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HOUSE Creator Developing NBC's New ROCKFORD FILES!! Herc Thinks Norm Macdonald Is Maybe The Way To Go On This!!
I am – Hercules!!
“House” creator David Shore is looking to launch a revival of Roy Huggins and Stephen Cannell’s beloved and acclaimed James Garner private detective hourlong “The Rockford Files.”
And Steve Carell’s company is producing.
But the big question must be answered! Who can possibly fill the gumshoes of world-weary workaday sleuth Jim Rockford? I think a lot of us are still stinging from Stewart Townsend trying to follow Darren McGavin on the 2005 “Night Stalker” remake.
Will they go for someone like Mark Sheppard (Romo Lampkin on “Galactica”) or someone more Sellecky like “Las Vegas”/”Transformers” star Josh Duhamel?
My kneejerk suggestion is a guy absolutely nobody is thinking of right now: Norm Macdonald.
Find all of Variety’s story on the matter here.
| The Daily Show With Jon Stewart | Mon - Thurs 11p / 10c | |||
| Norm Macdonald | ||||
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...the theme song. That thing is priceless!
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Would be better than Josh Duhamel
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I would watch Viewmaster: The Movie if he were in it.
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Does his Burt Reynolds the whole time.
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Jul 30, 2009 12:52:32 AM CDT
Fred Dryer wants to know how long until we get a new "Hunter"
by axel fff
He's waiting by the phone hoping for a cameo.
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It is SO FUNNY you said that because I actually think he's a good actor for that role. I saw every episode of "Las Vegas".
More than that, not 5 days ago I was driving in the car with my father and we were talking about shows that could be remade SERIOUSLY, not this "Starsky & Hutch" crap. We began talking "The Rockford Files" and I said I could picture going to the movies and seeing Josh Duhamel driving around in a '77 tan Firebird with the classic theme playing.
So considering I was thinking of Josh as Rockford 5 days ago, very amusing. I'm down with that casting.
Still, he's doing well in the movies now. Doubt he'd return to do a TV show, even if he was the star.
Joe Flanigan. Brian Austin Green. Michael Shanks. Benjamin Bratt (cancel The Cleaner. He was awesome on E-Ring. I'm probably the first person to say that...). Neal McDonough (Though he wouldn't be first choice). Bradley Whitford. That's all I've got for now. I'll be back! -
and I also used to watch reruns of Rockford Files. So this sounds promising. Me watching this show will probably hinge on who they get to replace Garner. Hopefully they don't muck it up like they did poor Kolchek.
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Now that Carlin has passed away. He's at his best when he's improvising. His appearances on Conan are classic. His roasting of Bob Saget is legendary. The best host of SNL's Weekend Update. The Clinton roast in front some of the most powerful people in the world. The balls this guy has. I admire him. He always says what's on his mind no matter what. Treats everyone the same equally. He and Sandler are friends, but he didn't call him even when he wasn't doing too well. He's too proud, too good for that. He'd rather deal with his problems on his own then ask his famous buddies for help. This guy is criminally underrated. I honestly encourage you to check his stuff out.
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HE IS THE ONLY CHOICE.
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David Shore is a very clever man, so I'm not going to go into a pearl-clutching frenzy at the very suggestion of the idea, but this strikes me as asking for trouble. THE ROCKFORD FILES was a classic, and if they don't find exactly the right lead-macho but able to project wry self-awareness and vulnerability-this has the potential to be really embarrassing. Nathan Fillion is already busy and too obvious, but that's the kind of cat you need.
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Come to think of it, this show will have its work cut out for it competing against BURN NOTICE, which emulates ROCKFORD very successfully (unjustly disgraced down-to-earth p.i. with heart of gold, band of cronies, bitchin' ride, and disapproving parent) while still managing to seem fresh.
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Comedy gold.
But why remake ROCKFORD FILES when they could just rip it off? -
You know it be brillant!
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I can see he wasn't the problem.
