Steven Seagal: Lawman

[nataylor]

Saw an ad for this on A&E. Apparently, it's coming in December.

http://www.aetv.com/steven-seagal-lawman/

His movies have grossed more than $2 billion worldwide. He is an expert martial artist with a 7th-degree black belt in Aikido. He's considered to be in the same class of action heroes as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. However, Steven Seagal isn't just an action hero in the movies. For almost 20 years, Seagal has been working as a fully commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana. In addition to going out on patrol, Seagal is an expert marksman who has worked with their SWAT team and has instructed Jefferson Parish officers in firearms and hand-to-hand combat. Steven Seagal Lawman will allow fans to ride shotgun with Seagal as he and his hand-selected elite team of deputies respond to crimes in progress. Then, when Seagal goes off duty, the cameras will continue following him as he pursues his many ventures, including musical performances and philanthropic efforts in Jefferson Parish and New Orleans.

All I have to say is: WTF?

[Alfer]

This could be HILARIOUS!

[dcheesi]

In his own mind, He's considered to be in the same class of action heroes as Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.Fixed their post :D

[nataylor]

It's COPS with Steven Seagal. I fully expect this to be an Epic Win. :D

[Ment]

If the producers pursued a comedic angle to this series it might be interesting but I fear it's just another chapter to appeal to Seagal's ego.

[nataylor]

If the producers pursued a comedic angle to this series it might be interesting but I fear it's just another chapter to appeal to Seagal's ego.

Unintentional comedy is still comedy. :D

[uncdrew]

It's COPS with Steven Seagal. I fully expect this to be an Epic Win. :D

I saw the ad for this too, while half asleep. I remember falling asleep thinking: "This might be good".

[gossamer88]

I heard he's been a cop for 20 years....crazy...a must see!

[cheesesteak]

Can he kick somebody's butt on this show? If not, what's the point?

[smark]

I thought he was an ex Navy Seal/CIA agent/Master of disguise as well.

[philw1776]

From the previews, looks like ol Stevie has been hitting the donuts hard!
Upon reflection, this gives serious street cred to him being a real cop.

[MickeS]

Just a heads up that this premieres tonight. :)

I don't have A&E but I'm hoping this will be one of the episodes they have online. Seems like they have most of their series' online.

[RonDawg]

I watched this tonight. It's actually not bad, and Seagal does seem to know what he's doing out there, though I do question:

why he let the guy in the Camry go, the one with the loaded gun found on him

The folks he partners up with look like they don't work the streets very often though, not surprising as they are pretty high ranking. The foot pursuit scenes were a bit funny considering a few of them appear to have indulged in too many donuts :D

[RonDawg]

From the previews, looks like ol Stevie has been hitting the donuts hard!

Well, the vest does make you look 20 lbs heavier :mad:

He may not look as cut as he did during his movie heyday, but a few of his fellow deputies look seriously overweight. I could use to lose some pounds myself, but there was one that had to have been at least 100 lbs overweight.

[Mispelld]

Well, the vest does make you look 20 lbs heavier :mad:And the TV camera adds 10 pounds. ;)

[hughmcjr]

It seems after years of negative media hype, Seagal is the real deal. He seems genuinely sincere and he really has some serious assets that after seeing him use you cannot have anything but respect for him. He really is extremely high level martial arts, expert marksman and he is all about diffusing violence before using it.

I won't claim he is perfect or didn't have some real personal issues the media hyped years ago and the show itself isn't going to win an emmy, but it is watchable.

[Mars Rocket]

And the TV camera adds 10 pounds. ;)

Then he must have had at least 5 cameras on him. :eek:

He does seem to be a good shot. I wonder if that was edited at all.

[tolian]

This show was filmed in my hometown. Seagal has been working with JPSO for quite a long time. His partner, Johnny, is the public affairs officer. Seagal and crew came to my neighborhood's National Night Out Against Crime event.

See the linked pdf file for pictures of the event, specifically, pages 9, 15, and 21.
http://www.barkleyestates.org/files/2009_Night_Out.pdf

He's the real deal for sure.

[flatcurve]

"Steven Seagal just saved your life"

love this show.

[Ment]

"Steven Seagal just saved your life"

love this show.

Was that a quote from Kelly LeBrock? :) I was hoping this was more a COPS type format so I could laugh at the situations that Seagal finds himself in.

[flatcurve]

Was that a quote from Kelly LeBrock? :) I was hoping this was more a COPS type format so I could laugh at the situations that Seagal finds himself in.

That was actually a quote from the man himself. It is basically like COPS with Steven Seagal. But you get the occasional break in the action to watch Steven stroke his ego by "training" the other cops in Aikido or marksmanship. It's so awesome. This man is the king of unintentional, monotone comedy.

So. Awesome.

[pjenkins]

is this online anywhere?

[d-dub]

I heard some comments on a radio show about this program. The quote that really made me chuckle was, "Steven Seagal is an unintentional comedic savant." :D

[nataylor]

is this online anywhere?

