Lethal Weapon (1987)

Veteran buttoned-down LAPD detective Roger Murtaugh is partnered with unhinged cop Martin Riggs, who — distraught after his wife’s death — has a death wish and takes unnecessary risks with criminals at every turn. The odd couple embark on their first homicide investigation as partners, involving a young woman known to Murtaugh with ties to a drug and prostitution ring.

• buddy cop
• california
• christmas
• death of wife
• ex soldier
• homicide detective
• lapd
• los angeles
• police detective
• recklessness
• self-destruction