While fans of theLethal Weaponfranchise patiently wait forLethal Weapon 5, it’s worth checking out the underrated three-season TV series of the same name. Created by Shane Black,Lethal Weaponwas a massive success when it was released in 1987, partially redefining the action films of the late ’80s, with an incredible cast led by Mel Gibson and Danny Glover.
Lethal Weaponis a staple ofthe buddy-cop genre, asGibson’s Martin Riggs and Glover’s Roger Murtaugh have to learn to work together despite their clashing personalities and approaches.This often results in hilarious moments that have defined the franchise, which has already seen four films, a TV series, anda fifthLethal Weaponmovie on the way.
Lethal Weapon Was A 3-Season Police Procedural Based On The Movies
The TV Series Served As A Reboot For The Franchise
While the franchise enjoyed strong success across its four movies, it was still rebooted in 2016 with theLethal WeaponTV series, following Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans as they step into the respective roles of Riggs and Martough.Lethal Weaponran for three seasons on Fox, ending in 2019, and garnered an impressive 89% on Rotten Tomatoes during its run.
The television police procedural format allows for even more exploration of its central characters, making it satisfying to watch.
Despite being a reboot,Lethal Weaponthe series retains a lot of the spirit of the movies, leaning into the buddy-cop action-comedy aspect that made the franchise so successful in the first place. Additionally, the television police procedural format allows for even more exploration of its central characters, making it satisfying to watch.
How The Lethal Weapon Show’s Murtaugh & Riggs Were Different From The Movie Characters
The TV Series Expands On The Characters' Personal Lives
For the most part,Lethal Weaponstays true to the original movie in terms of its two main characters.Martin Riggs remains a reckless young gun with suicidal tendenciesfollowing the death of his wife and unborn baby, which sends him into a deep depression. There is more emphasis on this backstory in the TV series.
On the flipside,Roger Murtaugh remains the veteran family man, whose more cautious demeanor clashes with Riggs frequently. While Murtaugh from the films is getting close to retirement, Wayan’s version of the character is seen coming back after an extended leave following a heart attack. For both Murtaugh and Riggs, their personal lives are expanded on in the series.
Lethal Weapon Went Through A Major Behind-The-Scenes Change Before Season 3
Clayne Crawford Was Fired Following Season 2
Despite the show’s success during its first two seasons,Clayne Crawford was fired from the series prior to season 3, due to ongoing behavioral issues on set. Because of this,Riggs is shot at the end ofLethal Weaponseason 2and confirmed dead in the first episode of season 3, a massive change in direction for the series.
Needing to fill the gap left following Crawford’s dismissal from the show, Seann William Scott stepped in as Wesley Cole, the new co-lead alongside Damon Wayans. After season 3, Wayans also left the show, and it was eventually canceled. Despite the problems that eventually plaguedLethal Weapon, it was still a fun addition to the franchise.
