role for the rest of the series.
“Deadlock in Parma”
Finale, Season 6, Episode 11, Aired January 10, 1980
Everett Collection
Although it was not originally intended as a series finale, “Deadlock in Parma” became the last episode of The Rockford Files when the show concluded in 1980. During the episode, Jim heads into the mountains for a quiet fishing trip and ends up unexpectedly entangled in a small-town political battle after becoming the proxy voter for a councilman sidelined by illness. The episode later earned recognition on AV Club’s list of accidental finales that worked, largely because it captures the show’s spirit rather than trying to manufacture sentimentality.
“The Farnsworth Stratagem”
Season 2, Episode 2, Aired September 19, 1975
Everett Collection
If you want a reminder of how clever and playful the series could be, “The Farnsworth Stratagem” delivers one of Rockford‘s most entertaining cons. When Dennis Becker gets swindled in a shady hotel investment scheme, Jim steps in by posing as a flamboyant Texas oil tycoon in order to outmaneuver the scammers. Linda Evans guest stars as Audrey Wyatt in one of her few appearances on the series. Fans often point to this episode as a standout because it allows Rockford to orchestrate a complex operation with help from Rocky and Angel, highlighting the loose but loyal network that surrounds him.
“Sleight of Hand”
Season 1, Episode 15, Aired January 17, 1975
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
“Sleight of Hand” shows a very different side of Jim Rockford, pushing him into deeply personal territory. His girlfriend mysteriously disappears, and the police suspect Jim himself may be involved. One of the episode’s strongest elements is the relationship between Jim and his father, Rocky, played by Noah Beery Jr. Tom Atkins appears as Lieutenant Alex Diel, adding tension to the investigation, while Lara Parker makes a memorable guest appearance as Diana Lewis.
“Chicken Little Is a Little Chicken”
Season 2, Episode 9, Aired November 14, 1975
NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
For viewers who love Angel Martin’s chaotic energy, “Chicken Little Is a Little Chicken” is essential viewing. This episode marks the first time Angel truly becomes the central figure of a storyline, pulling Rockford into one of his half-baked schemes that quickly spirals out of control. What begins as a simple debt collection turns into a dangerous mess involving angry criminals, missing money, and Angel’s trademark panic. The episode is often praised for its sharp dialogue and the chemistry between James Garner and Stuart Margolin, who won two Emmy Awards during the series’ run for his portrayal of Angel.
Where can you watch The Rockford Files?
You can watch the series for free on The Roku Channel, or with a subscription on Amazon Prime.
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