Lethal Weapon

Lethal Weapon

Year: 1987

Runtime: 110 min

Language: English

Director: Richard Donner

ActionThrillerCrime

When straight-laced detective Roger Murtaugh is paired with loose cannon Martin Riggs, the unlikely duo embarks on a high-stakes homicide investigation. As they navigate the dark underworld of drugs and prostitution, their differing approaches lead to explosive confrontations.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Lethal Weapon (1987)
Trace every key event in Lethal Weapon (1987) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.
1

Riggs' Emotional Collapse

After the tragic loss of his wife, LAPD Sergeant Martin Riggs spirals into a deep depression. His reckless behavior worries the police therapists, but his captain dismisses it as a ploy for early retirement.

LAPD Headquarters
2

Assignment to Murtaugh

In a strategic move to address Riggs' instability, the captain assigns him to partner with Sergeant Roger Murtaugh. This partnership is tense as Murtaugh initially doubts Riggs' sincerity regarding his emotional state.

Los Angeles, California
3

Hunsaker's Plea for Help

Murtaugh receives a concerning phone call from Michael Hunsaker, who seeks assistance in rescuing his daughter Amanda from a dangerous lifestyle. The urgency of the situation grows as Murtaugh realizes Amanda’s life is in jeopardy.

4

Amanda's Tragic Death

Before Murtaugh can intervene, Amanda tragically takes her own life, jumping from an apartment balcony. The investigation soon reveals that she was poisoned with drugs that were tainted, highlighting a darker conspiracy at play.

Los Angeles, California
5

Assault by Drug Dealers

As Riggs and Murtaugh confront Amanda's pimp to gather information, they find themselves under brutal attack. Riggs takes decisive action to protect Murtaugh, showcasing his skills and determination despite his troubled state.

6

Encounter with Dixie

Investigating Amanda's death leads them to Dixie, a prostitute who may have witnessed her fall. Their search for answers reflects the rising stakes and danger surrounding their investigation.

7

Explosion at Dixie's Residence

Just as Riggs and Murtaugh reach Dixie's location, an explosion rocks the area, transforming it into a scene of chaos. This catastrophic event hints at a larger conspiracy connected to Riggs' past military experiences.

Dixie's Residence
8

Confronting Hunsaker

Riggs becomes increasingly suspicious of Hunsaker during Amanda’s funeral, confronting him about his potential involvement. Hunsaker reveals ties to a clandestine CIA unit that has evolved into a criminal syndicate dealing drugs.

9

Ambush at the Funeral

The funeral turns deadly when Joshua, a ruthless enforcer of the criminal syndicate, arrives in a helicopter and eliminates Hunsaker. This act of violence deepens the conflict and puts Riggs and Murtaugh in jeopardy.

10

Riggs' Near-Death Experience

After surviving an assassination attempt during a drive-by shooting, Riggs decides to fake his death in order to gain the upper hand against Joshua. This risky maneuver is part of his strategy to expose the criminal organization.

11

Kidnapping of Rianne

As the plot thickens, Shadow Company kidnaps Murtaugh's daughter, Rianne. This personal connection raises the stakes, leading to a tense showdown at El Mirage Lake with Riggs ready to lend hidden support.

El Mirage Lake
12

Torture in Nightclub Basement

Riggs and Murtaugh endure excruciating torture at a nightclub, which serves as a front for Shadow Company’s operations. Their physical endurance is tested as they are ruthlessly interrogated for critical information.

Nightclub Basement
13

Riggs' Daring Escape

In a desperate bid for freedom, Riggs manages to escape, unleashing his fury as he liberates Murtaugh and Rianne from their captors. The confrontation pushes their limits as they flee from the clutches of Shadow Company.

14

Final Showdown with Joshua

Foreseeing Joshua's retaliation, Riggs sets a trap at Murtaugh's home, leading to a ferocious confrontation. Ultimately, they manage to subdue him, but not before a fierce exchange of gunfire ensues.

Murtaugh's Home
15

Christmas Dinner Reflection

After the tumultuous events, Martin Riggs shares a heartfelt Christmas dinner with the Murtaugh family. In a gesture of their deepening friendship, he presents Murtaugh with a hollow-point bullet, symbolizing the journey they've endured together.

Christmas Day Murtaugh's Home

Last Updated: November 19, 2024 at 17:29

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