Ep 4. Exit Prentiss Carr

Jim Rockford, a private investigator, is hired by a wealthy businessman, Prentiss Carr, to investigate his wife's whereabouts. Carr claims that his wife, Diane, suddenly disappeared from their home, taking with her a large amount of cash and jewelry. Rockford begins his investigation by interviewing Carr's friends, family, and business associates, but nobody seems to know where Diane might be.

As Rockford digs deeper, he discovers that Carr's business dealings are not entirely legal and that Diane might have known too much about it. Moreover, he uncovers evidence that Carr might have set up Diane to take the fall for his shady dealings. Despite Carr's attempts to stop Rockford from investigating, the private investigator persists, determined to find out what really happened to Diane.

As the investigation progresses, Rockford finds himself in increasingly dangerous situations. He faces threats from Carr's associates and is almost killed when his car is rigged to explode. However, Rockford refuses to back down, convinced that the truth must come out. With the help of his old friend and fellow private investigator, Angel Martin, Rockford finally uncovers the shocking truth about Diane's disappearance and Carr's involvement in it.

The episode, "Exit Prentiss Carr," is a classic example of the detective genre. It features a complex plot, a cast of intriguing characters, and plenty of twists and turns. At the heart of the episode is the relationship between Rockford and Carr, which is fraught with tension and mistrust. The episode also explores themes of greed, corruption, and betrayal, making it a thought-provoking and engaging watch.

One of the strengths of "Exit Prentiss Carr" is the performance of James Garner as Jim Rockford. Garner imbues Rockford with a natural charm and wit that makes him a likeable and relatable protagonist. At the same time, he brings a sense of gravity to the character, showing that Rockford is not just a wisecracking detective, but also someone who takes his job seriously and cares deeply about justice.

The episode also benefits from a strong supporting cast, including Robert Englund as a shady businessman and Lynette Mettey as Carr's loyal assistant. Englund, in particular, is excellent as the scheming Frank Sorvino, bringing a sense of menace and unpredictability to the role. Meanwhile, Mettey's portrayal of Carr's assistant, Beth Davenport, is sympathetic and nuanced, adding depth to a character who could have easily been a one-dimensional plot device.

Overall, "Exit Prentiss Carr" is a standout episode of The Rockford Files. It's a gripping and entertaining mystery that keeps the audience guessing until the very end. The episode also showcases the talents of James Garner and the supporting cast, cementing The Rockford Files' reputation as one of the best detective shows of its era.