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Get him off Burn Notice. As far Townsend and Kolchak, *shrug* given the legal morass, it's surprising anything from the movies (or the TV show, or the novels: they're three separate legal entities) showed up. But there's the question: do you try to cast someone like the original, who can never be duplicated (and can anybody fill Garner's shoes? Or McGavin's?). And get accused of raping someone's childhood? Or do you go with a younger spin?
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Rampant necrophilia, hollywood style.
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It should be noted that Rockford got his ass kicked more often than he kicked ass. That would fit Norm. He would still need to bulk up, though.
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He is the ONLY guy who can pull off the James Garner self effacing lump of a formerly hunky guy vibe. Bruce Campbell FTW!
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I couldn't care less about the next network run of the mill procedural.
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There. I said it.
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I always thought James Garner should guest star on 'Bones' as Booth's grand-father. They look related. Boreanaz would have made a great Rockford Jr. if he was available.
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but I could go with Jason Lee... He has that laconic quality and hay needs a job after the demise of Earl!
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They introduced that Lucas Douglas character for a few episodes and then dropped him. I think he was planning on doing a spinoff with him. I wonder if he will use the same actor...he was good in that role. I, also, don't think Shore will go big-name. He took a risk with Laurie and it paid off big time. I think he has the clout to go off the radar with his casting.
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Well?
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He's been touted as the new Garner for a while...doesn't quite have Garner's easy laid back charm but he'd look good in a pair of high wasted pants and a checked sports coat.
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He played Sheriff Walt Bannerman on the Dead Zone series. He'd be excellent in the Garner role.
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Too bad he's not available.
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It would still be superior programming to most television.
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Playing Jen Rockford, a plucky single mom just trying to make it as a PI. She needs to get each case solved in time to get her kid from daycare.
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Norm MacDonald is absolutely wrong for this. Funny? Yes, in a very limited range, but excellent at sarcasm. If Rockford were ONLY a sarcastic nebbish, that would be great. For that matter, if MacDonald could show exponentially greater energy, he might could play Angel. David Boreanaz or Bruce Campbell. Either of them -- or somebody other than MacDonald -- might be great. The two real issues, though, are the same ones as always: who would you get to write great (and fitting scripts), and the bigger issue, WHY???!!!
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Also an excellent choice.
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After watching him on Hung, he'd be a perfect Rockford. Too bad he's already got a job
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First off, Rockford was a tough guy (he just wasn't the tougest guy; that's part of his charm). I can't buy Norm as someone who would be physically imposing to anybody. Ideally, I'd get Benicio DelToro; since that's pie in the sky, maybe Michael Madsen.
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And Paula Abdul as his dad.
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Andre Royo, AKA " Bubbles " from THE WIRE, for Angel !
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What Doesn't Kill You, and forgot what a fine actor Mark Ruffalo is. I think he'd be able to play bemused AND tough excellently.
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And I can't think of anyone offhand. Norm MacDonald is too Canadian, much as I find the guy amusing.
Bruce Campbell would be PERFECT but he's taken on Burn Notice. -
He's still alive, right? What would his involvement in it be? Because there's very few people who can do hip/vulnerable male protagonist hero-types.
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folks, sad to say. Accept him, as Burn Notice does, as the colorful sidekick, and let it go. He had his best shot with The Adventures of Brisco County, Jr. But he's gotten too old and chunky to play lead. Look at Alec Baldwin as an example.
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Paul Rudd might work.
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could kick his ass. Like someone said, he's got to be tough. Just not the toughest.
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Enough said.
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Good call!
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Maybe Adam Baldwin if he wasn't already on a series.
As to Morgan, he brings over so much baggage from being an unpopular GA character. -
In the next to last episode Joe Flanigan played a Rockford like PI.
He would be perfect -
Not great, but not terrible.
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And Judd Apatow should executive produce. Leslie Mann could be Beth Davenport.
