One of the all time best episodes of the series and one that got Tom Selleck his role on "Magnum". When Rockford is hired to help recover the missing daughter of a millionaire industrialist, he finds himself saddled with private investigator Lance White (Tom Selleck). White is just the opposite of Rockford--successful, smooth, admired by cops and women of all descriptions. In fact his whole life and investigatory style seems to be something right out of a TV show or a detective novel...which of course drives Rockford crazy with aggravation. This is a terrific episode and features great performances not only by Garner and Selleck, but the entire supporting staff, as well as the director (watch the way he shoots the scene where Chapman questions White--true "Dragnet" framing!). White was such a popular character they brought him back for another episode before he went on to do "Magnum".
The Rockford Files (TV Series)
White on White and Nearly Perfect (1978)
User Reviews
Review this title13 Reviews
Wah, wah, waaaaah
beecedog21 February 2008
Warning: Spoilers
Wow, Jim Rockford can't catch a break. This very well written episode (thanks, Stevie J.) starts off with Rocky reading a detective novel and Jim getting dropped off at the trailer at sunrise. Rocky thinks that it's the glamorous part of Jim's job, just like the book he's reading: excitement, danger, and dames. Alas, it's just the secretary of Jim's bail bondsman dropping him off after the card game he was at got raided. A great set up and wonderful contrast for the episode that pits Jim against a peer. Hey, it's Richard from Friends! Yes, Tom Selleck appears as the perfectly dressed, perfectly mannered and perfectly perfect P.I. Lance White. Jim contends that his line of work is nothing like what Rocky is reading, but Lance begs to differ.
Lance is a detective with ethics, enthusiasm and a moral compass who also has an office, a sweet ride (described by a mob goon as "a parade float" in this episode), a sweet secretary and a way with the ladies. So, he's the exact opposite of Jimbo, all charm and looks with no street smarts. Did I mention the no street smarts? In this episode Lance unnecessarily: Upsets a strip club owner, walks into a bullet, gets caught eavesdropping on the mob and believes a story told by someone named Belle Le Belle. James Garner sets the world record for eye rolling, especially in the scene where Chapman and Dennis arrive at the scene of a murder, and Lance is revered while Jim is sneered at. Even by Dennis! Seriously, everybody loves this guy! The case they work on together is the kidnapping of the daughter of a wealthy businessman. There are some interesting choices in direction here - Senor Sock mentioned the friendly Dragnet interrogation by Chapman, but there was also a distracting element. There was an obsession with clocks - Lance's watch kept going off and he had this speech about wanting to be reminded that time doesn't stand still and there was this constant focusing on pendulums. Maybe because there was a definite time limit out there for the bad guys, or maybe it was just expounding on Lance's overall attitude, but it didn't dig any deeper than that, which took a little away from the great interaction between Garner & Selleck.
My summary title is my attempt to spell that music popular with cartoons and sitcoms when the goofy guy tells a bad joke or a touch of irony is thrown into a situation. Wah, wah, waaaah. It could pretty much be used at the end of every one of the scenes in this episode, with Jim Rockford doing the shrugging and the aforementioned eye rolling to Lance's comments and the unabashed adoration he receives. This is true especially at the end of the episode, where Lance gets the girl and something extra and all Jim gets is some free champagne after once again blowing the chance for some extra scratch. An entertaining episode, well acted and well written as always, with a star making turn by Tom Selleck.
Lance is a detective with ethics, enthusiasm and a moral compass who also has an office, a sweet ride (described by a mob goon as "a parade float" in this episode), a sweet secretary and a way with the ladies. So, he's the exact opposite of Jimbo, all charm and looks with no street smarts. Did I mention the no street smarts? In this episode Lance unnecessarily: Upsets a strip club owner, walks into a bullet, gets caught eavesdropping on the mob and believes a story told by someone named Belle Le Belle. James Garner sets the world record for eye rolling, especially in the scene where Chapman and Dennis arrive at the scene of a murder, and Lance is revered while Jim is sneered at. Even by Dennis! Seriously, everybody loves this guy! The case they work on together is the kidnapping of the daughter of a wealthy businessman. There are some interesting choices in direction here - Senor Sock mentioned the friendly Dragnet interrogation by Chapman, but there was also a distracting element. There was an obsession with clocks - Lance's watch kept going off and he had this speech about wanting to be reminded that time doesn't stand still and there was this constant focusing on pendulums. Maybe because there was a definite time limit out there for the bad guys, or maybe it was just expounding on Lance's overall attitude, but it didn't dig any deeper than that, which took a little away from the great interaction between Garner & Selleck.
