Revisiting childhood memories through a TV show
I was born in the ’70s. You know, when kids played outside all day and night. Before there were computers, the internet, social media, or the streaming services we all use now for binge-watching. This was back in a time when most households had one console TV in their homes, and before the convenience of remote controls. Most of us kids were the remote control. The television wasn’t turned on until after dinner, and chores and homework were done. Usually around 7- 8. It was a treat for the family to gather around the set to watch a favorite program. My first TV memories are of watching The Rockford Files with my mom and dad. I was very young and didn’t remember any specifics about the show, other than the main characters. I did remember that I enjoyed it. When I was in my 20’s and saw it on syndication, I would watch an episode. The show always made me smile. I enjoyed the beginning of every show starting with the familiar voice mail message. “This is Jim Rockford, at the tone leave your name and the message I’ll get back to you.” The messages were usually funny, and I looked forward to hearing them every week. I also loved the intro (and outro) of the show's theme song. The song made it into the top ten of the Billboard hot 100 and won a Grammy for best instrumental arrangement. I would often hum the tune in my head.