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The Rockford Files were classic. Not quite as good as Magnum PI, but great nonetheless. Leave it the fuck alone.
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cranky old asshole who gets results the series.
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MY NIGHTMARE HAS FINALLY COME TRUE! FUCK THIS!
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I HAND YOU A CEASE AND DESIST LETTER. DISREGARD AT YOUR OWN PERIL.
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HOPE YOU CAN SLEEP AT NIGHT.
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OUT OF THE SETH ROGEN INTERVIEW TALKBACK.
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Kevin J. O'Connor from The Mummy, the only guy I've ever said could out-Angel Angel. And definitely Bruce Campbell for Rockford. Yeah I know it won't happen, but if I'm forced to watch a rehash, it wold be with those two guys. And c'mon hint_of_smegma, Magnum better than Rockford, give me a break. Selleck started on Rockford, Mr. Perfect, Lance White.
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Stuart Margolin won 2 Emmys for his role as Evelyn Angel Martin and deservedly so.
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Seriously, what happened to the Five-O remake. What does James Garner think? Would David Chase write?
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He basically co-created the character with Cannell. I would not envy anyone who attempts to play this role. They are doomed to failure.
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REALLY?!
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norm is too lazy, but what about jason lee
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The charcater would probably be named "Norm".
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The character would probably be named "Norm".
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This site needs the option to edit.
Or be updated to the 21st Century. -
Jul 30, 2009 3:59:50 PM CDT
Josh Holloway has the charisma to pull off the role...
by barry_woodward
...and he should be available after the final season of "Lost".
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Fuck. You.
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He'd need to get just a little bit doughier, but I could see that.
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Norm MacDonald fails the James Garner/Jim Rockford test for one simple reason-he's not good looking enough. Part of the tension on the Rockford Files was the fact that James Garner looked like a leading man, and people inherently liked and trusted him...when, in fact, he was a smart ass and frequently a borderline coward. But when you look goofy to start with, like Norm, people expect you to be a sarcastic schmuck. Nothing to really play against.
Jon Hamm on the other hand... handsome guy who proved he could play it a bit light hearted on 30 Rock. And Josh Holloway would be a good choice, too. -
Fucking remakes. Why not just create an original PI? We don't see PI shows anymore.
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**ring**ring**----"THIS IS JIM ROCKFORD, MUTHA FUCKA!! AT THE MUTHA FUCKIN' TONE, LEAVE YOUR MUTHA FUCKIN' NAME AND MESSAGE, I'LL GET BACK TO YOU, MUTHA FUCKA!!"----**beep**
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New PI shows die soon as they get interesting... Karen Sisco, Andy Barker?
Puddy as Rockford:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKwGrgTJ3GE -
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YKwGrgTJ3GE
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Find myself agreeing with Herc for maybe the second time in my life. Magnum is not in the same galaxy as Rockford. Not even the same universe.
But Tom Selleck did appear on the Rockford Files... -
A couple of years ago,Sopranos creator and frequent Rockford Files
writer David Chase said,"We should have left Rockford in the 1980's." He was referring to the TV movie revivals that aired in the '90's,but might as well been talking about this project.Actually,the reunion movies weren't that bad,because they featured most of the writers and original supporting cast.However the only way this new show could work is as a direct sequel,with the son of Jim Rockford as the main character.But with James Garner sidelined by that stroke last year,he wouldn't be able to fill the father role. -
is better than anyone else imaginable for this role.
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WHAT A GREAT IDEA!! I was going to say Nathan Fillion, but Col. Sheppard is a much BETTER CHOICE!!! Nice!!!
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Keep the P.I. concept but don't invite comparisons to what many consider the best P.I. show ever.
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how's Adam Carolla sound? I think it would actually work much better. I could see Adam really punching someone's lights out, at least.
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Recasting Jim Rockford is unthinkable.
