It is a pretty well known fact that I don’t remember a lot about most things I do every day. In fact, I’d consider my memory to be poor at best - possibly even abysmal. But, one thing I do remember very clearly is how my sister and I used to watch the Rockford Files on A&E. We’d settle in after school and on summer holidays, make some food, and enjoy that day’s episode.

I know, I know, it is probably a strange thing to remember - And even stranger to choose to relay it to you via this Blog. But hold on, dear reader, for the reason for my random observation will become clear in the very next sentence:

I purchased Season 1 of The Rockford Files on DVD.

The DVD set includes a recent interview with James Garner about the show. One of the really interesting things he mentions is that he figured the show was popular because people love so support an ‘anti-hero’ character in drama. A character who is a ‘hero’ with good intentions, but their inner flaws cause them more trouble than they deserve. A semi-applicable example of this type of character in a current show is ‘George’ from Grey’s Anatomy.

Anyhow Back on Track : Garner is right. A lot of people DO love that type of character. And I’m one of them.

Recall this; most of the time it is in our nature to fondly remember experiences in our past as being better than they actually were. Today, I’ve come to the following conclusion - this is NOT the case with the Rockford Files. I’ve watched 4 episodes since yesterday and the show is as good or better than I remember. As good as gold.

Jim Rockford - A basically decent everyday fellow trying to earn a living - who always seems to ’step in it’.

Perhaps that should have been the title of the show. Although, it would be pretty hard to fit that moniker in the TV guide listings.

Finally, if there is a point to this post, it is this: If you liked the Rockford Files, buy the DVDs. You’ll be happy you did.