Following in the footsteps of Mel Gibson and Danny too-old-for-this-shit Glover, Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans, Sr. pick up arms as Riggs and Murtaugh in the first trailer for Fox’s upcoming Lethal Weapon TV series.
Featuring a pilot directed by McG (Terminator Salvation), today’s snippet introduces the fast-talking, wonderfully snarky odd couple that we know and love – only with half the charm. Sporting the cool swagger of ex-Navy SEAL-turned-detective Martin Riggs, Crawford hits many of the character beats made famous by Mel Gibson throughout the Lethal Weapon series, but at least based on today’s admittedly brief trailer, the on-screen chemistry with Wayans’ by-the-book Murtaugh feels forced and cartoonish, even for a Lethal Weapon storyline.
Speaking of which, after buddying up – much to the dismay of Murtaugh – the mismatched duo find themselves caught up in “a high-speed chase culminating inside the Long Beach Grand Prix and into a seaport shootout with drug dealers – and despite his protests, the older cop feels more alive than he has in years. Meanwhile, Riggs gets a glimpse of why Murtaugh is so determined to get home safely at the end of each day – he’s got a family and a newborn baby of his own. By the time their investigation ends, Riggs realizes he may have found something worth living for – a partner and friend like Murtaugh. And even Murtaugh figures this arrangement might just work out after all. If only Riggs doesn’t get them killed first…”
Also starring Jordana Brewster as Dr. Maureen “Mo” Cahill, Lethal Weapon makes its small-screen premiere during Fox’s fall 2016 season. But will the outlandish charm be enough to make it stand apart from other police procedurals on the air?
