Ep 22. Dirty Money, Black Light

Jim Rockford is at it again in The Rockford Files season 3 episode 22 titled Dirty Money, Black Light. This episode, originally aired on April 8th, 1977, sees Rockford taking on a case for a friend who has been conned out of his life savings by a scam artist. Rockford quickly realizes that this particular con man has been scamming people out of their money for a long time, and he is determined to put an end to the scheme.

As he begins his investigation, Rockford finds that his friend is not the only victim. The con man has been using a complex system of fake identities and offshore bank accounts to launder his dirty money. Rockford enlists the help of his ex-cellmate, Angel, to help him infiltrate the con man's inner circle and gather evidence.

This episode features all the classic elements of a Rockford Files case: a smarmy con man, a complex mystery, and plenty of action. As Rockford gets closer to the truth, he finds himself in the crosshairs of the con man's powerful and dangerous associates. He must use all his cunning and resourcefulness to stay alive and bring the con man to justice.

One of the standout moments in this episode is a scene where Rockford uses a black light to reveal hidden marks on a stack of cash. The marks turn out to be coded messages that help Rockford piece together the con man's complex money laundering scheme. This scene is an example of the show's ability to weave real-world concepts and technologies into its storytelling.

Another highlight of this episode is the return of Angel, a recurring character in the show. Angel is Rockford's ex-cellmate and occasional partner in crime. He is always getting into trouble and looking for an angle, but his loyalty to Rockford is never in question. In this episode, Angel provides some much-needed comic relief as Rockford's reluctant sidekick.

Overall, The Rockford Files season 3 episode 22 is a classic example of the show's blend of humor, action, and mystery. It is a great showcase for James Garner's portrayal of Jim Rockford, a man with a sharp mind and a quick wit who always gets the job done. Fans of the show will not want to miss this episode, and newcomers will find it a great introduction to the series.