My summary title is my attempt to spell that music popular with cartoons and sitcoms when the goofy guy tells a bad joke or a touch of irony is thrown into a situation. Wah, wah, waaaah. It could pretty much be used at the end of every one of the scenes in this episode, with Jim Rockford doing the shrugging and the aforementioned eye rolling to Lance's comments and the unabashed adoration he receives. This is true especially at the end of the episode, where Lance gets the girl and something extra and all Jim gets is some free champagne after once again blowing the chance for some extra scratch. An entertaining episode, well acted and well written as always, with a star making turn by Tom Selleck.
One of the best tongue (firmly)-in-cheek Rockford episodes
UNOhwen28 August 2015
I can imagine the laugh, the fun had writing the script for this episode.
Lance White is so annoyingly perfect. Everyone knows of, had a 'Lance White' character somewhere in their lives, and this Lance White - the 'real' Lance White - is Jim's.
Watching this episode caused me to laugh out loud so many times, because, as a fan of Rockford's, as well as a fan of good writing, I can just imagine Cannel and Huggins turning red as they threw the book out on Jim, and made Lance, the knight in shining armour, for this episode.
Much credit goes to Tom Selleck's portrayal of e too-goo-to-be-true (and if he is, I wan and kill him!) Lamce White, for embodying Lance, but, no matter how 'perfect,' and how clichéd he, and the story become, he never folds
In other words, when you do a parody - a successful one - you must not 'wink' to the audience. It must be kept serious. That's the same reason why people who try to portray bad actors, set out to make a 'bad' movie, or 'dumb blondes' have such a hard time.
Many people think Marilyn Monroe WAS dumb (sadly), but,m in fact she wasn't, and it's a tribute to her abilities to convince so many she was 'dumb.' A film like Plan 9 From Outer Space could've never succeeded if they were 'in' on the joke.
The same here.
Selleck's ability to keep Lance grounded in reality - no matter how farcical the situation, makes this episode a terrific one.
Credit - as always - must go to James Garner, who had the professionalism and the grace to understand he - the main lead - doesn't need to be the centre of attention, always, and allow the guest stars the ability to come forward, as shown here.
Sigh... it's watching an episode such as this, to see how far TV and film have fallen, because I doubt you'd ever see any writer, or 'actor' allow themselves to be made fun of, or, to allow others to shine - at their expense - as done here.
A truly great Rockford.
Lance White is so annoyingly perfect. Everyone knows of, had a 'Lance White' character somewhere in their lives, and this Lance White - the 'real' Lance White - is Jim's.
Watching this episode caused me to laugh out loud so many times, because, as a fan of Rockford's, as well as a fan of good writing, I can just imagine Cannel and Huggins turning red as they threw the book out on Jim, and made Lance, the knight in shining armour, for this episode.
Much credit goes to Tom Selleck's portrayal of e too-goo-to-be-true (and if he is, I wan and kill him!) Lamce White, for embodying Lance, but, no matter how 'perfect,' and how clichéd he, and the story become, he never folds
In other words, when you do a parody - a successful one - you must not 'wink' to the audience. It must be kept serious. That's the same reason why people who try to portray bad actors, set out to make a 'bad' movie, or 'dumb blondes' have such a hard time.
Many people think Marilyn Monroe WAS dumb (sadly), but,m in fact she wasn't, and it's a tribute to her abilities to convince so many she was 'dumb.' A film like Plan 9 From Outer Space could've never succeeded if they were 'in' on the joke.
The same here.
Selleck's ability to keep Lance grounded in reality - no matter how farcical the situation, makes this episode a terrific one.
Credit - as always - must go to James Garner, who had the professionalism and the grace to understand he - the main lead - doesn't need to be the centre of attention, always, and allow the guest stars the ability to come forward, as shown here.
Sigh... it's watching an episode such as this, to see how far TV and film have fallen, because I doubt you'd ever see any writer, or 'actor' allow themselves to be made fun of, or, to allow others to shine - at their expense - as done here.
A truly great Rockford.
Before Magnum
safenoe4 September 2020
Tom Selleck chews the screen in this 5th season episode of The Rockford Files, and it's no surprise he soon shot to stardom with Magnum P.I.!!! Shame he missed out on Indiana Jones, but still. Anyway, you can imagine Rockford's anguish at the gilded life of Lance White (Selleck) who goes from one fortune to the next, with his famous dimples and all.
Tom Selleck and James Garner!
sudiniup21 April 2021
"It's Like a Fairy Tale"
biduncan678 April 2020
Warning: Spoilers
That's what a lady says about the adventures of Lance White. This brilliantly written episode follows the formula of fairy tales (also known as wonder tales). Here are iconic characters translated into "The Rockford Files":
1. Lance White: our hero, the White Knight, hence the first name Lance. His white steed is an ostentatious convertible.
2. Veronica Teasedale: the captive princess.
3. Jim Rockford: the helper. He is the hero's assistant, who really does most of the work.
4. Armand Teasedale: the Fisher King. He is the moribund ruler, laid low by the kidnapping of his daughter. In this case, he's an arms manufacturer.
