Why Riggs Was Killed Off in Lethal Weapon: The Full Behind-the-Scenes Story

Martin Riggs was killed off in the Lethal Weapon television series primarily because the actor portraying him, Clayne Crawford, was fired by Warner Bros. Television following repeated reports of hostile behavior on set. The character’s death at the end of Season 2 was a narrative necessity after the studio determined that Crawford’s presence had created an untenable working environment, specifically regarding a fractured relationship with co-star Damon Wayans.

The transition from a successful two-lead dynamic to the sudden death of a protagonist remains one of the most controversial moments in recent television history. Even as of 2026, the fallout of this decision is cited by industry analysts as a textbook case of how "on-set toxicity" can dismantle a high-performing production.

The Catalysts for Termination: Two Major Incidents

The decision to write Riggs out of the show did not happen overnight. It was the result of a formal investigation by Warner Bros. into two specific incidents that occurred during the filming of the second season. These events were later detailed in various trade publications and confirmed by the studio when the firing was announced in May 2018.

The First Incident: Directorial Outburst

The first disciplinary issue arose during an episode that Crawford himself was directing. Crawford became visibly and vocally frustrated by what he perceived as an unsafe working environment and excessive noise that disrupted the filming process. Reports indicated that his reaction was disproportionate, involving aggressive language that made several crew members feel unsafe. Crawford later issued an apology on social media, acknowledging he was "reprimanded twice" during the second season and that he had completed studio-appointed therapy.

The Second Incident: The Shrapnel Injury

The second, more severe incident involved co-star Damon Wayans, who played Roger Murtaugh. During an episode directed by Crawford, Wayans was struck in the back of the head by a piece of shrapnel during a planned pyrotechnic stunt. Wayans felt the set was not being managed safely under Crawford’s direction. Following this, the relationship between the two leads disintegrated completely. Wayans eventually shared footage and photos of his injury on social media, labeling Crawford as someone who enjoyed making people cry and creating fear on set.

The Crawford vs. Wayans Feud

The chemistry between Riggs and Murtaugh is the foundation of the Lethal Weapon franchise. When that chemistry curdled into genuine animosity, the show’s future was jeopardized. Leaked audio from the set eventually surfaced, capturing a heated argument between Crawford and Wayans. In the recording, the two actors traded insults regarding their professional reputations: Wayans questioned Crawford's status, while Crawford mocked Wayans' influence on set.

By the time Season 2 wrapped, the two actors were no longer speaking to one another unless the cameras were rolling. The production had implemented a system where the stars were kept in separate trailers and only brought together for their shared scenes. This level of dysfunction was unsustainable for a series that relied heavily on the "buddy cop" rapport. Warner Bros. faced a choice: keep both actors and risk a complete production breakdown, or remove the source of the complaints.

The Narrative Solution: The Death of Martin Riggs

Because the studio decided to fire Crawford rather than cancel the show immediately, the writers were tasked with a difficult narrative hurdle: how to remove Martin Riggs from a show that is fundamentally about Martin Riggs.

In the Season 2 finale, titled "One Day More," the show leaned into the dark, self-destructive nature of the character that had been established since the series premiere. The plot involved Riggs’ complicated and violent history with his father and half-brother, Garrett. In the closing moments of the season, while Riggs is at his wife’s gravesite preparing to leave for Texas to start a new life, his half-brother Garrett shoots him in the chest.

At the time the finale aired, fans were unsure if Riggs would survive. However, when Season 3 premiered in the fall of 2018, it was confirmed that Riggs had died from his wounds. This allowed the show to introduce a new character, Wesley Cole (played by Seann William Scott), to partner with Murtaugh.

The Aftermath and Recasting Challenges

The replacement of Clayne Crawford with Seann William Scott was an attempt to save the series, but it fundamentally changed the DNA of the show. While Scott brought a different, more kinetic energy to the role of Wesley Cole, many fans felt the "lightning in a bottle" chemistry of the first two seasons was lost.

The ratings for Season 3 saw a noticeable decline. Although Seann William Scott was well-received by the cast and crew for his professionalism, the shadow of the Crawford/Wayans drama loomed over the production. Furthermore, Damon Wayans announced midway through Season 3 that he intended to leave the show as well, citing his age and the physical toll of the long production hours. With both original leads gone or leaving, Fox officially canceled Lethal Weapon in May 2019.

