Ep 1. The Aaron Ironwood School of Success

Jim Rockford is back with all his exciting and nail-biting adventures. In the beginning episode of season 2, "The Aaron Ironwood School of Success," James Garner as Jim Rockford resumes his role as a private investigator in Los Angeles. The show starts with Jim receiving a desperate call for help from Aaron Ironwood, a sleazy self-help guru who has been targeted by a group of extortionists.

As the episode proceeds, the audience sees that Aaron Ironwood is the founder and owner of a self-help institute. He teaches people ways to transform their lives, and apparently, he has helped countless people accomplish great things for themselves. However, Aaron's tremendous success has gotten attention from extortionists who want to blackmail him for a hefty sum of $100,000.

To deal with the extortionists, Aaron entices Jim with a business proposition, hoping he can solve the case. Jim is initially hesitant to accept the job, knowing Aaron’s reputation as a sleazy businessman. But he changes his mind when he finds out that Aaron has excellent security personnel, and they can help investigate the matter. Further, Jim desperately anticipates leaving his trailer home and moving into a new house, which requires some investment.

While Jim is investigating the case, he explores the dark side of Aaron's empire, and he discovers that the self-help institute is not as foolproof as it initially seemed. The show highlights the greed, ambition, and manifest fraud that can occur in the self-help industry.

Although Jim keeps finding evidence, he can't seem to catch the extortionists. As the days pass by, Jim starts to understand why everyone is so drawn to Aaron. He starts to see Aaron as his mentor, gaining insight into the man's motivational techniques.

It’s refreshing to watch how Jim investigates Aaron's case. Unlike other private investigators, he isn't afraid to let others help him. He works with both Aaron and a security expert named Pat, which brings a sense of mystery, suspense, and thrill to the show. But, when Jim discovers a devastating secret about Aaron's past, will he continue to help him? Or will he be forced to abandon him? Only time will tell.

The storyline continuously builds up with each passing scene, holding the audience’s attention throughout the entire show. As the episode develops, the growing relationship between Jim and Aaron brings forth some heartwarming and fascinating moments. They share a delightful chemistry on-screen that is relatively unusual in most TV series. Garner’s effortless dialogue delivery and body expression perfectly complement his character, adding a sense of depth and intrigue that enhances the overall show's appeal.

"The Aaron Ironwood School of Success" has retained the original characteristics of season 1, presenting a narrative that is both entertaining and critical. Garner’s performance remains top-notch and captivating as always, and the show maintains its incredible pace and agility. The episode delivers a well-defined plot that is full of substance, and it doesn't shy away from peeling the layers of deception and greed that can often lurk beneath self-help businesses.

Overall, The Rockford Files season 2 episode 1, "The Aaron Ironwood School of Success," fully delivers, creating a solid foundation for the rest of the season. It’s a must-watch for anyone who loves detective/mystery shows, especially those that delve into the darker side of human nature.