5. Brad Davies: the false hero. He works here as the go-between to the kidnappers. His negotiations and rescue attempt, with Dobermans, are all failures.
6. Meyer Ziegler, the evil ogre or troll, who has the princess in captivity. He is an aging gangster here. Lance actually preaches to him, "Crime does not pay."
7. Belle LaBelle: the donor. This character is usually a helpful old crone who gives the hero a magic charm, weapon, or important information. In this case, Belle is a stripper. Another donor is Mr. Teasedale's secretary, who starts Lance's involvement in the case.
The kidnapping takes place in an allusion to the Black Forest: the home of a gangster, Harry Blackwood.
1. Lance White: our hero, the White Knight, hence the first name Lance. His white steed is an ostentatious convertible.
2. Veronica Teasedale: the captive princess.
3. Jim Rockford: the helper. He is the hero's assistant, who really does most of the work.
4. Armand Teasedale: the Fisher King. He is the moribund ruler, laid low by the kidnapping of his daughter. In this case, he's an arms manufacturer.
5. Brad Davies: the false hero. He works here as the go-between to the kidnappers. His negotiations and rescue attempt, with Dobermans, are all failures.
6. Meyer Ziegler, the evil ogre or troll, who has the princess in captivity. He is an aging gangster here. Lance actually preaches to him, "Crime does not pay."
7. Belle LaBelle: the donor. This character is usually a helpful old crone who gives the hero a magic charm, weapon, or important information. In this case, Belle is a stripper. Another donor is Mr. Teasedale's secretary, who starts Lance's involvement in the case.
The kidnapping takes place in an allusion to the Black Forest: the home of a gangster, Harry Blackwood.
One of the very best !
ronnybee211210 January 2021
This is probably the very best of the later episodes. Mr. Garner was professional enough to encourage his guest-stars to play things their own way. It didn't always work out,but in this episode it works wonderfully!
Tom Selleck plays a great part as Lance White,a so-so detective that has good looks,charm,
and seemingly-impossible good luck. Everybody loves Lance White,and Jim Rockford is put on the proverbial back-burner for most of the episode. Somehow everything seems to go just right for Lance,everytime,
while Rockford gets nothing but grief and headaches for his efforts. Extremely funny and well written,this episode is a showcase of very talented people working together to make a great show!
Looks like a pilot for a spin-off!
bigdave547228 June 2012
Warning: Spoilers
One of the other reviewers said that Tom Selleck got the job on Magnum PI because of this episode. I don't remember it that way, and seem to recall that another actor turned down Magnum PI before it was offered to Selleck. However this episode seems to be a pilot, but it would be the pilot, not for Magnum PI, but for a Rockford Files spin-off featuring the character of Lance White. Like most spin-off pilots, the character played by the guest star is a more prominent role than the usual main character. While The Rockford Files normally features a great deal of humorous irony, this episode is hilarious, a real laugh-fest from start to finish. Well, the gag of the glove compartment door hitting Rockford on the knees ceased to be funny after the third time, and the marriage of Lance to the kidnap victim at the end was implausible and carried the theme of Lance's charmed life too far, but still the episode is very funny. The main reason that this episode is pleasurable to watch is, of course, the extreme good looks of Tom Selleck. This was a couple of years before Magnum PI, and he was even a little younger and prettier than when he started as Thomas Magnum. When he smiles with that porn'stache on that beautiful face, it is just pure sexual stimulation.
Lance is lucky to be alive
VetteRanger15 February 2023
In this first of two Lance White episodes, Lance is the ultimate white hat ... straightforward ... uncompromising ... brave ... but also quite a bit too trusting.
In this case where an industrial magnate's daughter is kidnapped, White's tactics cause trouble for him and Jim Rockford on just about every move they make. Rockford has been hired for the case, but Lance is on it "as a friend".
To pour salt on the wound, the Lieutenant who hates Rockford and is always on Rockford's case LOVES Lance White. Even Becker shows deference to White when he shows up at a murder scene.
And ... we never DO find out what happened to Rockford's car when it was left in the hands of car strippers. LOL.
In this case where an industrial magnate's daughter is kidnapped, White's tactics cause trouble for him and Jim Rockford on just about every move they make. Rockford has been hired for the case, but Lance is on it "as a friend".
To pour salt on the wound, the Lieutenant who hates Rockford and is always on Rockford's case LOVES Lance White. Even Becker shows deference to White when he shows up at a murder scene.
And ... we never DO find out what happened to Rockford's car when it was left in the hands of car strippers. LOL.
