This two-parter originally aired as a single full-length feature episode, and gave Thomas (Tom Selleck) even more background for his character. It originally aired 5 November, 1981 and was written by Bellisario. While working on a divorce case, Magnum thinks he spots someone from his past on a passing yacht, and it shakes him to…
Category: Bellisario & Cannell
The Rockford Files (1977) – Quickie Nirvana & Irving the Explainer
Jim Rockford (James Garner) finds himself in all manner of trouble in this week’s episodes. First up is Quickie Nirvana, which aired 11 November, 1977 and was written by David Chase. The phone gag this time around featured someone calling, complaining about having left a message a few times, and wondering if Jim still…
Magnum, P.I. (1981) – The Woman on the Beach & From Moscow to Maui
Rick’s (Larry Manetti) broken heart ends up setting Thomas (Tom Selleck) on a ghost hunt in the first episode in this week’s double episode. The Woman on the Beach originally screened 22 October, 1981, it was written by Andrew Schneider and directed by Bellisario. When a girl doesn’t show up for a date with…
The Rockford Files (1977) – The Dog and Pony Show & Requiem for a Funny Box
There’s a lot of fun to be had in this week’s double episode of The Rockford Files. First up, there is The Dog and Pony Show, which aired 21 October, 1977 and was written by David Chase. The phone gag features a call from a friend collecting on a bet, and letting Jim (James…
Magnum, P.I. (1981) – Billy Joe Bob & Dead Man’s Channel
Well, my computer was being a bit difficult, so I decided (oh the hardship) of continuing with Thomas (Tom Selleck) for another season! Season 2 got underway on 8 October, 1981 with Billy Joe Bob, an episode written by Jeff Wilhelm. Thomas is hired by a Texan, the titular Billy Joe Bob (James Whitmore…
The Rockford Files (1977) – The Battle of Canoga Park & Second Chance
More trouble finds Jim (James Garner) this week as he gets caught up in a murder, and a domestic! The Battle of Canoga Park was written by Juanita Bartlett and aired 30 September, 1977. The phone gag features a call from a neighbor war letting them know they are looking for their missing pet……
Magnum, P.I. (1981) – J. ‘Digger’ Doyle & Beauty Knows No Pain
What Season 1 is over already?!?! That’s ok, it ends in a great way, the lovely Erin Gray stars in the first episode as the titular, J. ‘Digger’ Doyle. It also features Orson Welles as the voice of Robin Masters… This episode was written by Bellisario and aired on 9 April, 1981. In it,…
The Rockford Files (1977) – Beamer’s Last Case & Trouble in Chapter 17
Season 4 of The Rockford Files got under way on 16 September, 1977 with Beamer’s Last Case, written by Cannell from a story by Booker Bradshaw and Calvin Kelly. The first phone gag of the season features a call from Angel (Stuart Margolin) who announces he’s got a new apartment, and has some friends…
Magnum, P.I. (1981) – Don’t Say Goodbye & The Black Orchid
Thomas Magnum (Tom Selleck) is back at it this week, with this double dose of episodes. First up is Don’t Say Goodbye, which features Ted Danson as a guest star. This one was written by Babs Greyhosky and T.J. Miles, who penned the original story. It aired 26 March, 1981. Thomas is called to…
The Rockford Files (1977) – Crack Back & Dirty Money, Black Light
Season 3 of The Rockford Files comes to a close with these two episodes. First up is Crack Back, written by Juanita Bartlett, and aired, originally on 25 March, 1977. Knowing Bartlett had written this one, told me that it would be very character driven, and it did not disappoint. The phone gag this…
The Mind Reels 