In the city of angels, justice demands an unlikely partnership in a high-speed, action-packed thriller.
Watch the original version of Lethal Weapon
Prologue:
The bustling city of Los Angeles, with its glitz and glamour, was not without its darker side. Beneath the bright lights and Hollywood magic, corruption, drugs, and prostitution ran rampant. It was a world that veteran LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh knew all too well. He had seen it all in his decades on the force: the worst of humanity and the most unforgivable crimes.
But when he was paired with a new partner, Martin Riggs, he learned that there was always something more to discover, even in the darkest corners of L.A. For Martin Riggs was a man with his own demons, a man who had lost everything and had nothing left to lose. And when he took unnecessary risks with criminals, it was clear that he had a death wish.
Now, as they embarked on their first homicide investigation as partners, Murtaugh knew that he would have to be the steady hand to keep Riggs from spiraling out of control. It would be a test of their courage, their partnership, and their will to survive.
Chapter 1: Meet the Partners
Roger Murtaugh was a seasoned LAPD detective, a man who had seen it all. He had been on the force for over thirty years and had dealt with everything from gang violence to domestic disputes. But when he was told that he would be getting a new partner, he couldn’t help feeling a sense of dread.
As he entered the precinct that morning, he saw a figure hunched over a desk, scribbling furiously onto a notepad. Murtaugh recognized him immediately. It was Martin Riggs, the man he had heard so much about. He was supposed to be the best cop on the force, but he had a reputation for being unpredictable, even dangerous.
Murtaugh approached him cautiously. “Riggs?” he said, trying to get his attention.
Riggs looked up, startled. “Yeah, that’s me,” he said, a hint of sadness in his eyes.
“I’m Murtaugh,” he said, extending a hand. “We’re partners now.”
Riggs looked at him skeptically. “Partners, huh? Well, I hope you’re not afraid of a little danger, because I tend to get into trouble a lot.”
Murtaugh raised an eyebrow. “You mean like taking unnecessary risks with criminals?”
Riggs shrugged. “I’ve got nothing left to lose, Murtaugh. I lost my wife a few years back, and I’ve been living on borrowed time ever since.”
Murtaugh felt a pang of sympathy for his new partner. He knew what it was like to lose someone you loved. But he also knew that he couldn’t let his emotions cloud his judgment. Not when there was a job to be done.
“Look, Riggs,” he said firmly. “I know you’ve been through a lot, but we’re a team now. We have to trust each other and work together. We’re going to be seeing some pretty ugly things out there, and we need to have each other’s backs. Can you handle that?”
Riggs looked at him, sizing him up. “Yeah, I can handle it,” he said finally. “Let’s get to work.”
They were assigned to their first case together that day: a homicide investigation involving a young woman with ties to a drug and prostitution ring. Murtaugh knew that it was going to be a tough one. But he was determined to make it work. He had a partner to keep in line, a killer to catch, and a city to protect.
As they left the precinct, Murtaugh glanced at Riggs and sighed. This was going to be one hell of a ride.
Chapter 2: The Investigation Begins
Murtaugh and Riggs stood at the scene of the crime, staring down at the young woman’s lifeless body. It was brutal – her face was battered and bruised, her clothes torn and revealing. Murtaugh felt sick to his stomach. He had known her, at least he thought he did. She was the daughter of an old friend, who had lost touch with her over the years.
Riggs was silent, lost in his own thoughts. Murtaugh knew that look – it was the same as he had seen on the faces of so many other cops who had lost someone close to them. The difference was that Riggs seemed to invite danger with open arms. Murtaugh wondered how long it would take before the young cop got himself killed.
“Come on, partner,” Murtaugh said. “Let’s get to work.”
They headed back to the precinct, where they were met with a stack of paperwork and a list of suspects a mile long. Murtaugh recognized a few of the names, but most were new to him. They spent hours poring over the files, trying to piece together a timeline of events.
It was late when they finished, and Murtaugh’s stomach was growling. He suggested they head down to the local diner to grab a bite to eat, but Riggs declined, saying he wanted to keep working. Murtaugh sighed – he knew that Riggs would push himself too hard, and it was up to him to rein him in when necessary.
They continued their investigation through the night, following up on leads and questioning suspects. Murtaugh was starting to feel like they were getting nowhere, but Riggs was insistent that they were making progress.
As the sun started to rise, they received a call from one of their informants. They had a lead on a potential suspect – a man by the name of Carlos Hernandez. They headed to his last known location, a seedy motel on the outskirts of the city.
