Ep 25. The Rockford Files: Roundabout

Jim Rockford is known in the world of detectives as one of the finest private eyes in Los Angeles. Operating out of his somewhat cluttered trailer in Malibu, he is often embroiled in complicated cases and investigations that keep him on his toes. In season 1 episode 25 titled "Roundabout," Jim is hired to track down some missing jewels, a job that seems straightforward enough.

However, things take a turn for the worse when the jewels turn out to be part of a larger scam involving the sale of some seemingly worthless land. As Jim delves deeper into the case, he realizes that he might be in over his head and that there are more sinister forces at play.

The focus of the episode is on Jim's investigation into the missing jewels and his attempts to stay one step ahead of the criminals who are after them. As always, Jim's wit and cunning come into play as he attempts to outsmart the bad guys and bring them to justice.

One of the highlights of the episode is the way that it plays out like a classic film noir story. There are plenty of twists and turns, and the pacing is superb. As Jim gets closer to the truth, the tension ramps up, and the stakes get higher.

There are also some great character moments in the episode. We get to see more of Jim's relationship with his father, Rocky, and there's a touching scene where the two of them share a drink and reminisce about old times. Jim's friendship with Angel is also explored more deeply, and we get to see a different side to the perpetually down-on-his-luck con man.

Throughout the episode, we get a real sense of the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles. The city is portrayed as a place of danger and deception, full of corrupt officials and ruthless criminals. It's a world that Jim knows all too well, and he navigates it with ease, using his street smarts and his experience to stay one step ahead of the game.

Ultimately, the episode ends on a satisfying note, as the bad guys get their comeuppance and Jim emerges victorious. However, as always, there's a sense that there will always be more cases to solve and more mysteries to unravel. For fans of The Rockford Files, this is an excellent entry in the series, and it showcases everything that made the show so great: clever storytelling, sharp dialogue, and unforgettable characters.