Script Punches ‘Rockford’
You can’t keep a good man down. And there’s no better example than Jim Rockford. Yes, television’s ageless crime solver is back in “The Rockford Files: Friends and Foul Play” (CBS at 8).
These days, Rockford (James Garner) would just as soon be left alone. But he has no choice when a waitress friend, Babs Honeywell (Wendy Phillips), asks him to help her prove that her son was murdered by a mobster.
As usual, softhearted Rockford becomes involved and gets more than he bargained for.
This fifth movie based on the hit series includes “Rockford” regulars Stuart Margolin as “Angel” Martin and Joe Santos as Rockford’s policeman friend Dennis Becker. Margolin directed this movie.
Garner can still fire it up, but he doesn’t get much help from a bumpy script that shifts from classic “Rockford” humorous confrontations to uncharacteristic sentimentality. The ending was lost on me.
Rockford can still take a punch. And before tonight’s two hours are up, he’s been beaten up a couple of times and shot, too. But he always comes back for more.
The same can be said for Garner. He still has an affection for the private detective he first played in 1974. I’m hopeful he’ll be back as Rockford -with better material to work with.
Highlights
“Friends,” NBC at 8: Chandler and Ross (Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer) contend with a pair of bullies who “banish” them from their Central Perk hangout. Former “Saturday Night Live” star Laraine Newman makes an appearance as Pheobe (Lisa Kudrow) tries again to meet her dad.
“Living Single,” FOX at 8: Khadijah’s (Queen Latifah) younger half-sister (Tatyana M. Ali) comes to New York for a college track meet but runs into trouble.
“Lethal Weapon 3” (1992), ABC at 8:30: It’s not as good as its two predecessors, but it’s still armed with a high quota of action and buddy humor. Mel Gibson and Danny Glover are back at it again, this time pitted against a nasty ex-cop (Stuart Wilson).
“Seinfeld,” NBC at 9: George faces yet another anxious dilemma (as if there isn’t one every week) when he introduces his boss George Steinbrenner to eggplant calzone. The Yankee owner calls for more, but George can’t find the vendor. On another familiar note, Jerry has problems with a “Perfect 10” (Danette Tays) he’s dating.
“New York Undercover,” FOX at 9: A small-time drug dealer’s murderer is linked to a basketball player headed for the NBA. But is it his older brother who is taking the fall?
“Caroline in the City,” NBC at 9:30: Let the guest stars roll! Richard (Malcolm Gets) is visited by his mom (Elizabeth Ashley), who introduces Caroline (Lea Thompson) to NBC Entertainment President Warren Littlefield (as himself). John Ratzenberger (“Cheers”) also shows up.
“ER,” NBC at 10: In a first-run episode, Lewis (Sherry Stringfield) and her sister Chloe (Kathleen Wilhoite) go to court to battle for custody of baby Suzy. Greene (Anthony Edwards) flirts with the ER videographer (Joanna Gleason, “Love & War”), and Ross (George Clooney) tries to save the life of a cancer patient he misdiagnosed. Marg Helgenberger guest-stars.
Cable Calls
“Dove Awards,” FAM at 9: Top contemporary Christian artists are honored in this soulful telecast. Scheduled to perform: DC Talk, Point of Grace and CeCe and Delores Winans.
“Voyages,” A&E at 7 and 11 p.m.: A George Washington University professor uses modern science to answer the age-old question, “Who shot Jesse James?”
The legendary bandit’s remains were exhumed last July to settle the long-running allegation that he faked his death to escape the law. See what the latest DNA evidence shows in this intriguing hour.
Talk Time
“Tonight,” NBC at 11:35: Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme, actress Rhea Perlman and country singer Faith Hill.
“Late Show With David Letterman,” CBS at 11:35: Actor Chazz Palmenteri and singer Celine Dion.
“Late Night With Conan O’Brien,” NBC at 12:35 a.m.: Musical guest Sonic Youth.