As they approached the door to Hernandez’s room, they could hear muffled voices from inside. Murtaugh signaled for Riggs to take up position near the back entrance, while he knocked on the door. Hernandez opened it, a smug grin on his face.
“Detectives,” he said, his eyes flicking over to the badge on Murtaugh’s chest. “What can I do for you?”
“We have a few questions for you,” Murtaugh said, stepping inside.
Riggs slipped in through the back, ready to spring into action if necessary. They questioned Hernandez, trying to get him to reveal any information he had about the young woman’s death. But Hernandez was stubborn, refusing to budge.
Murtaugh was ready to give up, but Riggs wasn’t. He pulled out his gun, pointing it at Hernandez’s head. “Talk,” he growled.
Murtaugh was appalled. He had never seen Riggs behave like this before. But the tactic worked – Hernandez spilled everything he knew about the drug and prostitution ring.
As they left the motel, Murtaugh turned to Riggs. “What the hell was that?” he asked.
Riggs shrugged. “Sometimes you have to do what you have to do,” he said.
Murtaugh shook his head. He knew that Riggs was right, but he couldn’t help feeling uneasy about the whole thing. They headed back to the precinct to file their report, both lost in their own thoughts.
It wasn’t until later, when they were heading home, that they finally talked about what had happened. Riggs confessed that he had been feeling angry and frustrated, and he knew that the only way to get information out of Hernandez was to scare him.
Murtaugh didn’t entirely understand, but he knew that Riggs was a good cop with a good heart. He just had a different way of doing things. They both agreed that they needed to work on finding a balance between their differing styles.
As they parted ways for the night, Murtaugh couldn’t help but feel a sense of foreboding. He had a feeling that things were only going to get more complicated from here on out. But he was ready to face whatever came his way, as long as he had Riggs by his side.
Chapter 3: Undercover Operations
Roger Murtaugh adjusted his tie and took a deep breath. The plan was simple: go undercover as a john and try to get information on the drug and prostitution ring. But as Murtaugh watched Martin Riggs get ready, he couldn’t shake the feeling that this was going to end badly.
Riggs was buttoning up his shirt, a mischievous grin on his face. “Ready to play the bad guy, partner?”
Murtaugh rolled his eyes. “I’m not sure ‘bad guy’ is the right term, Riggs. We’re supposed to be undercover cops.”
Riggs chuckled. “Semantics, Murtaugh. Semantics. Let’s go save some damsels in distress.”
The two detectives drove to the seedy part of town where the ring was known to operate. They parked their car and walked towards a rundown motel. Murtaugh’s heart was pounding in his chest. He wasn’t used to this kind of work. He was a detective, not a vice cop.
As they approached the motel, a woman stepped out from the shadows. She was wearing a tight dress and heavy makeup, her hair teased up high. Murtaugh recognized her instantly. It was Heather, a young woman he had helped get off the streets many years ago.
“Heather,” Murtaugh whispered as he approached her. “What are you doing here?”
Heather gave him a sad smile. “It’s a long story, Murtaugh. I’ll tell you about it later. For now, let’s get you inside.”
Riggs raised an eyebrow. “What, no love for me, Heather?”
Heather glared at him. “You’re not my type, Riggs.”
Riggs laughed. “Too bad. I was hoping to show you a good time.”
Murtaugh shook his head. “Focus, Riggs. We’re here to gather information, not flirt with the suspects.”
Inside the motel room, Murtaugh and Riggs waited nervously for the john to arrive. Murtaugh’s mind was racing. What if they got caught? What if they couldn’t get the information they needed? What if they were putting innocent women in danger?
The door opened and a man walked in. He was tall and muscular, his hair slicked back. He looked like the kind of guy who could snap them in half without breaking a sweat.
Riggs smiled at him. “Hey there, big guy. You looking for a good time?”
The man smirked. “I’m always looking for a good time. What about you?”
Riggs chuckled. “I think we could show each other a good time.”
Murtaugh watched in horror as the two men started to make out. It was all part of the plan, but it still made him feel sick to his stomach.
The man pulled away from Riggs. “So, what brings you here tonight?”
Riggs leaned in close. “We’re looking for some information. We heard you might be able to help us out.”
The man raised an eyebrow. “What kind of information?”
Riggs smiled. “We’re looking to score some drugs.”
The man nodded. “I can help you with that. But it’s gonna cost you.”
Riggs pulled out a wad of cash and handed it to him. “Consider it paid for.”
The man grinned. “Okay, follow me.”
As they left the motel room, Murtaugh whispered to Riggs. “What if he takes us somewhere dangerous? What if we get hurt?”
Riggs put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. “Relax, Murtaugh. We’ve got this.”
