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Reviews
The Rockford Files: Quickie Nirvana (1977)
Great '70s flashback of new ageism
I enjoyed watching this episode on reruns today for the first time. Not only is the episode a pretty faithful representation of the new age ideas of the time, the dialog between Sky and Rockford delves into the mainstream vs. the new age spiritualism debate without becoming too far removed from the plot movement. Watching the episode made me appreciate the "time capsule" effect of the writing of Rockford Files and gives the viewer a sort of idea what it was like to be living at that time.
Although Sky is portrayed as a social dropout, loser, brainwashed cult follower her constant viewpoints expressed so many of the new age philosophies of the time. Apparently, she was into Krishna, sensory deprivation tanks, Buddism (one hand clapping), karma, vegetarianism, non-violence, cults, lived a non-materialistic/nomadic life, dropped out of society (no job), Jesus and so on, I believe the writers crafted her as the embodiment of all the new age lifestyles and philosophies prevalent at the time.
Sky played the naive, idealistic follower. The dynamic of being exploited by some materialistic spiritual leader was also portrayed, as was typical of those days. The climax of the show comes when Rockford practically knocks the hamburger out of Sky's hand and goes on a tirade against Sky's moral ramblings. He tells her of her annoying spiritual impracticalities and hypocrisies while she attempts to defend herself. I especially enjoyed the exchange because I believe the writers were fair and respectful to both sides of the debate. Clearly Rockford's common sense and practicality prevailed over the new age hippie because her idealistic views clouded the fact that she was being exploited. However, her defense of her spiritual quest could not be denied by Rockford, and, for that, we, the viewer, could find some sympathy for the character, albeit not a whole lot because she was a blind follower and needed a wake-up reality check which he, as the practical, down-to-earth protagonist, tried to provide. This scene began the part where Sky begins to rethink her rationale, and she becomes more reflective and less pontificating. In a literal stroke of genius by the writers, Sky's comeuppance comes when she is slapped in the face by her so-called leader. Rockford takes the opportunity of a stunned Sky to say that "THAT, is the sound of the one hand clapping." Tragically, what Rockford attempted verbally, and what this so-called leader attempted physically did not cure her of her inability to think for herself. She is seen some time later after several months following another cult--this time a Jesus cult--selling books and denying herself any human emotional feelings as seen when Rockford invites her to go get a Danish for a few minutes. It appears as if she is even more ensconced in some type of self-denying religious fervor and as Rockford turns away, an expression of pity, irony and sadness wipes over his face as Sky feverishly pitches her book sales to strangers on the street.
Fish Don't Blink (2002)
Engaging character development, dialog and plot
I was hooked after a few minutes of watching. I did not watch from the beginning but was channel surfing the TV. I tuned into the film and saw Clara talking to a fish and her brother trying to arrange for her institutionalization for being mentally impaired. Although this plot seems to want to play out predictably, it develops because Clara's brother Jimmy has issues of his own that seem to overshadow those of his sister. Those who drop into the diner that these siblings inhabit and service have issues of their own that require resolution but only seem to compound the complexity of plot surrounding the siblings. The audience and the characters cannot anticipate what will happen next. The character's personalities are predictable but they act unpredictably because they are forced into situations where they have to make desperate decisions. The plot, characters and dialog are believable and realistic which makes the film an enjoyable character study in human nature even though the plot may be totally fictional. Because of the continuity of the character development and realistic dialog and plot, I give the film an excellent rating and recommendation.