Riggs and Murtaugh aren’t as important of fictional characters as say Batman or Daniel Plainview, but Gibson and Glover did a damn fine job. Believe it or not, Clayne Crawford and Damon Wayans Sr. absolutely beam in these roles. They have winning chemistry right from the start, and even make you begin to forget about the former actors who embodied these characters. I can easily see a series that rides off of the dynamic and chemistry of these two. Plus, with a show like this it’s pretty much the most important aspect.

With the leads in check, everything else can fall into place easily. If you eventually transplant a strong serialized arc to this show that uses these dynamic characters and the energy of the film franchise, Fox could have something really special on their hands. And from a Lethal Weapon TV show, at that. I’d say that I’m getting too old for this shit to be surprising me any more, but I won’t put you through that.

The first episode does its best job at re-telling the first Lethal Weapon film. The impulsive, brash Martin Riggs is paired up with the laconic, by-the-book Roger Murtaugh as the duo’s growing pains consume much of the pilot. Riggs is fresh to California after relocating following the death of his wife and unborn child, while Murtaugh is recently returning to the LAPD himself after suffering a heart attack. Both of these men have experienced trauma with wounds still quite raw, and yet the series realizes that doubling down on their pain is the best way to bring this team closer together.

The foundation of Lethal Weapon is built upon Riggs and Murtaugh razzing each other while simultaneously catching the bad guys. That atmosphere absolutely translates into the TV show while still remaining the priority. I’m also impressed with how well Riggs’ opening tragedy connects considering how little time we’re given with his wife. The most is made of those brief minutes and you can feel their connection.

Furthermore, other moments—like Riggs’ unconventional way of dealing with a hostage situation—act as essentially the perfect introduction. Crawford’s performance also has shades of Olyphant’s Raylan Givens too, which is never a bad thing as far as I’m concerned. Wayans is given equal opportunities to shine as the more methodical Murtaugh. Both are treated as pros of their trade. Juxtapose some small talk about over-expensive chairs with bank robberies and hostage negotiations and you’re set. Don’t overthink this.