They followed the man to a warehouse on the outskirts of town. Murtaugh’s heart was pounding in his chest. He couldn’t believe he was doing this.
As they entered the warehouse, they were greeted by a group of rough-looking men. Murtaugh’s hand went instinctively to his gun.
Riggs laughed. “Relax, guys. We’re just here to party.”
One of the men stepped forward. He was tall and menacing, with a scar running down the side of his face. “Who are you guys?”
Riggs smiled. “We’re just some guys looking to score some drugs. We heard you might be able to help us out.”
The man nodded. “I can help you. But first, you have to prove yourselves. You have to fight.”
Murtaugh’s eyes widened. “Fight? What kind of fight?”
The man smirked. “A bare-knuckle brawl. You win, you get your drugs. You lose, you leave empty-handed.”
Riggs grinned. “Sounds like fun. Let’s do it.”
Murtaugh couldn’t believe what he was hearing. They were about to get into a fight with a group of dangerous criminals. This was not what he had signed up for.
But before he could protest, the fighting had begun. Murtaugh watched in horror as Riggs took on the biggest, meanest-looking guy in the room. Riggs was fast and agile, ducking and weaving as the man swung his fists wildly. Murtaugh held his breath, waiting for Riggs to get hurt.
But then something strange happened. Riggs seemed to be enjoying himself. He was smiling and laughing as he dodged the man’s punches. And then, in a sudden burst of energy, Riggs landed a devastating blow to the man’s jaw. The man fell to the ground, unconscious.
Riggs turned to Murtaugh, his face flushed with excitement. “Did you see that, Murtaugh? Did you see what I did?”
Murtaugh was speechless. He couldn’t believe what he had just witnessed.
The men in the warehouse were cheering and clapping, congratulating Riggs on his victory. Murtaugh felt sick to his stomach. This was not the kind of life he wanted to live.
As they left the warehouse, Riggs slapped Murtaugh on the back. “That was fun, huh, partner? I haven’t had that much excitement in years.”
Murtaugh shook his head. “That was insane, Riggs. You could have gotten hurt. We both could have gotten hurt. This is not what I want to be doing with my life.”
Riggs frowned. “What are you talking about, Murtaugh? This is the life, man. The adrenaline, the danger, the excitement. It’s what we signed up for.”
Murtaugh sighed. “I signed up to be a detective, Riggs. Not a bare-knuckle brawler. I don’t know if I can do this anymore.”
Riggs shrugged. “Suit yourself, Murtaugh. But don’t come crying to me when you’re bored out of your mind.”
The two detectives drove back to the station in silence. Murtaugh couldn’t shake the feeling that he was in over his head. This was not the kind of life he wanted to live. He had to make a change, and soon.
Chapter 4: Betrayal and Brawn
The partners had been through a lot together already, but nothing could prepare them for what was about to come. They had uncovered a betrayal within their own ranks, and it was up to them to stop it before it was too late.
Riggs was the first to notice something was off. He had a gut feeling that their informant, Tony, was hiding something. Murtaugh was skeptical at first, but Riggs’ instincts had rarely steered them wrong in the past. They decided to do some digging.
Their investigation led them to a seedy bar on the edge of town, where Tony had been seen meeting with some unsavory characters. The partners went in undercover, posing as regular patrons. Riggs, ever the loose cannon, ordered a whiskey straight up and began chatting with the bartender.
Murtaugh, on the other hand, took a more subtle approach. He struck up a conversation with a woman at the bar who seemed to know Tony. She was hesitant to talk at first, but Murtaugh’s charm won her over. She revealed that Tony had been working with the very people they were investigating.
The partners decided to confront Tony about his treachery. They arranged to meet him in a deserted alleyway, where they could talk in private. But when they arrived, they found themselves ambushed by Tony and his associates.
A fierce fight broke out. Riggs was like a man possessed, taking on two or three attackers at once with his martial arts skills. Murtaugh relied on his trusty revolver, firing off shots left and right. But they were outnumbered and outgunned.
Just when all seemed lost, a group of LAPD officers arrived on the scene, having tracked the partners’ whereabouts via a GPS device that had been planted on their car. The officers managed to apprehend Tony and his crew, thanks in part to the partners’ heroic efforts.
But the sting of the betrayal still lingered. Murtaugh couldn’t believe that someone he had trusted had turned on him. Riggs was equally stunned, but he had a different way of dealing with his emotions. He went to the range and fired off round after round, letting out his anger and frustration with each shot.
The partners eventually regrouped and formulated a new plan. They knew they were getting close to the mastermind behind the drug and prostitution ring, and they weren’t going to let anything stand in their way.
