- New James Rockford Files on TV - CW Anderson
So popular did the original Rockford Files series, starring James Garner, remain in the 1980s that advertisements during its rerun syndication even teased working men for calling in sick so they could stay home to watch the private eye, James Rockford, outwit yet another dimwit who thought he was a cut above the law.
The series also produced eight successful TV movies starring nearly the entire original cast, minus the ailing, then deceased, Noah Beery who played Rocky Rockford, father of the private eye.
The New Rockford Files to Star Dermot Mulroney of My Best Friend's Wedding
Popular as the Rockford Files was, it failed to produce any successful spinoffs. Many other series of the time did so, which helped creators realize a profit for their hefty investments. That may be one factor leading critics such as Krystal Clark, writing for screencrave.com (Dermot Mulroney Cast in Rockford Files Remake, March 1, 2010), to wonder aloud if the new series starring Mulroney can get much traction before it is pulled off the air.
The article noted that Mulroney was a huge star during the late 1980s and throughout the 1990s but "simmered down a bit" after the turn of the century, according to Clark. She also, it must be noted, did qualify her skepticism by noting executive producer's success with House, which has a character not far different from James Rockford.
The show's executive producer and writer, David Shore (creator of the hit series House) is said to be molding the new Rockford as a character who is "slightly crumpled, wry humored, cynical, world weary, compassionate when it's call for and easily irritated by morons," according to Clark's article. She adds, "I don't know about you but doesn't that sound like House with a P.I. license?"
Alan Tudyk Signed for Role of Dennis Becker
Alan Tudyk will assume the role of Rockford's inside man at the police department, Dennis Becker according to an update by Clark titled Alan Tudyk Cast in The Rockford Files remake dated March 11, 2010. Fans of Firefly will recall him starring in that TV series. Clark noted that casting Tudyk convinces her to move the series pilot, "up a few spots on her must watch list."
According to a link accessed March 19 and posted at imdb titled Alan Tudyk, the actor was nominated for two awards during his career. One nomination was for an MTV award in 2008. In 2007 he received a nomination from the Screen Actor's Guild according to the same article.
Beau Bridges Signed to Role of Rocky in New Rockford Files
In a March 19 follow-up by Clark, it was stated, Beau Bridges will star in the new series as Rocky, the cranky, down-to-earth retired truck driver father of the P.I.
Bridges earned an emmy nomination as father to Earl on the hit series My Name is Earl. Beau is the son of Sea Hunt star Lloyd Bridges, and the brother of Oscar winner Jeff Bridges.
Although as earlier alluded, Clark writes that general reaction to the news of the Rockford Files remake has been lukewarm, at best, the news of Beau Bridges joining the cast may spark enthusiasm.
Filling the role of Rockford's sidekick, Angel, might further improve public response if a suitably interesting character actor is found.
Through the years of the original series, the star frequently mixed romance interests into his case files and occasionally found time to go fishing with Rocky. Or, rather, there were frequent attempts to go take a stab at landing a mess of trout with Rocky or Dennis. Somehow, usually, some sweet thing appeared on his doorstep pleading with the wry, sophisticated, trickster to take her "open" case despite his policy of hands off to such cases.
Rockford actually worked a number of open cases but where he consistently held to principle was concerning domestic disputes and spying on wayward spouses.
The cast for the original Rockford Files was composed largely of lesser-known actors. As such, and consistent with those times, the actors and their characters grew as the series evolved. One such series of the 1970s was Happy Days with then little known Henry Winkler playing the bit role of Arthur Fonzarelli that would eventually steal the limelight for Winkler. Another series with similar success was Family Ties with Michael J. Fox.
Perhaps because time for development of characters and actors is less generous, the creators are focusing more on filling the major roles with better known stars. If true, we probably can expect Angel to be filled soon by a cowardly sleezeball character actor reminding viewers of Stuart Margolin, but, possibly, more ethnic. A character not unlike Dr. Daniel Faraday in Lost, played by Jeremy Davies, might provide the right twist by going in a new direction that fits in with the more hip computer engineers of present cyber times.
New Rockford Files Success May Hinge on a Few Key Points
According to many observers the new Rockford Files may be a longshot. The show's success, crucial to NBC, may depend more on:
- a sufficient number of episodes for the crew to grow and develop an audience
- writing quality than on the names of the actors
- the chemistry between the actors
- quality of the humor while avoiding flat out jokes or slapstick
- a quirky character who keeps Rockford off balance and who
- keeps viewers coming back for more
- a snappy, saucy, theme song that gets plenty of radio air time
- enough popularity that clips get shared through the facebooks, twitters and emails in cyberspace
Only Time Will Tell if Mulroney, Tudyk and Bridges Fit Shore's Concept
At last NBC might escape the constant ridicule resulting from the Jay leno fiasco. Or, if the new Rockford Files flops, the move could yet again put the peacock network in the late night spotlight for Dave Letterman, Craig Ferguson et al. Such circumstances could prove costly to the careers of the three thus far signed stars, Dermot Mulroney, Alan Tudyk, Beau Bridges and to executive producer and writer David Shore.
C. William Anderson - C. William Anderson is a lover of travel adventure and history who has lived and worked in Botswana, Egypt, Libya and the Middle East. He ...
