Ask Matt: ‘Lethal Weapon’ Departures, ‘Murphy’ Recasting, ‘Iron Fist’ Cancellation, Busy Sundays & More
Welcome back to the Q&A with TV critic (also known to some TV fans as their “TV therapist”) Matt Roush, who’ll try to address whatever you love, loathe, are confused or frustrated or thrilled by in today’s vast TV landscape. One caution: This is a spoiler-free zone, so we won’t be addressing upcoming storylines here unless it’s already common knowledge. Please send your questions and comments to [email protected] (or use the form at the end of the column) and follow me on Twitter. Look for Ask Matt columns on most Tuesdays and Fridays.
What Happens If Damon Wayans Leaves Lethal Weapon?
Question: I just read that Damon Wayans is quitting Lethal Weapon and only doing 13 episodes this year. It puts the conflict with Clayne Crawford in new light. I never totally trusted the story that was put out by the network, and now it seems like there was more truth to what Clayne and some of his supporters said that we even realized. Is this show even worth watching this year? I hated that Clayne was let go but was willing to give it a chance and now I am really not interested. What do you think the possibility is that the network will admit it made a mistake and bring Clayne back? — Melissa
Matt Roush: I’m not a big fan of conspiracy theories, so I’ll accept on face value that Clayne Crawford was dismissed for behavioral reasons—it’s not unheard of (see: Thomas Gibson and Criminal Minds), though obviously an unfortunate development—and it’s unlikely he’d ever return. The show was able to sign up a bigger name co-star with Seann William Scott, so they’ve moved on, with or without Crawford’s followers. As for Damon Wayans’ recent bombshell statement that he’ll be leaving for reasons to do with health and the show’s grueling schedule, a recent report from Deadline suggests that this may not be a done deal, with Wayans agreeing to do two more episodes this year for a 15-episode season and discussing conditions on the set with producers that may leave him more amenable to a fourth season should there be one.
Question: When Damon Wayans leaves Lethal Weapon, will that be it for the series? — Daniel
Matt Roush: Let’s turn that “when” into an “if,” and should that come to pass, I’d think the studio would finally cut its losses on this troubled production. It was touch and go after Crawford’s firing whether the show would continue with a new partner for Murtaugh (Wayans), and if they lost this original character as well, the question is whether the studio thinks Lethal Weapon as a title alone is enough to sell the show to U.S. and overseas audiences. I see more risk than reward.
Murphy’s Son Also Rises
Question: In the revival of Murphy Brown, do you know why the role of her son Avery Brown isn’t being played by Haley Joel Osment who played the role in the series’ original run? Could it be Jake McDorman is more handsome and checks more boxes? — James, Detroit
Matt Roush: Can’t really answer the why, except looking back at reporting that was happening during the casting of the revival, it doesn’t appear that Osment was ever seriously considered. In landing on Jake McDorman, who has a history with CBS (the too-short-lived Limitless), they found someone you believe could front a news show with his telegenic nature, and as it turns out he is easily one of the best things about the current series—his scenes with Candice Bergen’s Murphy are warm and mostly funny, and help pierce her character’s pomposity. This is one of those cases where you might actually believe the quote you often hear when you ask this sort of thing to producers: “We found the best person for the job.”
A Tale of Two Revivals
Question: Why was Roseanne canceled and Murphy Brown brought back? Both actresses have strong political views and both shows were well rated? — S Simmons
Matt Roush: This isn’t an either/or situation, although both shows are part of an ongoing trend of revivals, reboots and retreads. Each was seen as newly relevant in today’s polarized society, and Roseanne was canceled because of the star’s off-screen behavior (and ill-considered tweets). It has since been brought back, without the star, as The Conners, and the jury’s out on how it will do without Roseanne Barr at the center of the action. (To me, the tone is much the same, and it’s well worth the experiment of watching this working-class family struggle on without her.) Murphy Brown was revived because these more heightened characters, living in newly interesting times within an embattled news-media world, had something new to say, whether some want to hear it or not.
