Lethal Weapon: A Little Humor, Lots of Violence

Written by PTC | Published September 9, 2016

This reboot of the ‘80s movie franchise features a large amount of intense action. Martin Riggs and Roger Murtaugh are police detectives who are both facing challenges. Murtaugh has just turned 50, is recovering from triple-bypass surgery, and has a new baby at home, causing him to want to take life more slowly. By contrast, after his pregnant wife is killed in a car crash, Riggs’ despair drives him to nearly suicidal levels of reckless behavior on the job. When the two are partnered, their friction nearly drives each other crazy, but they soon come to a grudging respect and resolution to help each other deal with their problems as they work together solving crimes. Based on the popular ‘80s movie franchise with Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, Lethal Weapon is a cop drama deriving humor from Riggs’ over-the-top insanity and Murtaugh’s constant moaning. However, the show is unbelievably violent. Hardly a scene passes without a barrage of machine-gun fire or a multi-car crash. In the first episode alone, Riggs uses sniper fire to overturn a fleeing car; casually guns down a trio of bank robbers, then allows a bomb to destroy the bank; and with Murtaugh’s help slaughters an entire warehouse of criminals, while managaging to survive being shot twice himself. While the violence isn’t bloody, it is constant and extremely intense, especially for young children. The first episode also features frequent profanities like “ass,” Riggs endorsing marijuana use to Murtaugh’s kids, and ongoing sexual innuendo between Murtaugh and his wife. At a Paley Center panel, producer Matt Miller revealed that the second episode will feature Riggs being badly beaten up in a bar fight. While possessing engaging lead actors, and action entertaining for adults and older teens who love over-the-top violence, Lethal Weapon is too intense for younger children. Lethal Weapon premieres Wednesday, September 21 at 8:00 p.m. ET on Fox.