Lethal Weapon Season 1 Episode 1 Review: Pilot
Lisa Babick
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I don't know about everybody else, but I really enjoyed the first installment of Lethal Weapon. There were parts that were sort of goofy and unnecessary, but overall it succeeded at doing exactly what it was supposed to do: entertain.
While Lethal Weapon Season 1 Episode 1 was faced-paced and action packed, it also had quieter moments that showed how different it could be from the original films that starred Danny Glover and Mel Gibson.
What I liked best about the hour was being able to see the emotional side of Martin Riggs, played masterfully by Clayne Crawford. Right off the bat, we see what makes Riggs tick. He's on a job when his wife calls to tell him she's headed to the hospital to have their child.
While he quickly takes care of the drug runners he's been chasing, Miranda is tragically killed.
Its a heart-wrenching moment when he arrives at the hospital and learns the news, but it adds a depth to the character we never had a chance to see before. I like that we are better able to understand the grief behind his suicidal nature.
Something happened to you, man, and you snapped! You wanna kill yourself, go home, put the little sheet down, and get it done, but don't you dare judge me for wanting to stay alive.
Murtaugh
Later in the hour, there's a scene where Murtaugh hands Riggs his baby daughter that is particularly moving, and it's moments like these that makes Riggs so much more relatable.
(On a side note, that scene is one of my favorites, and I hope we get to see more of Riggs' softer side.)
Yes, this version of Riggs isn't as over-the-top crazy as he was in the films, but I find it rather refreshing. Some might say that Riggs' crazy is what makes Lethal Weapon Lethal Weapon, but what's wrong with bringing it down a notch? He's still a wild card, just a different kind of wild card.
I need you to do me a favor, okay? Don't miss.
Riggs
Besides, this show isn't supposed to be a copycat of the original film, anyway, and would anyone really like it if Crawford played Riggs the exact same way Gibson did? The show does a good job setting itself apart, while still maintaining the spirit that made those films great.
Damon Wayans does a fantastic job adding his own flair to Roger Murtaugh, the straight-laced cop whose world is turned upside down when he's paired up with Riggs.
He's a bit livelier than Danny Glover's version, but that's okay because this Murtaugh survived a heart attack, and that kind of second chance at life should make anyone livelier.
He also wears a signature hat which I absolutely love. It's a little thing, but fits this Murtaugh's personality perfectly.
There are times, though, when I questioned whether the heart attack angle was a good choice considering all the crazy action he's thrown into right from the start, but it adds an edge that could turn out to be quite interesting as the season progresses.
Pilots are supposed to grab your attention, and the action sequences from this one certainly did. Granted the Grand Prix chase scene was a little kooky, but what else would you expect from McG? I think his style is a lot of fun even if it is over the top at times.
Besides, it's not the action that carries this show, but the relationship between Murtaugh and Riggs that makes it so interesting and makes me want to tune in again.
Hey, Riggs. You're right. We would've made a great team.
Murtaugh
All this isn't to say that this pilot was perfect. It wasn't. One part that I disliked was Murtaugh trying to get Trish (Keesha Sharp) to perform a certain sexual act for the entire episode. It was unnecessary and detracted from all the good that the episode accomplished.
I'm not saying romance shouldn't be part of this story, it should. One hundred percent it should, but that wasn't the way to do it. There's great chemistry between Wayans and Sharp, but I thought it was a disservice to their characters to use that as a device to move the plot forward. However, I'd love to see the show dig deeper into their characters' relationship.
The pilot was a lot of fun and set up the premise of the series quite nicely. I'm definitely looking forward to Riggs and Murtaugh's next adventure!
What did you think of Lethal Weapon's pilot? Did you like the show's take on Murtaugh and Riggs' characters? Will you be tuning in again? Leave me a comment!
Remember, if you missed any of the action, you can watch Lethal Weapon online right here via TV Fanatic.