Shaking a Fist at a Marvel Cancellation
Question: Over the weekend, I was very disappointed to hear about the Marvel Netflix series Iron Fist getting canceled after two seasons! The statement from both Netflix and Marvel said that “although the series Iron Fist is over, the Immortal Iron Fist will live on”, which means that the Iron Fist character will still be seen in the Marvel Universe. Does that mean that the Iron Fist will still be seen in other Marvel Netflix shows, or will he be seen in a spinoff series like Heroes For Hire with Luke Cage? There’s also a rumor that Iron Fist might be revived on the upcomings new Disney streaming service that will debut next year. I don’t see that one as a possibility, because according to Disney CEO Bob Iger, the new Disney streaming service will only feature family-friendly content, and no R rated content. Iron Fist is not family-friendly content, and is rated TV-MA, which is equivalent to an R rating.
I know that the first season of Iron Fist received bad reviews from critics, but the second season of the show was seen as an improvement to critics and fans alike! It just doesn’t make any sense why Netflix would cancel Iron Fist since the character has deep connections through the other Marvel Netflix shows like The Defenders miniseries, along with his guest appearance on the second season of Luke Cage. I hope that Iron Fist and its supporting characters can be given a second chance by appearing in other Marvel Netflix shows to bring closure to the cliffhangers from the end of Season 2. — Chris B
Matt Roush: To be quite honest, I’m surprised it took this long. Maybe I’m just suffering from TV superhero fatigue, but not all Marvel-inspired series are created equal—case in point: the mercifully terminated Inhumans—and winnowing these bloated Netflix series, starting with the weakest of the lot, makes sense to me. I wouldn’t be surprised to see the character show up in the world of the other Marvel series, but that seems due diligence enough.
What’s Your Emergency?
Question: 9-1-1 is amazing with its wonderful special effects. I surely hope it lasts a long while. Opinion? — Unsigned
Matt Roush: My opinion on whether Fox will keep 9-1-1 around for a while? Yes, it’s a keeper. My opinion on the show? When it focuses on the crisis of the week, it can be riveting, especially in the recent earthquake two-parter, which was very impressively produced. When the story shifts to the characters’ personal interactions, it’s a lot less inspired, but no more or less than others in the current surplus of medical/firefighter/police melodramas.
How to Choose on Sundays?
Question: With the new CW lineup, and BBC America’s Doctor Who now joining the overstuffed Sunday schedule, which TV shows are must-see live and which can wait in the DVR in your opinion? — Brad
Matt Roush: This is such a “to each their own” sort of question it’s almost impossible to answer. For millions, NBC’s Sunday Night Football is the epitome of must-watch-live TV, so that wins. For others (including myself), I wouldn’t dream of missing 60 Minutes on CBS, which means staying alert to the football and sports overruns many weeks. I like to bookend the night with Madam Secretary, and I keep current on The Walking Dead (and even more so recently with its much improved spinoff, Fear the Walking Dead). And I’d add Doctor Who to the list as well, now that it’s airing concurrent with the U.K. broadcast and not a Saturday staple any longer. Soon, Ray Donovan will return on Showtime, and I’ll watch his reinvention in a new city (while saying adieu to the network’s hit Shameless). HBO’s The Deuce is worth a look as well. Factor in the occasional episode of The Simpsons on Fox (including this week’s “Treehouse of Horror” trilogy) and that’s more than enough for one person. Because I get to see many (though not all) shows in advance, I’ve left out the PBS dramas—see the next question—but I know many for whom that is their top Sunday priority. So it’s easier to say what I’d DVR for later if at all: the CW fantasies, anything on ABC’s reality lineup and God Friended Me (still on the fence on that one).
And Finally …
Question: This is just a note of thanks for your review of Poldark. We love this show, and I especially enjoyed seeing the original Poldark, Robin Ellis, in this new version. The acting, cinematography and music are all excellent, and I’d like to go stand on that cliff in Cornwall some day! Thanks again for shining a spotlight on this wonderful production. — Gwen
Matt Roush: You’re welcome. That show is such a treat, and there’s one more season before it’s over! This gives me a chance to plug the delightful The Durrells in Corfu as well, now in its third season and another great addition to PBS’s Sunday lineup of British imports. (Keeley Hawes, who plays the Durrell mother, can be seen in a much more serious role starting Oct. 24 on Netflix’s gripping Bodyguard. Consider that a recommendation.)
