I haven't been entirely impressed with season 5 so far, but this episode is perhaps one of the better ones I've seen since watching the re-runs on cable. I'll disagree a bit with the other reviewer for this episode, as that person was more critical than me, but I digress. This time, a lady friend of Rockford(he has plenty of them)calls him from a payphone(remember them?)to tell him she's about to be killed; soon after, we find her on the ground of her apartment. The police suspect suicide, but Jim doesn't think so; ergo, we have the plot of this episode which has Jim hanging out at fashion shows because his "friend" was a popular fashion model. You'll recognize appearances by Rene Auberjonois(plays the role perfectly) and Erin Gray as the model's friend. A few moments, both good and bad, stand out for me; first, Jim goes undercover donning a huge cowboy hat looking very funny. Secondly(bad), as Jim is being led to an isolated building to be shot, he is saved by a mouse; yes, I said that correctly. It seems the evil thug about to kill Rockford is afraid of a little mouse who happens to fall on his shoulder, and distract him enough for Jim's escape. This is what you'd call a face palm moment. Lastly, since this episode is from 1979, the word "disco" is mentioned a few times during the fashion show near the end as the model's parade these hideous clothes for the critics, who are as appalled as I was.
Finally, the best aspect of this segment is Auberjonois' performance as the eccentric clothes designer and fashion show host. There is another funny scene is which he and rival insult each other at a funeral for the model. It was also nice seeing Rocky in the beginning, playing cards with Jim for a tiny bit.
Finally, the best aspect of this segment is Auberjonois' performance as the eccentric clothes designer and fashion show host. There is another funny scene is which he and rival insult each other at a funeral for the model. It was also nice seeing Rocky in the beginning, playing cards with Jim for a tiny bit.