This should work: http://www.aetv.com/steven-seagal-lawman/video/?bcpid=46881070001&bclid=53649591001&bctid=53449039001

[sean67854]

This show was filmed in my hometown. Seagal has been working with JPSO for quite a long time. His partner, Johnny, is the public affairs officer. Seagal and crew came to my neighborhood's National Night Out Against Crime event.

See the linked pdf file for pictures of the event, specifically, pages 9, 15, and 21.
http://www.barkleyestates.org/files/2009_Night_Out.pdf

He's the real deal for sure.

Is it just me, or does he look a little bit like Jim Belushi on page 15?

[RonDawg]

But you get the occasional break in the action to watch Steven stroke his ego by "training" the other cops in Aikido or marksmanship.

The training is real, and I think he really does it to help out his fellow deputies.

My agency uses arrest control techniques largely similar to what Seagal was filmed using. And he appears to be a really good shot.

If sharing what he knows with his fellow deputies strokes his ego, good for him. I know of many people (including those in my profession) who stroke their ego by not willing to share their knowledge with others.

[Jesda]

He makes Stallone and Arnold look like kittens.

[gossamer88]

That technique of twisting the arm and totally disabling someone was pretty cool.

SP kept.

[hughmcjr]

The training is real, and I think he really does it to help out his fellow deputies.

My agency uses arrest control techniques largely similar to what Seagal was filmed using. And he appears to be a really good shot.

If sharing what he knows with his fellow deputies strokes his ego, good for him. I know of many people (including those in my profession) who stroke their ego by not willing to share their knowledge with others.

I am with you, too often "society" looks down on people as arrogant, stuck up and egotistical if you are good at something and proud of it. The guy is good at what he does, he knows it and he wants to share it as he seems to genuinely care about people. It is called self esteem.

[JLucPicard]

The whole "bionic eye" thing cracks me up.

Good enough for filler, I'll keep recording it.

[MickeS]

I am with you, too often "society" looks down on people as arrogant, stuck up and egotistical if you are good at something and proud of it. The guy is good at what he does, he knows it and he wants to share it as he seems to genuinely care about people. It is called self esteem.

While he seems to be a bit full of himself, I have to agree. He seemed like an asset to the department, and he has the right temperament and attitude.

Better show than I expected, I'll keep watching. :)

[spikedavis]

I gained a ton of respect for him after watching this. Great show and he seemed like a genuinely good person.

Love the "Seagal Vision". It's like his Spidey Sense.

[billboard_NE]

I was thinking this was going to be more like Whale Wars and be funny, but I hate to admit it, but this show is a keeper.

[bengalfreak]

You gotta be kidding. This show was just Cops all over again, but more boring. I thought it was a snooze fest.

[flatcurve]

... That's right, Steven Seagal.

[bareyb]

You gotta be kidding... I would have bet my life this was going to be all but unwatchable. I had this pegged as highlight reel trainwreck. Now I'm intrigued as it sounds like it has at least some redeeming qualities. I'm gonna against my better judgement set up an SP for this. :D

[net114]

Yeh, the only thing I think is over done is the "bionic vision". I also wonder how much authority he really has over "his team". He gives a lot of instructions to everyone, but it didn't say anything about police academy training. After 20 years, I assume he knows what he's doing, and he seems knowledgable. I'm just curious how other cops feel about what he's doing.

Oh, and I'm really, really, waiting impatiently for him to get into a Karate Kid moment with someone. :D

Edit: I also noticed Steven tends to make statements a little early before the facts come in. Like he'll say, "There's no way this guy got out of the house." - but it turns out the house is empty, or he'll say "The dog is hitting on something Joe!" and there's no drugs in the car. Still, very watchable.

[jeepair]

I've only watched the first 2 episodes but...

... A gun off the streets... Oh lord what crap.

[TAsunder]

I watched one episode only so far, and it seemed like the other cops didn't respect Seagal much as a fellow law enforcement officer. There was a moment where they basically told him to shut up while they were driving. I think some research is in order, but I suspect he's only occasionally on duty, mostly for PR purposes and instruction on self defense / marksmanship. It also seemed like he didn't actually do much when out on patrol except gab.

I got a cartman as a cop vibe...

[flatcurve]

I watched one episode only so far, and it seemed like the other cops didn't respect Seagal much as a fellow law enforcement officer. There was a moment where they basically told him to shut up while they were driving. I think some research is in order, but I suspect he's only occasionally on duty, mostly for PR purposes and instruction on self defense / marksmanship. It also seemed like he didn't actually do much when out on patrol except gab.

I got a cartman as a cop vibe...

Actually, from what I understand, he's not an active duty deputy. He's just a "reserve" duty deputy, whatever that is. I'm guessing he doesn't spend much time actually doing police work.

Also, the guy driving him around (Johnny) is the departments public affairs officer. He's a desk jockey, not a street cop. And most of the people that Seagal arrested on the show have had their cases dropped.