They decided to take the fight to the enemy. They raided a warehouse where the ring’s operations were being run from. It was a bloody battle, with Riggs and Murtaugh taking out henchmen left and right. But they finally reached the top floor, where they found the mastermind himself.
It was a tense standoff, with the mastermind holding a gun to the head of an innocent bystander. Riggs and Murtaugh tried to talk him down, but he was too far gone. It looked like it was going to end in tragedy.
But then, out of nowhere, Tony appeared on the scene. He had agreed to help the partners in exchange for a reduced sentence. He managed to sneak up on the mastermind and take him by surprise, giving Riggs and Murtaugh the opening they needed.
In a final showdown, the partners took out the remaining henchmen and arrested the mastermind. They had truly saved the day.
As they left the warehouse, exhausted and bruised, Riggs turned to Murtaugh and smiled. “You know, partner, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.” Murtaugh couldn’t help but chuckle. “Don’t get too ahead of yourself, Riggs. We’ve still got a lot of work to do.” But deep down, he knew that Riggs had earned his trust. They had been through thick and thin together, and come out on top.
Chapter 5: High-speed Chases
The roar of the engine could be heard blocks away as the high-speed chase continued through the busy streets of Los Angeles. The partners, Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs, were hot on the tail of their suspects, weaving in and out of traffic as they sped toward the edge of the city.
Murtaugh’s knuckles were white as he gripped the steering wheel tightly. He couldn’t believe they had gotten this far. The investigation had been intense, with many twists and turns, but they were finally closing in on their targets. And now, with Riggs by his side, he knew they could handle anything that came their way.
But as they screeched around a tight turn, Murtaugh’s heart skipped a beat. A semi-truck had pulled out in front of them, blocking their path. With nowhere to turn, they were forced to slam on the brakes and skid to a stop just inches from the massive vehicle.
Riggs barely had time to react as he shouted, “Get us out of here, Murtaugh!”
Murtaugh quickly shifted into reverse and spun the car around, narrowly avoiding a collision with the semi. He floored the gas pedal, pushing the car to its limits as they raced down the street.
Their suspects were getting desperate. They were willing to do anything to get away from the two cops on their tail. They swerved wildly, trying to shake their pursuers.
But Murtaugh and Riggs were relentless. They weren’t going to let them get away. They were determined to catch them no matter what.
As the chase continued, they entered a residential area. The streets were narrow and winding, with sharp turns and blind corners. But that didn’t stop them. They continued to push the limits of their vehicle, taking risks that would make anyone else’s heart skip a beat.
With every turn, the suspects were losing ground. They couldn’t keep up with the skill and precision of the LAPD partners. They were running out of options, and they knew it.
Finally, the suspects turned down a dead-end street. They were trapped. There was nowhere to go.
But as Murtaugh and Riggs pulled up behind them, they knew they weren’t out of danger yet. The suspects were armed and dangerous, and they were willing to go down fighting.
The tension was palpable as the partners stepped out of their vehicle, guns drawn. The suspects emerged from their car, weapons also at the ready.
For a moment, everything was silent. The only sound was the heavy breathing of the two sides as they faced off against each other, waiting for someone to make a move.
And then, all hell broke loose.
The suspects opened fire, their weapons blazing. Murtaugh and Riggs dove for cover, bullets whizzing past their heads. It was a chaotic scene, with no clear advantage for either side.
But then, something unexpected happened. Riggs spotted a vulnerability in the suspect’s defense. He knew this was their chance.
With lightning-fast reflexes, he leapt up from behind his cover and fired a shot that struck one of the suspects in the shoulder.
The suspect fell to the ground, dropping his weapon. Murtaugh quickly moved in to apprehend him while Riggs kept the other suspect at bay.
In the end, they had succeeded. The chase was over, and the suspects were in custody. Murtaugh and Riggs had saved the day once again.
As they drove back to the station, adrenaline still pumping through their veins, they couldn’t help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This was why they became cops. To protect and serve. To chase down the bad guys and bring them to justice.
And as they looked at each other, they knew one thing was certain. They were in this together, no matter what.
Chapter 6: Showdown at the Warehouse
As the partners closed in on the mastermind behind the drug and prostitution ring, tensions ran high. They had tracked him to a deserted warehouse on the outskirts of the city, where he was holed up with his cohort of armed henchmen.
Riggs and Murtaugh took a moment to survey the scene. The warehouse was dimly lit, with crates and machinery scattered haphazardly around the space. They could hear muffled voices coming from deeper inside, and some shuffling and clanging sounds. They had no idea how many people they were up against, but they knew it was going to be a tough fight.