I always fantasized that Rockford would have that one last case where he finally hit it big. Find something an insurance company would pay huge for. Or something like that. Happens in the first 5 minutes. Then he buys that resturant he lives near. And falls into a Nero Wolfe sort of thing. He sits in his resturant with the pretty beach ladies, drinks and eats fish and steak.
He aquires one or two young turks to send out to do the footwork and heavy lifting. Maybe hire a bouncer to lean on Angel sometimes.
Maybe the new lead could be the young new hire. New guy takes over when Rockford dies or is away for undetermined length of time for mysterious reasons.
Of course there would be all the potential backstory that the young new guy is really his son. Rockford kept it secret to protect the son. Character stories, layered misteries, etc.
Don't recast Jim Rockford. It's such a bad idea it is almost insulting. -
That's not what this is about. About a week ago, I read the same thing but the point of this thing was to have a vehicle for the private detective that Dr. House hired to spy on Wilson. That was the whole POINT- they liked that character so much, they wanted to see him on his own show. The Rockford Files were mentioned because he said he wanted that show to have the same spirit, because he always loved Rockford. I read this on Yahoo or something a week ago on my cell phone. Good grief. How could you botch this story so badly?
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I guess the powers that be read that same article and decided to ask him to participate in an actual Rockford remake. This sucks because I was actually looking forward to seeing the House character have his own show. I would much prefer that than a "funny" Rockford files. In fact, knowing the original idea just makes me hate this thing. Norm Macdonald? Really?!? Good lord.
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name and number and I'll get back to you. [BEEEEEP!]
It's Aundra. Remember last summer at Pat's? I've got a twelve hour layover before I go to Chicago. How about it?
Jimmy, it's Angel. Don't pay no attention to my other message. You're out of it. You're clean, no trouble at all. Just ignore the first message.
This is Mrs. Lindis. Three times this month I come to clean and it always looks like people been fighting in there. Furniture broke, things tipped over. I'm sorry, but I quit!
Mr. Rockford...This is Shirley from the bank. The answers are: no, no and yes. No, we won't loan you money. No, we won't accept any co-signers; and yes, your account's overdrawn. Oh...and..I get off at 4:30.
Here's the tally, Jimbo. You had Atlanta at even money, tough break. And you got bombed in the Duke-Wake Forest fiasco, and you split the Cornell at Hollypark. So you're in the book for $4.50. Anytime before Friday, huh, buddy?
This is the message phone company. I see you're using our unit, now how about paying for it?
Sonny, it's Rocky...this message ain't for you, it's for me. I just want to remind myself to pick up the big ladder at the Paint Mart.
Mr. Rockford, Miss Collins from the Bureau of Licenses. We got your renewal before the extended deadline, but not your check. I'm sorry, but at midnight you're no longer licensed as an investigator.
This is Maria at Liberty Bail Bonds. Your client Todd Lehman skipped and his bail is forfeit. That's the pink slip on your '79 Firebird, I believe. Sorry, Jim, bring it on over.
Hey Rockford, very funny. I ain't laughing. You're gonna' get yours!
Good morning, this is the telephone company. We're giving you advance notice that your service will be cut off indefinitely at 10 o'clock. That's two minutes from now
Read/hear all of Jim's classic messages here:
http://tinyurl.com/6xbvpv
Or...just click here, sit back and smile:
http://tinyurl.com/kwly29
Norm would be great as Rockford. Artie Lange would make a good Angel. James Garner would make a nice Rocky. Or Ed Asner.
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BTW...If Norm is too nebbish...and they end up casting for the younger, looks, coolness factor...Gotta go with Josh Holloway. Hell...Sawyer practically IS Rockford!
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PAULY SHORE YOU KNOW YOU WANT IT, THINK ABOUT IT REALLY.
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if they remake that. I agree with the idea of Joe Flanigan though. Unless they do Equalizer, then I'd give him that role.
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Jul 31, 2009 8:10:24 AM CDT
Garner is still man enough to kick anyone's ass
by grammaton cleric binks
for even suggesting a remake. You might as well call this the "Hollywood has run out of original ideas detective guy hour."