That’s all for now. Thanks as always for reading, and remember that I can’t do this without your participation, so please keep sending questions and comments about TV to [email protected] or shoot me a line on Twitter (@TVGMMattRoush), and you can also submit questions via the handy form below. Please include a first name in your question.
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Re Murphy Brown... I think Jake McDorman really is the perfect choice to play her son. I really liked Limitless (and him in it), and the scenes of Avery and Murphy really are the heart of this new version.
However, as much as I'm enjoying watching the original show in reruns (and marvel at how good the show--and Candace Bergen--was), somehow the newer version seems to be missing a cylinder. ANd sadly, I think it's Candace whose delivery doesn't seem quite the same as it used to. Sure, she can say the words, but she somehow doesn't have the same spirit as the old Murphy did. Not sure what's causing the misfire, it almost seems like she's not quite comfortable in the role, or doesn't quite have it 'down' yet (which is silly). Maybe it's just a matter of settling back into the old role and getting comfortable again. I'll continue to watch.
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I noticed the same with Debra Messing on Will & Grace. When it first came back, she stuck out like a sore thumb (the other 3 worked from the start), but she's eased back into the role, so maybe Candance just needs some time.
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Lethal Weapon's ratings are down, and go further down every week. Last season averaged 4.11 million viewers per week in the key demo (18-49). This season is averaging 3.17 million viewers in that demo and trending downwards.
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I love how everything is political when it comes to Roseanne. She was fired because of her behavior( Ms. Barr even stated that ABC asked her to behave and she CLEARLY didn't). If ABC hated her politics they would have never brought her back( also witness ABC'S nine year relationship with another conservative Patricia Heaton and despite his complaints a total of 14 years with Tim Allen) Racism got her fired whether people want to believe that or not. And as for Murphy Brown? To me an ill timed effort just to bash Trump which isn't going to help anything nor was this revival ACTUALLY wanted( however low their ratings are they have at least stabilized). I find it interesting that some would have no problem with a show that bashed our former President but so many have an issue with those that bash our current one. You get to the Oval Office you set yourself up for bashing and or ridicule from EVERY arena. As long as Trump is in office, some one will bash and or ridicule him whether it is warranted or not. Just as I have found it hard to watch football anymore because of Trump now actual television shows are hard because everything has to be about politics How about getting back to entertaining people and stop with politicizing everything? My wish but it wont happen
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I don't think anything needs to get in the way of your enjoyment of football. Nobody's really talking about the protests anymore--if there even are any protests these days. I don't know if networks are even showing the anthem anymore. Once the ball is kicked off, politics are tossed to the sidelines and the game is on.
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I’ve pretty much quit watching football now, and it’s because of those idiotic protests. Me not watching is my own protest. I used to watch multiple games every single week, but all of this has left a really bad taste in my mouth.
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Regarding your thoughts on Roseanne and the issues surrounding her firing, YES. Thank you. People need to quit trying to make it more than it was and just accept that she brought her firing on herself.
As for "Murphy Brown", eh, yeah, they've definitely had their fun with Trump, but that's not all they've addressed thus far, and their show can be relevant in terms of addressing the media's coverage of politics nowadays, and all the good, bad, and ugly that comes with that. I hope they delve further into that aspect of things with time, because I think that's where they could really make some good commentary.
Just as I have found it hard to watch football anymore because of Trump now actual television shows are hard because everything has to be about politics How about getting back to entertaining people and stop with politicizing everything?
This isn't targeted to you specifically-your comments here just provided the springboard and so I'm speaking in general terms when I say the following: I see sentiments like this all over the place nowadays, and I find this sort of attitude very odd. Why are people suddenly acting like entertainment getting political is some kind of recent development or something? Entertainment has always had some element of politics to it. The '60s and '70s were FULL of shows that had some kind of political commentary. The original "Twilight Zone" constantly addressed political themes. The original "Murphy Brown" was political (and even if the show itself had generally been apolitical, the Bush administration brought them into the political spotlight by criticizing their show).
