It's rare when you hear about a casting and just say to yourself, "Oh, perfect." Well, that happened today. The Hollywood Reporter confirmed that Beau Bridges is going to be Dermot Mulroney's father on NBC's new 'The Rockford Files.' It's not just that Bridges, older brother of Oscar winner Jeff Bridges, is a terrific actor; he's really right for the role.

In the original 'Rockford Files,' Noah Berry, Jr. played Rocky, Jim's father, who served as both Jim's buddy and foil. They hung out together and understood each other. Rocky had been a truck driver and had a no-nonsense, clear vision of things.

He'd give Jim advice or just voice his opinion, often in a wry way. Presumably in NBC's version, which 'House' creator David Shore is overseeing and also involves 'The Office's' Steve Carell as executive producer, Beau Bridges as Rocky will be the same kind of guy.

This 'Rockford' has swiftly climbed to a project of major interest. Mulroney and Bridges are definitely reason to give the show a try, as is Alan Tudyk as Becker, Rockford's reluctant friend in the L.A.P.D.

Considering NBC's sorrowful state of hour dramas, 'The Rockford Files' has to be in the number one position. The pilot would have to be a pile of rocks for it not to get a go. That's not likely to happen with the talent attached, especially Shore. If 'House' has proven anything, it's that David Shore knows how to write characters with character, as opposed to characters stuck in situations. That's exactly what Jim Rockford needs to be.

By the way, did you know that Beau Bridges is actually Lloyd Bridges III? He was named after his father, star of 'Sea Hunt,' Lloyd Bridges. Gotta loves that Bridges family! Oh, and Beau's a three-time Emmy winner, too.