|
| Foocha! is a non-profit Web site. We do it for kicks, not for cash. If you're interested in writing for the site, click here |
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
| TV,
Jeremy Carpenter,
20 January 1999 |
Rating: F4
|
|
| |
| |
|
Three months into this yank Kung-Fu cop show and big changes have taken place. Out goes the spunky blonde to be replaced by wise-cracking ex-Saturday Night Live host Arsenio Hall, who comes in at equal billing with Sammo Heung. Whether this is a reaction to the success of box-office hit ‘Rush Hour’ which beat a similar path with east-est cop partner culture clash (and with Heung’s old film partner Jackie Chan), is unknown, all I can see is that it’s what doesn’t change that sticks in the mind. Tune in any week and I can guarantee all of the following:-
Two ‘themed’ fight scenes – Martial Law’s primary appeal is Sammo’s brilliantly choreographed fight scenes. Apart from a couple of minor scuffle scenes, there are only two main fights, one pre-credits, the other right at the end. Sammo’s gimmick is the ability to utilise any object he can get his hand to as a deadly weapon, and it’s always fun to try pre-empt based on the location. Mexican Restaurant ? – Sammo’ll use maracas and guitars to crack skulls, clothing factory ? – aha, Sammo’s gonna be spinning giant cotton reels round, and sewing bad guys into the drapes. I can’t wait to see him fight in a mortuary !.
Everyone knows Kung-Fu – Any henchmen will drop their guns to rely on instead on Kung Fu. Similarly our main team of LAPD hard nuts will always go for the roundhouse kick rather than the old ‘stop or I’ll shoot option’. All except the chief who seems to prefer old-style fisticuffs (because he’s the Chief, dig ?)
Three-tier operations – Kind of like a video game there’s always three levels to get through before the LAPD get to the big boss. Two of these guys get banged away, buy one always spills the beans only to be killed personally by the boss for ‘failing’.
Morally Bankrupt Criminals – there’s very little petty crime in LA obviously, bad guys have to run three-tier operations either exploiting pregnant Croation refugees, orphaned ghetto children or amputees.
One Angry Cop – with five main cast members to pick from, there’s always time once a week for one to get really angry about the Morally Bankrupt Criminal operation for ‘personal’ reasons, and come the end of the show, whack the big boss personally.
Sammo’s talent school – after the stress of busting a big three-tier operation, Sammo always finds time to indulge in some ‘hilarious’ pratting about. These scenes of singing Beatles songs and ballroom dancing are almost as painful as his elegant drop kicks.
Channel 5 Sunday 20.00 BST
Top Home |
|
|
|
|