“You ready for this, partner?” Murtaugh asked, his eyes locked onto Riggs’. Despite his composed demeanor, he could feel his heart pounding in his chest.
Riggs nodded, a feral glint in his eyes. “Born ready,” he growled.
The partners took a deep breath and made their way inside, moving cautiously and trying to stay as quiet as possible. They crept through the maze of crates, keeping their eyes peeled for any signs of danger. Suddenly, they heard a loud bang and the sound of footsteps approaching, and they both froze.
Murtaugh signaled for Riggs to take cover, and they split up, each moving to opposite sides of the room. A group of armed thugs came into view, their weapons trained on the partners.
Riggs acted first, charging at the nearest attacker with a primal scream. He tackled the thug to the ground, his fist connecting with a sickening crunch. Murtaugh followed suit, taking out another two thugs with calculated precision.
The room erupted into chaos as the remaining henchmen opened fire. Bullets whizzed past the partners’ heads as they ducked behind crates and fired back. Riggs was a blur of motion, dodging and weaving through the hail of bullets with acrobatic grace. Murtaugh provided cover fire, using his expert marksmanship to take out targets from a safe distance.
The fight continued for what felt like an eternity, with the partners and the thugs locked in a vicious dance of death. Blood was everywhere, slicking the floor and staining their clothes. The sound of gunfire rang out like thunder, echoing off the walls of the warehouse.
Finally, Riggs and Murtaugh emerged victorious, the last of the thugs lying unconscious on the ground. They approached the mastermind, who was cowering in a corner with his hands raised in surrender.
“Game over,” Riggs snarled, cuffing the man with a sense of satisfaction.
But their victory was short-lived. Suddenly, a new figure appeared from the shadows, wielding a menacing-looking weapon. It was the leader of the prostitution ring, and he had come to take them down.
Riggs and Murtaugh exchanged a look, knowing they were in for the fight of their lives. The leader was a well-trained warrior, someone who had clearly been in this game for a long time. He was fast and ferocious, his moves precise and lethal.
The partners fought valiantly, but it was clear that the leader was the superior combatant. He landed blow after blow, his weapon whistling through the air. Riggs’ face was bloody and bruised, and Murtaugh’s shoulder was searing with pain.
But they refused to give up. They dug deep, drawing on their strength and determination to keep going. And finally, they saw an opening.
Riggs delivered a swift kick to the leader’s knees, knocking him off balance. Murtaugh followed up with a well-timed shot to the chest, and the leader fell to the ground, dead.
The partners collapsed onto the ground, breathing heavily and covered in sweat. It was over. They had prevailed.
As they made their way out of the warehouse, they were met by a throng of reporters and onlookers. The news of their victory had spread like wildfire, and the city was in awe of their heroism.
But Riggs and Murtaugh were too tired to revel in the attention. They just wanted to get home, tend to their wounds, and put this whole ordeal behind them.
As they drove back to headquarters, the sun was rising in the sky, casting a warm golden glow over the city. Riggs and Murtaugh exchanged a quiet smile. They had done it. They had won.
And with that, the partners were ready to take on whatever the city had in store for them next. They were a force to be reckoned with, a team unlike any other. And they were just getting started.
Chapter 7: Closure and Moving On
As the sun began to rise over Los Angeles, Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs stood outside the warehouse where they had just taken down the drug and prostitution ring that had been terrorizing the city. The adrenaline from the last few hours began to fade, and the reality of what had just happened began to set in.
For Murtaugh, there was a sense of relief at having finally solved the case and put the perpetrators behind bars. But for Riggs, the emotions were more complex. He had faced his own demons in that warehouse, fighting to save innocent lives and put a stop to the evil that had taken his wife from him. And now that it was over, he wasn’t sure what to do next.
As they stood there, in the quiet stillness of the early morning, Riggs turned to Murtaugh. “Hey,” he said, his voice hoarse. “You ever feel like you’re just…done?”
Murtaugh looked at him, concern etched on his face. “What do you mean, done?”
“I mean,” Riggs said, running a hand through his hair, “like you’ve fought all the fights you were meant to fight, and now there’s nothing left.”
Murtaugh nodded slowly, understanding dawning on his face. “I know what you mean. But it’s not true, Riggs. There’s always something left to fight for.”
Riggs looked at him skeptically. “Yeah? Like what?”
“Like justice,” Murtaugh said firmly. “Like making sure that every person in this city has someone fighting for them, even when they can’t fight for themselves.”
Riggs nodded, his expression softening. “You’re right,” he said. “I guess I’ve just been so focused on the past, I forgot to look toward the future.”
