Martin Riggs

Living… in a depressive state in Los Angeles.Some say he’s suicidal. Some say he’s after the psycho pension. Some say he’s just crazy. Only time will tell.

Profession… homicide detective for the LAPD after a recent transfer from narcotics. Before he joined the force, Riggs served in Vietnam in the U.S. Special Forces. He became a world-class marksman; as he tells his new LAPD partner Roger Murtaugh, “It was the only thing I was ever good at.” He impresses Murtaugh by firing a legible smiley face into the silhouette target at the shooting range. Riggs is also skilled in several disciplines of martial arts. Murtaugh tells him that he should register himself as a “lethal weapon,” due to his all-around fighting ability and lack of concern for his own safety. Though at first, Roger really just wants Martin to calm down and not raise his stress levels given how close Roger is to retirement.

Interests… watching Looney Tunes, The Three Stooges, and Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous. GMC trucks. But most of all, Martin is attached to Sam, his Shetland sheepdog.

Relationship Status… widow. Riggs married his wife Victoria Lynn shortly before he joined the LAPD. Her death by car accident 11 years later sent Riggs spiraling into depression, with alcohol as his main coping mechanism. He develops a deathwish, and it's only his job with the LAPD that keeps him from fulfilling it. Nobody wants to partner with him, though, especially not the risk-averse Roger.

Challenge… battling his inner demons while handling a dangerous case with Roger. Murtaugh and Riggs uncover a heroin-smuggling operation while investigating the apparent suicide of a prostitute named Amanda Hunsaker, who was the daughter of one of Roger’s old Army buddies. And with that, Riggs and Murtaugh are on the hunt, but they must tread carefully. The more they uncover, the more the cartel – run a group of former special-ops soldiers from the Vietnam War – wants them dead.

Personality… depressed but deadly. Riggs hasn’t yet recovered from his wife’s death. Blessed with a majestic mane of hair, Riggs is like a lion, though one estranged from the pride. He is definitely a lone wolf, with a dark sense of humor. When Murtaugh complains that God hates him, Riggs advises, “Hate him back. It works for me.” Befriending Roger and his family, though, might be a very positive influence on Riggs. He’s a guy who needs to find a reason to move forward in his life, and hopefully this case and his new friendship with Roger will provide that motivation. It certainly can’t hurt.