One of my favorites- Garner was a perfect fit for Rockford and I honestly couldn't imagine anyone exemplifying the same charisma. The twist in this episode is well written. With the recent passing of Peter Falk (Colombo), who perfected another character type, it saddens me to say that there is now no living peer to the Rockford persona. Todays shows don't even come close with the exception perhaps of Breaking Bad which will be a classic in its own right. Garners on the spot dialect and and mannerism shifts are always fluid and humorous, from southern oil-man to eastern financier. Look for another appearance from Gerald McRaney (Simon and Simon) and of course Linda Evans- always easy on the eyes- had a childhood crush on her from Big Valley.
Its no coincidence that shows like this one and Magnum, Simon and Simon, NCIS and even Sopranos resonated so well with me and others- so much of the writing/directing is done by many of the same people.
Mike Buckler