Murtaugh smiled. “Well, now’s as good a time as any to start,” he said. “Come on, let’s get some breakfast.”
They made their way back to their squad car, both lost in thought. For Riggs, the road ahead was a daunting one. He wasn’t sure he was ready to let go of the pain that had driven him for so long, to embrace the uncertainty of what lay ahead. And yet, as they sat in the car, watching the city come to life around them, he felt a sense of hope beginning to grow.
Maybe, just maybe, there was something worth fighting for beyond his own grief.
As they pulled into a diner parking lot, Murtaugh suddenly turned to him. “Hey, Riggs,” he said. “You ever hear of a little place called El Paso?”
Riggs frowned, shaking his head. “Can’t say I have. Why?”
“Well,” Murtaugh said, a twinkle in his eye. “I hear they’ve got the best chili in the world. And I don’t know about you, but I could sure use a change of scenery.”
Riggs grinned, feeling a warmth spread through his chest. “Let’s do it,” he said. “El Paso it is.”
And as they sat down to breakfast, the sun rising over the city they had fought so hard to protect, Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs found themselves looking forward to the unknown road ahead.
For better or for worse, they were partners. And they were ready to face whatever came their way, together.
Some scenes from the movie Lethal Weapon written by A.I.
Scene 1
Characters:
– Roger Murtaugh: A seasoned LAPD detective
– Martin Riggs: An unpredictable cop dealing with the pain of losing his wife
– Trish Murtaugh: Roger’s wife
– Captain Ed Murphy: The head of the LAPD homicide division
– Benny Sanchez: A low-level dealer connected to the prostitution ring
Setting:
Los Angeles, California
Dialogue:
INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS – DAY
Captain Ed Murphy gestures to a desk across from him.
CAPTAIN ED MURPHY:
“Murtaugh, meet your new partner, Martin Riggs.”
The front door opens, and in walks Martin Riggs.
MARTIN RIGGS:
“Good morning, Captain. I’m Martin Riggs.”
The two shake hands.
ROGER MURTAUGH:
“You’re the guy they partnered me with? You look like you’re still in high school.”
MARTIN RIGGS:
“You look old enough to play my grandfather, Murtaugh.”
Roger shakes his head and chuckles.
TRISH MURTAUGH:
“Roger, be nice to your new partner.”
Roger rolls his eyes.
ROGER MURTAUGH:
“Captain, what’s our case?”
CAPTAIN ED MURPHY:
“Female, mid-twenties. Ties to a drug and prostitution ring. She’s a friend of the family, Murtaugh.”
ROGER MURTAUGH:
“All right. Let’s get to work.”
INT. LAPD HEADQUARTERS – DAY
Roger and Martin sit at their desks, looking over photos and documents related to their new case. Martin is tapping his foot anxiously, while Roger studies each page carefully.
MARTIN RIGGS:
“So, Murtaugh. You feel like telling me a little about yourself?”
ROGER MURTAUGH:
“I’ve been on the force for over twenty years. I’ve seen some things, but I’ve always followed the rules. You?”
MARTIN RIGGS:
“I was with the Army Special Forces before I joined the LAPD. I’ve been on the force for six years.”
ROGER MURTAUGH:
“Six years? You must be doing something right for them to partner you with me.”
MARTIN RIGGS:
“Or maybe they’re just trying to get rid of me.”
Roger chuckles.
ROGER MURTAUGH:
“Well, we’ll see how this goes. Let’s get out there and catch the bad guys.”
Martin grins.
MARTIN RIGGS:
“That’s what I like to hear.”
The partners gather their things and head out to their car, ready to take on their first case together.
Scene 2
FADE IN:
INT. LAPD OFFICE – DAY
ROGER MURTAUGH, a veteran LAPD detective, sits at his desk poring over files. Suddenly, MARTIN RIGGS, an unpredictable cop, bursts into the room.
RIGGS:
Hey, Murtaugh. You hear about the case they just assigned us?
MURTAUGH:
(sighs) Yeah, I heard. You know anything about the victim?
RIGGS:
(sullenly) Just that she had ties to a prostitution and drug ring.
MURTAUGH:
(thoughtfully) I know a girl who’s been involved with that crowd. Maybe she can shed some light on the situation.
RIGGS:
(nods) Let’s go talk to her.
CUT TO:
INT. SEEDY BAR – DAY
Murtaugh and Riggs sit at a booth, watching as the girl, SARA, approaches.
SARA:
(suspiciously) What do you want?
MURTAUGH:
We’re here to ask you about the girl who was killed. We think you might have some information that could help us.
