Riggs, the troubled but beloved protagonist of the Lethal Weapon franchise, does not die in any of the original four Lethal Weapon movies. However, in the Lethal Weapon television series, which reimagined the iconic duo, Martin Riggs dies in Season 3, Episode 13, titled “Leo Getz Justice.”
Riggs’ Fate: Movie vs. Television
The distinction between the movie franchise and the television series is crucial. Mel Gibson’s portrayal of Martin Riggs in the films never ended with the character’s death. Instead, the films show Riggs finding a measure of peace and stability, ultimately integrating into a more conventional life with Murtaugh and his family.
The television series, however, took a different path. Clayton Crawford, played by Clayne Crawford, portrayed a different Riggs, one wrestling with demons and haunted by the death of his wife. This Riggs, after a turbulent three seasons, met a tragic end.
Detailing Riggs’ Death in “Leo Getz Justice”
In “Leo Getz Justice,” Riggs is investigating his father, Nathan Riggs, a man with a long history of criminal activity. The investigation leads Riggs to a confrontation with his father, who ultimately shoots and kills him. This event is a significant departure from the movie narrative and caused considerable controversy among fans. The episode is emotionally charged, culminating in a funeral scene where Murtaugh and others grapple with the loss of their friend and partner.
The circumstances surrounding Riggs’ death are complex and tied to the show’s overarching plotline regarding organized crime and Riggs’ own personal demons. It’s a dramatic and impactful moment that forever alters the landscape of the Lethal Weapon television series.
The Aftermath: Damon Wayans’ Exit and the Arrival of Wesley Cole
Following Clayne Crawford’s departure from the show (which was reportedly due to on-set behavior issues), the character of Martin Riggs was officially written out. The circumstances of Crawford’s exit and the subsequent on-screen death of his character were widely discussed in the media.
With Riggs gone, the show introduced a new character to partner with Murtaugh: Wesley Cole, played by Seann William Scott. This shift marked a significant change in the dynamic of the series, moving away from the Riggs/Murtaugh partnership that defined the original films and the early seasons of the show. While Cole brought a different energy and perspective to the series, many fans felt the absence of Riggs profoundly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Riggs’ Death and Lethal Weapon
Here are some frequently asked questions to further clarify the context and impact of Riggs’ death:
Why did they kill off Riggs in the Lethal Weapon TV series?
The official reason given was to allow for a fresh start after Clayne Crawford’s departure from the show. His termination was publicly attributed to his behavior on set, leading producers to seek a new direction for the series. Killing off Riggs provided a clean break and allowed them to introduce a new character without directly replacing the existing Riggs.
Did Mel Gibson ever die in any of the Lethal Weapon movies?
No, Mel Gibson’s Martin Riggs never dies in any of the four Lethal Weapon movies. The film series concluded with Riggs seemingly finding happiness and stability with Lorna Cole and their son.
How did Murtaugh react to Riggs’ death in the television series?
Murtaugh is devastated by Riggs’ death. The loss deeply affects him, and he struggles to cope with the grief and the circumstances surrounding Riggs’ murder. His grief is a central part of the subsequent episodes, influencing his actions and relationships.
What episode does Wesley Cole join Lethal Weapon after Riggs’ death?
Wesley Cole is introduced in Season 3, Episode 1, titled “In the Same Boat.” This episode marks the beginning of the new partnership between Murtaugh and Cole.
Was there a significant fan backlash after Riggs was killed off?
Yes, there was considerable fan backlash after Riggs’ death. Many viewers felt that the show was fundamentally altered by his absence and that the new partnership couldn’t replicate the chemistry and dynamic of Riggs and Murtaugh. Social media was flooded with criticism of the decision.
Is Nathan Riggs, Riggs’ father, a major villain in the Lethal Weapon TV series?
Yes, Nathan Riggs is a significant antagonist in the series. He has a complicated history with Martin, and their relationship is a major source of conflict and drama. His involvement in criminal activities and his ultimate role in Riggs’ death make him a key villain.
Did the Lethal Weapon TV series get cancelled after Riggs’ death?
The Lethal Weapon TV series was cancelled after its third season, which included Riggs’ death. While Riggs’ death wasn’t the sole reason for the cancellation, it undoubtedly contributed to declining ratings and overall fan dissatisfaction.
Did Clayne Crawford ever publicly comment on his departure from Lethal Weapon?
Yes, Clayne Crawford has spoken about his departure from the show on several occasions. He has acknowledged the on-set issues and expressed his side of the story, although the details remain debated. He’s stated he respects the creative decisions and move forward in his career.
Was the Lethal Weapon TV series a direct adaptation of the movies?
While the Lethal Weapon TV series was inspired by the movies and featured the iconic characters of Riggs and Murtaugh, it was not a direct adaptation. The series reimagined the characters and their backstories, and introduced new plotlines and villains.
How does Lorna Cole, Riggs’ love interest in the movies, factor into the TV series?
Lorna Cole (played by Rene Russo in the movies) is not a significant character in the Lethal Weapon television series. The series focuses more on Riggs’ relationship with his deceased wife, Miranda.
Are there any plans for a Lethal Weapon 5 movie that might retcon Riggs’ death in the TV show?
Yes, a Lethal Weapon 5 movie is currently in development. This film is set to bring back Mel Gibson and Danny Glover, reprising their roles as Riggs and Murtaugh. While the plot details are scarce, the film is not expected to acknowledge the events of the television series, effectively treating the show as a separate entity. It will serve as a final chapter for the original film series.
What is the general consensus on whether Riggs’ death was a good decision for the Lethal Weapon franchise?
The general consensus is that Riggs’ death in the television series was a controversial and ultimately detrimental decision. Many fans believe that it undermined the core appeal of the Lethal Weapon concept and led to the show’s eventual cancellation. While the intention may have been to revitalize the series, the execution was widely criticized, and the absence of Riggs was keenly felt. The upcoming Lethal Weapon 5 movie, ignoring the TV series’ storyline, seems to validate this sentiment.