And of course, music has always been political (all the artists throughout the decades who sang protest songs), as has sports (Muhammed Ali speaking out against Vietnam, anyone? Even Jackie Robinson just wanting to play ball was political in and of itself). And so on and so forth. You can go back centuries and find other examples of politics and entertainment mixing, too. Like it or not, politics affects every single aspect of our lives in some form or another, and you can't ever fully escape them or their effects. Shows/books/movies/music are naturally going to be one of many ways to comment on that fact, and touch on issues that are of importance to people of all stripes. Add in the fact that we occasionally elect actual entertainers to prominent political offices and that makes the "politics and entertainment should remain separate!" argument even more strange. You'll never fully be able to separate the two things. It's just not going to happen, not so long as people roam this earth.
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Agree, that politics have ALWAYS been a part of just about every form of entertainment for the past 40 years or more. Movies... TV.... music (including country music.. or maybe especially country music).... for a long time sports was sort of excluded from any type of political slant, but when a very small minority of players do something (not even speak, but in action only), the whole sport is suddenly "too political." Seems a little hypocritical, imho.
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I have really enjoyed the Comments on these Programs... not just because i really agreed with parts and/or - All - of alot of them; but because honest thought and response took place. People weren't looking to just sarcastically throw together one or two - liners, that are mainly posted to elicit gut emotional retorts, but rather, sincere post/reply/re-post with true heartfelt opinions leaving the door open to more dialog. I'm very impressed with this and hope more comments sections continue with this form(at)!
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This week's Ep (Oct. 18) of Murphy Brown was her BEST Show I can ever recall seeing?! - Her first go around and this one! In fact, i think it is the BEST scripted Program I have ever seen on regular TV!
Not only was the message fantastic, but her Delivery was excellent: she hasn't missed a beat on Either!! This is the ONLY show on Night Time that i have ever made sure to watch the same day it has aired. Keep it up Murphy and Cast - You are still very Relevant and Smart, and yes,
#Funny2!!!
And 4 those who were worried about her new "Delivery" - ah, SHE's BAAAACK!!!!
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I just saw on another article here on TVInsider that NBC is going to make a spinoff of Grimm. One of the writers will be someone who wrote for Iron Fist, Zoo, and Beauty and the Beast. Supposedly the show will have a female lead... I guess it probably won't be Truble, since they would have stated that right out front. Wonder if Monroe and/or Rosalie will be in it. The article did say some "familiar characters" would be involved.
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I was the one that wrote the letter to you about “Iron Fist”, and I have to disagree with you about you saying “not all superheroes are created equal”! Those Marvel Netflix superheroes were created equal since they were The Defenders, and had deep connections to each other,! I know you and other critics hated “Iron Fist”, but there were a bunch of people that loved that show that wants this show to be either saved by Netflix reconsidering their decision to bring it back for a third season, or for Danny Rand/Iron Fist to still appear on other Marvel Netflix shows (for continuity’s sake)! Stop being such a hater, Matt!
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My theory is that not enough viewers elected to watch the second season of Iron Fist after watching the first. Initially, Iron Fist was one of the most viewed shows on Netflix, I think it may have broke Netflix records (from what I read at the time). Perhaps Disney might retool (or recast the show) for the new upcoming streaming service. It might have to be toned down though, I read that Disney wants to keep their service family friendly.
My favorite Marvel show is Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. , can't wait for season 6. I'm guessing this show might be pulled off Netflix in the near future and shift to the new Disney service.
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I don’t think that Iron Fist should be on the new Disney streaming service! I think that the Iron Fist character (along with the other supporting characters) should only make appearances on other Marvel Netflix shows! A toned down Iron Fist wouldn’t work on the new Disney streaming service!
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LOL, obviously you think your opinion is the only possible right one. And the general consensus has been that Iron Fist smells, and that the second season, while better than the horrible first one, was still pretty crappy. Sometimes Netflix just needs to cut its losses.
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