[flatcurve]

I watched one episode only so far, and it seemed like the other cops didn't respect Seagal much as a fellow law enforcement officer. There was a moment where they basically told him to shut up while they were driving. I think some research is in order, but I suspect he's only occasionally on duty, mostly for PR purposes and instruction on self defense / marksmanship. It also seemed like he didn't actually do much when out on patrol except gab.

I got a cartman as a cop vibe...

Actually, from what I understand, he's not an active duty deputy. He's just a "reserve" duty deputy, whatever that is. I'm guessing he doesn't spend much time actually doing police work.

Also, the guy driving him around (Johnny) is the departments public affairs officer. He's a desk jockey, not a street cop. And most of the people that Seagal arrested on the show have had their cases dropped.

[MickeS]

I agree that it didn't seem like he fit in that great. I think it's also hard to do a show like this with only ONE person as the focus, especially if that one person is not in command, but has to pretend like he is. :) I think a better narrative would be "hey, this is Seagal doing his thing with the others, and here are the stories of those others too". I think from the first episode the scenes at the shooting range were the most effective, because they followed somewhat a narrative like that.

I haven't seen the second episode yet.

[RonDawg]

There was a moment where they basically told him to shut up while they were driving.

Actually if it's the episode I was thinking of, that's not what was said.

Seagal was telling his partner where to go, which route to take in order to get past slower moving traffic. His partner's response was "Steven, let me drive" or something like that.

Even cops who are the best of friends will have moments like that. It's not taken as personal.

Actually, from what I understand, he's not an active duty deputy. He's just a "reserve" duty deputy, whatever that is. I'm guessing he doesn't spend much time actually doing police work.

It just means he's not a full-time police officer.

On a recent episode, one thing that made me shake my head was when that 4Runner had run over a child, and the driver and the child's relatives were arguing. Seagal said he was going to do some Zen-thing to calm them down. How about just separating them?

I was also disappointed in the tactics used on the burglary in progress, and for gawdsakes DON'T TOUCH WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO TOUCH!!! I cringed when I saw them messing with the door with ungloved hands. It may or may not have prints, but only a dusting for fingerprints will determine that for sure, and now they could have contaminated the only usable set of prints left by the suspect.

[billboard_NE]

........stuff deleted.....

I was also disappointed in the tactics used on the burglary in progress, and for gawdsakes DON'T TOUCH WHAT YOU DON'T HAVE TO TOUCH!!! I cringed when I saw them messing with the door with ungloved hands. It may or may not have prints, but only a dusting for fingerprints will determine that for sure, and now they could have contaminated the only usable set of prints left by the suspect.

I have experienced a few break-ins, the police never made an attempt at dusting for finger prints. I suspect the crime has to be a little more severe to get the finger print guys to roll.

Bill

[RonDawg]

I have experienced a few break-ins, the police never made an attempt at dusting for finger prints. I suspect the crime has to be a little more severe to get the finger print guys to roll.

Many agencies will still dust for prints. At some agencies, the responding officer/deputy.trooper does the work and doesn't call someone else to do it.

[MickeS]

We had a string of burglaries in our neighborhood last summer (several per day for a while) and at a neighborhood meeting regarding this, with one of the local police "higher ups" as featured speaker, he brought up the issue of getting finger prints. He said that the officers are supposed to do it at each crime scene, but that many don't do it because they feel like it takes too much time and is useless. He said that if we were burglarized and the police came we needed to remind them and insist that they dust for finger prints, and not take o for an answer, otherwise it might not be done. He was clearly not happy that the officers didn't always do it, but at least he was honest...

[RonDawg]

We had a string of burglaries in our neighborhood last summer (several per day for a while) and at a neighborhood meeting regarding this, with one of the local police "higher ups" as featured speaker, he brought up the issue of getting finger prints. He said that the officers are supposed to do it at each crime scene, but that many don't do it because they feel like it takes too much time and is useless. He said that if we were burglarized and the police came we needed to remind them and insist that they dust for finger prints, and not take o for an answer, otherwise it might not be done. He was clearly not happy that the officers didn't always do it, but at least he was honest...

Micke, have you ever seen an actual lifting of prints using fingerprint powder? If not, you may want to rethink the "insist" part. You may find yourself trying to clean messy black powder from more places than necessary, simply to satisfy you.

At my agency the patrol officers do not do the lifting of prints themselves; we call out techs for this specific purpose. However, I recognize there are situations where it is unreasonable to think there would be viable prints to be lifted.

However by a citizen insisting on prints, now you tie up that officer for longer than necessary, which means some other citizen has to wait longer for an officer to show up at their home or business.

I am of the opinion that if you do not like the way I do my job, that you call my Watch Commander and voice your complaint. I think it was wrong for that high ranking officer to tell a citizen to "insist" that an officer do his investigation a certain way.

If that agency has issues with the way its officers do their investigations, either those officers need better training, or they need better supervision. Either way that puts the ball squarely back in police management's court.