Selleck should bottle it
bkoganbing17 February 2015
Again The Rockford Files creates an indelible character for one of their episodes that they bring back again. Tom Selleck plays the immaculately dressed and named Lance White, engaged to the daughter of an industrial captain, would be private detective, and the kind of fellow not seen except in literature where people like Frank Merriwell predominate.
Whatever Selleck has it should be bottled because he's got the charm to put it over on everyone. Best in this episode is James Luisi who is constantly on Joe Santos's case for doing Rockford favors. But Lieutenant Chapman can't do enough for Lance White.
It gets serious though when Karen Austin who is Selleck's fiancé is kidnapped and the kidnappers have a most unusual request. I can't say but it really does involve a question of national security.
When Tom Selleck both got his own TV series and got creative control of it I don't think it was an accident that Thomas Magnum bore more than a slight resemblance to Jim Rockford.
Whatever Selleck has it should be bottled because he's got the charm to put it over on everyone. Best in this episode is James Luisi who is constantly on Joe Santos's case for doing Rockford favors. But Lieutenant Chapman can't do enough for Lance White.
It gets serious though when Karen Austin who is Selleck's fiancé is kidnapped and the kidnappers have a most unusual request. I can't say but it really does involve a question of national security.
When Tom Selleck both got his own TV series and got creative control of it I don't think it was an accident that Thomas Magnum bore more than a slight resemblance to Jim Rockford.
Another poor attempt at slapstick humor
addisonmaddison-5055415 February 2024
Another poor attempt at slapstick humor. The "Lance White" episodes were simply too slapstick for the willful suspension of disbelief to remain intact throughout. Similar to the 90s Rockford movie "The Rockford Files: Shoot-Out at the Golden Pagoda," the attempt here fails in that almost none of this is believable - even in the alternate "life" of The Rockford Files. Had an attempt like "Golden Pagoda" or the Lance White episodes aired in the first year or two, the original Rockford Files series might very well have been canceled. The charm and wit of James Garner is what made The Rockford Files" special; the character was one that we strove to identify with. Not like this.
Lance White Knight
ArtVandelayImporterExporter7 February 2023
Tom Selleck guest stars as private investigator Lance White. He's a naive go-getter with the good looks and charm to have hard-sss cops like Chapman eating out of his palm. Even Garner's own buddy Dennis seems to prefer dealing with him. To say the women all love him would be an understatement.
Rockford, a hard-bitten veteran of the private investigating scene, has to be wily and patient to succeed. Selleck just bumbles and charms his way through.
It's a fun contrast. And there are plenty of laughs. But it's a VERY uneven episode. One minute White is talking like a film noir private detective. The next minute he's talking like soft-spoken Magnum P. I. As much as Magnum P. I. is my favorite weekly TV series of all time, this wasn't really all that impressive a showing by Selleck. Or maybe that was the point. Maybe the meta joke on viewers is that Selleck just lopes his way through the episode delivering lines however he feels like it, and the viewers will eat it up because he's so darn good looking and charming. Just like the characters in this episode do. If that's what they were going for, this might be the most subversive episode in TV history.
Plot involves a kidnapping, arms deals and a flight to Israel. I don't think it actually matters. I certainly wasn't all that invested.
I submit this episode is so highly rated only because Selleck went on to star in Magnum P. I. (not to mention Blue Bloods). There are funnier episodes of Rockford Files, Every one featuring Stuart Margolin, for one thing. There are better plots. And to be honest, as far as guest stars go, the episode that came right before this one, with Bo Hopkins as Rockford's new lawyer, gave us a better character that, in and of itself, would have made for a better spinoff show.
Rockford, a hard-bitten veteran of the private investigating scene, has to be wily and patient to succeed. Selleck just bumbles and charms his way through.
It's a fun contrast. And there are plenty of laughs. But it's a VERY uneven episode. One minute White is talking like a film noir private detective. The next minute he's talking like soft-spoken Magnum P. I. As much as Magnum P. I. is my favorite weekly TV series of all time, this wasn't really all that impressive a showing by Selleck. Or maybe that was the point. Maybe the meta joke on viewers is that Selleck just lopes his way through the episode delivering lines however he feels like it, and the viewers will eat it up because he's so darn good looking and charming. Just like the characters in this episode do. If that's what they were going for, this might be the most subversive episode in TV history.
Plot involves a kidnapping, arms deals and a flight to Israel. I don't think it actually matters. I certainly wasn't all that invested.
I submit this episode is so highly rated only because Selleck went on to star in Magnum P. I. (not to mention Blue Bloods). There are funnier episodes of Rockford Files, Every one featuring Stuart Margolin, for one thing. There are better plots. And to be honest, as far as guest stars go, the episode that came right before this one, with Bo Hopkins as Rockford's new lawyer, gave us a better character that, in and of itself, would have made for a better spinoff show.
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