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Old Rockford is still living in the trailer, driving the same gold camaro. Trailer is crap. Camaro is still mint. And Rockford Files has one of the best tv themes of all time.
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Come up with an original detective show and go from there. Build it around Norm Mcdonald or Old Mcdonald. I don't care. Leave the classics alone. They earned their right.
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OK MAYBE NOT PAULY SHORE,BUT WAIT HOW ABOUT RICHARD SIMMONS AS ROCKFORD I CAN SEE IT.
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he's an ex-con on the show, so it has to be someone who looks like he spent some time behind bars. I can't see this working, no matter who's cast.
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your response to The Rockford Files being not quite as good as Magnum, PI. Now you need to listen to me.
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pull this off. He has that delicate combination of grit, charm, crankiness and sense of humor that James Garner brought to the role. I don't see any other actor having a chance at successfully portraying one of the greatest tv characters ever.
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and bring a huge fanbase with him and have the acting chops and the goods not to alienate the diehard Rockford fans like me and others on this talkback.
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Josh or Joe. I'd watch either. If you can bring Lost or Stargate fans, you'd have a crazy loyal fan-base.
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series early cancellation. I like Norm as a comedian, but he is not an actor. And even if you believe he can act he is not anywhere near the caliber actor Garner was. James Garner was not only nominate for an Oscar but nominated for an Emmy (every year for Rockford) almost 20 times. Norm MacDonald?! Pffft!
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It ain't Rockfish without Mr. Hayes!
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He played Dennis Duffy on 30 Rock and Vic Taylor on the American version of Life on Mars....Very good character actor, who makes me laugh loud on 30 Rock
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don't remake it.if you must, make it a spin-off: a son maybe.
Don't touch Rockford Files.Who do we call and start leaving messages at the beep for to get this stopped? -
Jul 31, 2009 5:30:40 PM CDT
Cotton: read the linked Variety article BEFORE you trash talk
by chromedome
do your own research.... doesn't say a damn thing about the PI from House. Does say a lot, very specifically and quoted, about remaking Rockford
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Aug 01, 2009 11:12:34 AM CDT
Never heard of norm mcdonald before but I can safely say
by famouseccles
he is the most ignorant cunt I've ever seen in my life!! what kind of shit chews gum on TV like that!! cunt!!
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it may as well go to someone with class like Joe Flanigan or Josh Holloway
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Oh cripes. I love the Rockford Files.. have the episodes on TV.. Norm MacDonald is just not. well.. no way.. he's suitable for the roll, he's way too much of a weasal. C'mon, they would be better off with Craig Bierko for sure!
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It could work. A son Jim kept secret (Rockford has pissed off some bad guys) is phased in to take over.
In addition to the answering machine you can imagine the son using a program to audibly read email: "Mr. Rockford your request to become a friend on Facebook has been denied. Next; Mr. Rockford the credit card number you used to purchase penis enlargement equipment has been declined. Next; Mr. Rockford I need to arrange a meeting as soon as possible. My wife let the pool boy, Hernando, in the house again and now my collection of 'Nazi UFO Conspiracy' materials is missing. The collection has been appraised at $600,000. For some reason the insurance company won't pay. I desperately need your help contact me......
You get the idea -- lots of potential for fun here.
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"R-O-C-K-F-O-R-D". classic clip.
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Ditto to Cheif Brody's excellent suggestion of Josh Holloway for Rockford. If they do a remake. Which they shouldn't. Cause it's a really stupid idea...so, of course, they'll try to do it.
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I read the article and I only registered to say Bruce Campbell, but a lot of people thought the same thing!!
Bruce projects a good guy who is reluctant to get his ass kicked! - just like Garner's JIM ROCKFISH!
MacDonald projects smary smart ass jerk... no offense to Norm, but that's how I see him... -
I wish they wouldn't remake it. But if they must, two words.
Ron Livingston.
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