Clayne Crawford’s Perspective

In the years following his departure, Crawford has spoken more openly about the situation, notably on various industry podcasts. He argued that the narrative surrounding his "firing" was partially fueled by a desire to protect the show's bigger star, Damon Wayans. Crawford claimed that the "toxic" label was an exaggeration of his perfectionist tendencies and his desire to make the show as high-quality as possible on a restricted TV budget.

Regardless of which version of the story one believes, the objective result was a permanent mark on the show's legacy. The firing of a lead actor for behavioral issues was a precursor to a broader shift in Hollywood production culture, where studios became less willing to tolerate "difficult" talent, regardless of their performance or the show's popularity.

The Financial and Legal Reality

From a business standpoint, Warner Bros. Television was in a precarious position. When a lead actor is fired for cause (behavioral issues), it can trigger complex legal battles regarding "pay or play" contracts. However, the studio’s internal investigation provided the necessary documentation to move forward with the termination.

The cost of recasting and rebranding the show for Season 3 was significant. New marketing campaigns had to be launched to convince the audience to accept Wesley Cole. The loss of syndication value was also a concern; shows with consistent leads generally perform better in secondary markets than those that undergo jarring cast changes. By killing off Riggs, the studio effectively ended the possibility of the original duo ever reuniting, which limited the long-term "rewatchability" of the series for many fans.

Expert Analysis of the Decision

Television critics often point to the death of Riggs as the moment the show "jumped the shark." While the Lethal Weapon brand is strong, the TV adaptation succeeded specifically because Crawford’s portrayal of Riggs was distinct from Mel Gibson’s film version while remaining true to the character’s tortured soul.

The decision to kill the character rather than recast him with a "new" Riggs was likely an attempt to avoid direct comparisons. By creating a new character in Wesley Cole, the writers hoped to start a new chapter. However, the procedural nature of the show meant that viewers were tuned in for the specific Riggs/Murtaugh relationship. When that was severed, the show lost its primary hook.

Summary of Key Factors

• Hostile Work Environment: Multiple reports of verbal abuse and safety concerns during Crawford’s episodes.
• Co-Star Conflict: A complete breakdown in communication and trust between Crawford and Wayans.
• Studio Liability: Warner Bros. risked legal and physical safety issues by allowing the friction to continue.
• Narrative Closure: The writers used the existing "Riggs family" storyline to provide a permanent exit for the character.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Clayne Crawford want to leave Lethal Weapon?

No, Crawford did not want to leave the series. He expressed surprise at his firing, stating he only found out via social media. He had expressed a desire to continue the role and had even apologized for the incidents on set in an attempt to keep his job.

Why didn't they just recast Martin Riggs?

Recasting a lead character with a different actor playing the same role (the "Aunt Vivian" approach) is rarely successful in modern prestige or action drama. The producers felt that viewers were too attached to Crawford’s specific portrayal, so they opted to create an entirely new character to partner with Murtaugh instead.

Was Damon Wayans the reason the show was canceled?

Damon Wayans’ decision to leave the show after Season 3 was a major factor in the cancellation, but it wasn't the only one. Falling ratings after Riggs’ death and the high cost of production also influenced Fox’s decision to end the series. Wayans cited health concerns and the 16-hour workdays as his reasons for wanting to exit.

Is the Lethal Weapon TV show related to the movies?

The TV show is a "reimagining" of the film franchise. While it uses the same character names and basic premise, it exists in its own separate universe with different backstories for the main characters.

Where can I watch the episodes where Riggs is killed?

The Season 2 finale, "One Day More," and the Season 3 premiere, "In the Same Boat," are the key episodes covering the death of Riggs and the aftermath. These are available on various streaming platforms that host the series (as of 2026).

Final Considerations for Fans

If you are revisiting the series in 2026, the contrast between the first two seasons and the final third season remains a stark example of behind-the-scenes drama impacting creative output. While the death of Martin Riggs was a shock to the system, it was the only path forward for a production that had become a liability to its parent studio. For those who enjoyed the show, the first two seasons stand as a complete arc for the Riggs character, even if the ending was more abrupt than originally planned.