SARA:
(defensive) I don’t know anything.
RIGGS:
(angrily) You better start talking, or we’re going to haul you in.
SARA:
(frightened) Okay, okay. I know a guy who’s involved with the ring. His name is Frank. He hangs out at a strip club on the outskirts of town.
MURTAUGH:
(nods) Thanks, Sara. We’ll take it from here.
As they leave the bar, Murtaugh turns to Riggs.
MURTAUGH:
That was a lucky break. Let’s go check out that strip club.
RIGGS:
(smiling wickedly) Now you’re talking.
CUT TO:
INT. STRIP CLUB – NIGHT
Murtaugh and Riggs are undercover, watching as Frank meets with some shady characters in the back room.
MURTAUGH:
(whispering) This looks like the real deal. We need to find a way to get closer.
RIGGS:
(nods) I’m on it.
Suddenly, Riggs jumps up and starts causing a commotion. The other patrons are distracted, giving Murtaugh a chance to sneak into the back room.
MURTAUGH:
(into his walkie-talkie) I’m in. I see some clear evidence of drug trafficking.
Suddenly, the door slams open and Frank and his goons burst in.
FRANK:
(angrily) What the hell are you doing here?
Murtaugh and Frank engage in a tense standoff, guns drawn.
MURTAUGH:
(smiling) We’re here to bring you in, Frank.
FRANK:
(smiling cruelly) Not if I get to you first.
Suddenly, chaos erupts as the partners engage in a thrilling fistfight with Frank and his goons. In the end, Murtaugh and Riggs come out on top, successfully arresting the perps.
CUT TO:
INT. LAPD OFFICE – DAY
Murtaugh and Riggs sit at their desks, exhausted but triumphant.
MURTAUGH:
(nodding approvingly) Good work, partner. We make a pretty good team.
RIGGS:
(smiling) Yeah, we do.
As they both turn back to their work, the camaraderie between them is palpable.
FADE OUT.
Scene 3
FADE IN:
EXT. CITY STREET – DAY
Roger and Martin walk down a busy street, dressed in casual clothes. They look around, taking in the sights and sounds of the city.
ROGER
(smiling)
We look like a couple of tourists.
MARTIN
(grinning)
Exactly. We want to blend in.
They approach a seedy motel, where they will be staying for the duration of their undercover operation.
INT. MOTEL ROOM – DAY
The partners enter the room and look around.
MARTIN
(disgusted)
This place is a dump. How are we supposed to live here for the next few days?
ROGER
(sternly)
We’re here to do a job, Martin. We’ll make it work.
Martin grumbles but starts unpacking his bag.
ROGER (CONT’D)
So, what’s our plan?
MARTIN
(pulling out a file)
We need to get close to the suspects and gather evidence. I’ve got some contacts who can help us get in with the ring’s low-level dealers.
ROGER
(nodding)
Okay. I’ll set up a lab in the bathroom and start analyzing the drugs we find.
MARTIN
(smiling)
Looks like we make a good team, Murtaugh.
ROGER
(chuckling)
Don’t get too excited, Riggs. We’ve got a lot of work to do.
EXT. CITY STREET – DAY
Martin and Roger walk down the street, pretending to be interested in the drug culture. They approach a shady-looking dealer, who eyes them suspiciously.
MARTIN
(flashing cash)
We’re looking for some good stuff. You know what I mean.
DEALER
(sizing them up)
Maybe I do. Maybe I don’t. What’s in it for me?
Roger steps in, using his smooth-talking skills to persuade the dealer to let them in on the inner circle.
ROGER
(smiling charmingly)
We’re just looking to have some fun. We won’t cause any trouble, I promise.
DEALER
(thinking it over)
Alright. I’ll make some calls and see what I can do.
The partners exchange a look, each knowing that they are one step closer to cracking the case.
FADE OUT.
Scene 4
Screenplay – Chapter 4: Betrayal and Brawn
INT. WAREHOUSE – NIGHT
Riggs and Murtaugh infiltrate a warehouse, deep in the heart of enemy territory. They move stealthily, guns at the ready. They hear a noise and pause. Riggs motions for Murtaugh to take the left, while he goes right.
Suddenly, the lights come on, and the partners are surrounded by heavily armed henchmen. A sinister figure emerges from the shadows – it’s their own captain, Neville.
NEVILLE:
“Surprised to see me, boys?”
MURTAUGH:
“What the hell is going on here?”
NEVILLE:
“You were getting too close to the truth. I couldn’t let you ruin my operation. Now, hand over your guns.”
Riggs hesitates, and then throws his gun to the ground. Murtaugh reluctantly follows suit.
