Some of the changes on the TV series from the film franchise actually improve it a whole lot, such as Jordana Brewster’s police psychologist, Dr. Maureen Hill, and Kevin Rahm’s Captain Avery.
Both characters have much deeper connections to the leads in the TV series than their film counterparts and promise a richer chorus for Riggs and Murtaugh within the LAPD.
Murtaugh’s wife, Trish, played by Keesha Sharp, now has far more to do as well, as the series has turned her into a Los Angeles District Attorney, thus promising more meaningful interplay with the leads outside of the Murtaugh household.
But the humorously tense dynamic between Riggs and Murtaugh still carries “Lethal Weapon” through and their chemistry represents the best aspect of the TV series.
The change in format fundamentally alters the iconic partnership, but it has also served to effectively breathe new life into their bromance as well.
The changes specifically made to Martin Riggs definitely work. Clayne Crawford brings a sort of southern, good old boy charm to Riggs that feels entirely different from Mel Gibson, but still maintains the character’s trademark wild card nature. It’s a far more subdued performance than the one given by Gibson.
Then there’s Murtaugh, who is still too old for such shit. Damon Wayans shows delightful chemistry with Clayne Crawford and provides a very, very different Roger Murtaugh than Danny Glover. Glover is more straight while Wayans, as everyone knows, is a comedy actor.