Black Mirror

The title of this fine 2-part episode doesn't have to do with the current BBC series of the same name, other than it involves a thoroughly creepy character stalking a blind woman. And like Jim Rockford, who initially doesn't even realize that the bathing beauty he meets at the beach near his mobile home is, in fact, blind, I thought the famous '80s actress Kathryn Harrold was really convincing in this role. She totally won't compromise her professionalism or her patients' privacy (HIPAA before it was even a thing!) by providing Jim with a lead. But some of her clients (a couple in particular) are, indeed, either psychotic or out-and-out sociopaths. Jim tries following her for her protection, but her stalker rearranges her apartment furniture to unnerve her and throw her off her game. What sort of a psycho does that to any other person, much less an independent, professional *blind* adult? Is he a psycho or just a too-clever conman/hitman looking for an insanity plea? David Chase of Sopranos fame wrote this 2-part installment, & actor Allan Arbus as Myron, the ex-con whom Jim uses to analyze handwriting, is a standout. I rate the episode as a strong 8 out of 10 stars!

Jim Rockford is walking on the beach with his friend and crony Angel Martin when he meets Dr. Megan Dougherty (Kathyn Harrold) on the beach. She resists Jim's efforts to pick her up but then calls on him when she finds herself being threatened by an unknown stalker. Dr. Megan is particularly vulnerable to attack in that she is blind. She doesn't help Jim much in his investigation by refusing to violate patient-doctor confidentiality, in looking for leads as to who might be after her. This is one of the more serious Rockford episodes and gives Garner a chance to do some straight dramatic acting as well as some love scenes. A two-parter.

"Black Mirror" is a double-length episode of "The Rockford Files". However, like some other double-length episodes it was cut in half for syndication.

Jim meets a pretty lady on the beach (Kathryn Harrold) and he is impressed by her. However, he doesn't realize she's blind and there's no reason to expect they'll see each other again. However, when some unknown jerk begins threating her, she calls Jim for help.

There are things I dislike about this episode which the average viewer wouldn't care much about one way or the other. This is because I used to train psychotherapists and so when I watch shows where characters are psychologists and the like, I spot many flaws...most of the time. This is no exception, as the writer should have consulted with a therapist to discuss the plot to plug up some holes. First, the psychologist's banter during the session is pretty bad...asking too many questions, posing too many answers and being a general know-it-all. Second, there was nothing unethical about the lady psychologist hiring Rockford...and probably the same about divulging names of clients to him given his being a consultant and all. But it is a gray area and I would think most therapists would just contact their state board to discuss the matter to get a decision...a form of CYA. Third, the lady records her session...something VERY, VERY few therapists would have ever done. It's a confidentiality issue, as these tapes could conceivably be supboenaed into court. The same goes with taking extensive notes...something good therapists don't do for the same reason. Interestingly, however, the show did use the Multiple Personality angle very well...and it is still, today, a very controversial diagnosis.

Overall, unless you are a know-it-all who's trained as a therapist, you'll likely enjoy this much more than I did. For me, it just makes me wish the writer had done a bit more homework.

David Chase was one of the writers of this two-part Rockford Files, and his fingerprints are all over it. Just like some of the other more complex episodes, with good character development in the good doctor. Not up to Sopranos level, but you can see the early evidence of a future mobster-in-the-making. Now I'm just trying to get a little too clever. Watch this one!

This double-length episode of The Rockford Files sees Jim fall in love with a sexy psychologist who happens to be blind. Kathryn Harrold plays the psychologists, four years before she appeared opposite Luciano Pavarotti in Yes, Georgio. This is Rockford Files at its peak, and it's a shame it ended the following season, way too soon.