It is no secret that I am an action movie junkie. I loved the Chuck Norris, Steven Seagal, Van Damme and Bruce Willis action movies of the 80s and 90s. These are classics by today’s standards. There was nothing better than sitting at home and watching one of these action movies on VHS. Yes, that is right, no DVD players, we had VCRs that played VHS tapes. One of the best and it will always be a classic movie that came out of this time period was Lethal Weapon.
The Lethal Weapon movie had Danny Glover portraying Roger Murtaugh. Murtaugh is an aging LAPD Police Detective, close to retirement. Murtaugh has a new partner portrayed by Mel Gibson, as Martin Riggs. Riggs is an ex-Special Forces Member who has now become a police officer. His wife was killed in a car accident and Riggs is semi-suicidal in his grief for her death.
The movie is a thrill a minute. Gary Busey plays Mr. Joshua, a mercenary who is one of the main villains of the movie. In my opinion, Busey portrayed this role like no other could. There were 4 movies in the Lethal Weapon series. Some were better than others.
This brings us to the TV Series: Lethal Weapon. When I heard that FOX was planning on bringing a Lethal Weapon TV series to television, I thought there is no way it could be any good. Well I am man enough to admit when I am wrong. I just finished watching the complete first season and have to say that I was impressed.
In the TV series, Roger Murtaugh is portrayed by Damon Wayans. Wayans has appeared in countless movies most of them being comedies. When I thought of him been cast as Murtaugh, I just couldn’t see it. But again, I was wrong. He was a perfect Roger Murtaugh. There was just enough comedy infused with action in his performance that made it believable. A friend of mine stated “this was the sleeper performance of the whole show. His character was perfectly portrayed.”
Martin Riggs was portrayed by Clayne Crawford. You may remember Crawford as the Brother of Eric LaSalle in NCIS: New Orleans. What is ironic that Lucas Black who portrayed Eric LaSalle is from Alabama as well as Clayne Crawford. Crawford gives a superb performance as Riggs. He gives the character just the right amount of “crazy” to match Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Riggs. They only thing I can say negative about Crawford is he needs a haircut to stay within lines of the original Riggs character.
I don’t want to give away the plot or basis for the TV series. There is one surprise character that was perfectly portrayed in my opinion. Thomas Lemon. You may remember Lemon as Lt. Diggle from Reno-911. Lemon plays Leo Getz and gives a great performance. Getz was in the Lethal Weapon movies 3 and 4.
The Cast
The Lethal Weapon series recently concluded its first season. It has been renewed for another season. It will soon be released on DVD. It is currently available on Amazon Video. It is some great TV for a rainy day at the house. I think you will enjoy it.
Bobby Inman is retired from Law Enforcement after 21 years of Service. He owns Hammer Down Gun & Pawn located in Sheffield, Alabama. He has articles published in Law & Order Magazine, Police Marksman Magazine, Guns & Weapons for Law Enforcement Magazine as well as several published ebooks on Amazon as well as Nook (Barnes & Noble). He is owner of Poopiedog, an Animal Rescue Dachshund, who is his constant companion. He is a Correspondent for the Quad Cities Daily.
