One of the most frequently recurring fiscal lessons of the last century and a half or so is that the stock market is a scam. Just about every crash for that time has been because of stock speculation, so far as I can tell, though I am not an economist. The stock market keeps getting used as an indicator of the nation’s financial health anyway, because [crickets]. Jim may not be a financial wizard, but statistically, he’s got just about as good a shot at picking winning stocks as the two characters on this episode getting paid as financial planners.
He goes to see Norm Mitchell (Tom Rosqui) because he wants a more objective opinion about Fiscal Dynamics, Inc. Unfortunately, this gets both him and Mitchell in trouble. Jim gets Rocky to help him stake out Fielder in the hopes that this will pay off. Alas, Rocky isn’t particularly well equipped for the work of a private investigator, especially of the hardboiled variety, which is kind of what this plot calls for.
You know, if your company turns out to hire thugs and “messengers” to go after anyone just asking questions, you might consider that word is going to get out and your stock is going to drop. Also, you know, you’re going to go to prison, at least we’d hope. After all, it’s not the Fielders of this kind who go to jail. But if Jim can destroy the company’s stock that much with basic questions, the company is an even bigger scam than Enron.
What Jim needs is a boring car. His car is great, of course. And Rocky’s truck is fine. But they’re both fairly distinctive. What he needs is a sedan or wagon or something that’s easy to use for stakeouts where it’ll be nice and inconspicuous. He can store it at Rocky’s, ready for use when he’s got to sit and keep tabs on someone. Maybe he doesn’t need the additional expense, but I’m sure he’s had clients who can afford to help him out there. After all, it doesn’t need to be a good car, and it doesn’t have to be used all the time.
All things considered, I’d like to know more of the eventual outcome of several characters. The financial analyst who considers insider trading a “technicality.” The DA who was so determined that a false police report was worth six months of jail time for Jim. Honestly, even the “maid” who’s also a mechanic and studying to be a mechanical engineer. This is definitely one of those shows where you could build a spin-off about any number of figures, or even just an episode or two of something.
Take Care of Rockford Files: Car chase. He’s beat up and dragged off to have a Serious Talk.