Ep 2. Lions, Tigers, Monkeys and Dogs (1)

James Garner returns as Jim Rockford, the down-on-his-luck private investigator with a sharp wit and a knack for solving crimes in unconventional ways. In the thrilling second episode of The Rockford Files' sixth season, entitled "Lions, Tigers, Monkeys and Dogs (1)," Rockford finds himself embroiled in a complex case that intertwines the worlds of animal smuggling, Hollywood celebrities, and dangerous criminals.

The episode kicks off with Rockford being approached by a distraught woman named Betty Thompson. Betty's beloved pet dog, Max, has mysteriously disappeared from her home, and she suspects foul play. Because of a recent increase in reports of missing pets, Betty believes that there might be a larger operation at work behind the scenes. Intrigued by the potential connections and empathetic to Betty's concern, Rockford takes on the case.

Rockford's investigation takes him deep into the seedy underbelly of the animal smuggling world. He quickly discovers a network of criminals who specialize in stealing and selling exotic animals to the highest bidder. With the help of his reliable friend and former cellmate, Angel Martin, Rockford delves deeper into the illegal trade, determined to uncover the truth and bring those responsible to justice.

As Rockford digs deeper, he uncovers shocking connections between the animal smuggling ring and high-profile Hollywood celebrities. It appears that some famous individuals are unknowingly purchasing stolen and illegally procured animals as exotic pets. Rockford realizes that exposing this scandal could have far-reaching consequences, potentially tarnishing the reputations of those involved.

To gather more evidence, Rockford infiltrates an underground animal auction, posing as a potential buyer. The auction is a dangerous and chaotic event, filled with shady characters and aggressive bidders. As Rockford navigates this treacherous world, he must stay one step ahead of both the criminals and the law enforcement officers who are also investigating the case.

Meanwhile, Rockford's investigative efforts catch the attention of a tenacious animal rights activist named Rebecca Davis. Rebecca is determined to bring down the animal smuggling ring, and she sees Rockford as a potential ally in her mission. However, their differing approaches to the case create tension between them, highlighting the ethical dilemmas inherent in their pursuit of justice.

As the pieces of the puzzle begin to come together, Rockford uncovers a startling truth about the operation. The animal smuggling ring extends far beyond stolen pets; it reaches into the dangerous realm of illegal trafficking. The lives of innocent animals, as well as the people involved in the investigation, hang in the balance as Rockford races against time to bring down the criminals and ensure the safety of all involved.

"Lions, Tigers, Monkeys and Dogs (1)" is a gripping and action-packed episode that showcases Rockford's determination, resourcefulness, and unwavering commitment to justice. With its captivating storyline, complex characters, and unexpected twists, this episode keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish. As with every installment of The Rockford Files, it combines thrilling crime-solving with thought-provoking social issues, making it a must-watch for fans of the genre.