What Happened to Lethal Weapon Show?
The Lethal Weapon franchise, which was a staple of 1980s and 1990s action movies and television, has undergone several transformations over the years. The original film trilogy starred Mel Gibson and Danny Glover as two mismatched LAPD detectives, Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs, respectively. In 2016, FOX launched a television series inspired by the films, titled Lethal Weapon, which ran for three seasons before being cancelled. So, what happened to Lethal Weapon show?
The Origins: From Film to TV
The Lethal Weapon franchise began with the release of the first film in 1987, written and directed by Richard Donner. The movie was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $317 million worldwide. The sequels, Lethal Weapon 2 (1989) and Lethal Weapon 3 (1992), continued to follow the adventures of Murtaugh and Riggs. The franchise was considered a classic of the buddy cop genre, known for its blend of action, humor, and heart.
In 2016, FOX announced plans to develop a television series inspired by the films. The show would follow a similar concept, with a new detective, Martin Riggs, played by Clayne Crawford, teaming up with an older, married cop, Roger Murtaugh, played by Damon Wayans. The series premiered on September 21, 2016, and received generally positive reviews from critics.
The First Two Seasons
The first two seasons of Lethal Weapon, which consisted of 25 episodes, introduced audiences to the new characters and followed their investigations into various crimes in Los Angeles. The show was praised for its faithfulness to the original films, with critics noting that the chemistry between Crawford and Wayans was a highlight of the series. The show also gained a loyal fan base, with many praising its entertaining mix of action, drama, and humor.
The Departure of Clayne Crawford
However, behind-the-scenes issues plagued the show, particularly after the second season. Clayne Crawford, who played Riggs, was fired from the show due to conduct issues on set. Crawford claimed that he was fired after complaining about the show’s working conditions and treatment of the cast and crew, while the show’s writers and producers cited a lack of chemistry between him and Wayans. The departure of Riggs was a significant blow to the show, which struggled to find its footing without its main character.
The Arrival of Sean William Scott
In 2018, the show was renewed for a third season, with a new actor, Seann William Scott, cast as a new Riggs, named Wesley Cole. The show’s writers attempted to reboot the series, reintroducing Cole as a loose cannon detective who pairs with Murtaugh. However, the show still struggled to find its footing, with critics noting that the chemistry between Scott and Wayans was not as strong as the original pairing with Crawford.
Cancellation and Legacy
In May 2019, FOX announced that Lethal Weapon would be cancelled after its third season. The show’s final episode aired on May 16, 2019, bringing an end to the franchise’s television adventures. Despite its ups and downs, the show remains a beloved adaptation of the original films, praised for its entertaining blend of action and humor.
Table: Lethal Weapon TV Series Episode List
| Season | Episode | Original Airdate | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1-8 | September 21, 2016 – November 16, 2016 | Introduced new characters |
| 1 | 9-16 | February 15, 2017 – May 3, 2017 | Concluded first season |
| 2 | 1-9 | September 26, 2017 – November 8, 2017 | Introduced new villain |
| 2 | 10-16 | February 28, 2018 – May 16, 2018 | Concluded second season |
| 3 | 1-10 | September 25, 2018 – November 20, 2018 | Introduce new Riggs (Wesley Cole) |
| 3 | 11-16 | March 12, 2019 – May 16, 2019 | Final season |
Conclusion
The Lethal Weapon franchise has undergone significant transformations over the years, from film to television. The show’s television series struggled to find its footing after the departure of Clayne Crawford, but still maintained a loyal fan base and critical acclaim. Although the show was cancelled after its third season, it remains a beloved adaptation of the original films, cementing its place in action-comedy history. The franchise’s legacy is a testament to the power of the buddy cop genre, which continues to captivate audiences to this day.