NEVILLE:
“Good. Now, I have a special task for you two. You’re going to deliver a package for me. And if you try anything funny, your families will pay the price.”
The partners are forced to comply, knowing that their families’ lives are in danger. Neville hands them a package, and they head for the exit.
But as soon as they’re outside, Riggs and Murtaugh break into a run, sprinting away from the warehouse as fast as they can. Shots ring out behind them, but they keep running.
MURTAUGH:
“What the hell was in that package?”
RIGGS:
“I don’t know, but we need to find out fast.”
They head back to their car, and Riggs hotwires it in seconds. They speed off into the night, daring to hope that they can still salvage the mission.
FADE TO BLACK.
Scene 5
FADE IN:
EXT. LOS ANGELES STREETS – DAY
Detective Roger Murtaugh and Martin Riggs are in their unmarked police car, chasing after a suspect in a high-speed pursuit through the busy streets of Los Angeles.
ROGER MURTAUGH
(to Riggs)
Keep on his tail, we can’t let him get away.
MARTIN RIGGS
(nodding)
Don’t worry, I got this.
The suspect takes a sharp turn down a narrow alleyway, barely fitting through, but Riggs follows closely behind.
INT. POLICE CAR – CONTINUOUS
Murtaugh grabs the radio and calls for backup.
ROGER MURTAUGH
(into radio)
This is Detective Murtaugh requesting backup, we’re in pursuit of a suspect down an alleyway.
The suspect suddenly slams on the brakes and comes to a stop, causing Riggs to crash into the back of the suspect’s car.
MARTIN RIGGS
(grunting)
Dammit, he stopped too quickly.
The suspect jumps out of the car and starts to run down the alleyway on foot. Murtaugh and Riggs jump out after him, guns drawn.
EXT. ALLEYWAY – CONTINUOUS
The suspect looks back and sees the detectives chasing after him. He pulls out a gun and starts firing at them as he runs.
MARTIN RIGGS
(dodging bullets)
This guy doesn’t want to go quietly.
ROGER MURTAUGH
(returning fire)
Neither do we.
The suspect continues to fire, but the detectives manage to dodge the bullets and close in on him. Murtaugh tackles the suspect to the ground, and Riggs cuffs him.
ROGER MURTAUGH
(to Riggs)
Nice work partner, we got him.
MARTIN RIGGS
(grinning)
Told you I had this.
The two detectives walk back to their car, the adrenaline still pumping through their veins.
FADE OUT.
Scene 6
Characters:
– Roger Murtaugh – a veteran LAPD detective nearing retirement
– Martin Riggs – a maverick cop dealing with personal traumas
– Sarah – a young woman with ties to a drug and prostitution ring
– Victor – the mastermind behind the criminal organization
– Maria – Victor’s right-hand woman
Setting: Los Angeles, California
Scene 6: Showdown at the Warehouse
INT. ABANDONED WAREHOUSE – NIGHT
The warehouse is dimly lit with crates and boxes scattered around. Roger and Martin cautiously navigate through the maze. They can hear faint voices in the distance.
ROGER: (whispers) Do you hear that?
MARTIN: (whispers) Yeah, sounds like they’re coming from that direction.
They slowly make their way towards the source of the voices. Suddenly, they hear a loud click and the sound of a gun cocking.
VICTOR: Welcome, gentlemen. I’ve been expecting you.
Victor steps out from the shadows with Maria by his side.
ROGER: Put the gun down, Victor. It’s over.
VICTOR: Is it really? You think you can just waltz in here and take me down? You have no idea who you’re dealing with. (laughs)
MARTIN: You’re right. We don’t know who we’re dealing with. But we do know what you’ve done. And we’re here to stop you.
Victor’s expression changes from smug to enraged.
VICTOR: Maria, take care of them.
Maria pulls out her gun and the partners take cover behind a crate. Gunshots are exchanged as Maria and the partners exchange fire.
During the chaos, Sarah emerges from behind a stack of crates.
SARAH: Roger! Martin!
ROGER: Sarah, what are you doing here?
SARAH: They kidnapped me. They were going to kill me.
MARTIN: (to Roger) We’ll take care of Maria. You get Sarah out of here.
Roger nods and takes Sarah by the hand. They make a run for it as Martin continues to exchange fire with Maria.
After a few moments, Martin gets the upper hand and disarms Maria. He apprehends her as police sirens sound in the distance.
MARTIN: (into radio) This is Detective Martin Riggs. We have a confirmed apprehension. Send backup to our location.
The camera pans out as the sound of police sirens grows louder.
FADE TO BLACK.
