Behind the Screens with Joshua Maloni Crime: Meet your worst nightmare Steven Seagal joins law enforcement

Niagara Frontier Publications, November 23, 2009

Some things in life are just so unbelievably awesome, that there’s no way to adequately describe them.

But here goes. Steven Seagal, the singer, environmental activist, seventh-degree aikido black belt martial artist and movie star known for breaking the arms of bad guys on screen, is a real-life cop. And, even better, with his new reality series “Lawman,” he is about to take television audiences along as he and his fellow Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies stave off crime in the Big Easy. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Happy, happy, joy, joy. Though he’s starred in more than 30 films (grossing more than $2 billion worldwide), Seagal has somehow managed to quietly work with the little-known Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. Though it’s never been publicly verified, “Lawman” states Seagal has worked as a deputy for the past 20 years.

Martial arts movie star Steven Seagal stars in “Steven Seagal Lawman” on A&E. The reality television show premieres at 10 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 2. (photo by Michael Muller/A&E)

“I’ve been working as an officer in Jefferson Parish for two decades under most people’s radar,” Seagal said. “I’ve decided to work with A&E on this series now because I believe it’s important to show the nation all the positive work being accomplished here in the New Orleans area – to see the passion, commitment and fine police work that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this post-Katrina environment.”   

Having screened the series’ first two episodes, which air Wednesday, Dec. 2, at 10 and 10:30 p.m. on A&E, I have to forewarn you: no perps (innocent until proven guilty, as we’re often reminded) are karate kicked, tossed or suffer broken bones. We can only hope such action will occur as the season unfolds. Sure, this isn’t a movie but, c’mon! This is Steven Seagal we’re talking about. And he’s just so good at kicking butt and taking names.

For now, Seagal is all about gracefully disarming real-life bad guys and potential crime scenes. Aikido, as it turns out, preaches peace over violence.

Moreover, our hero is genuinely concerned for the welfare of his fellow law enforcement agents. So, while Deputy Chief Seagal doesn’t Ginsu any “bad guys,” he does take time to teach his colleagues how to properly defend themselves should a villain try and attack.

In “The Deadly Hand” and “Double Edged Sword,” Seagal seems right at home as he rides the Louisiana streets in a manner reminiscent of “Cops.” Unlike that show, however, Seagal appears to have superhero vision. As he hones in on possible criminal activity, a “Superman”-type effect is presented to viewers, illustrating a superhuman focus. The locked-in lawman quickly determines what’s what, and how to react.

Steven Seagal works hand-in-hand with his fellow Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office deputies. (photo by Richard Knapp)

Crime-fighting is relegated to nighttime. As the morning breaks, Seagal is seen at a community center offering basic aikido instruction. Watching him effortlessly take down well-built cops is both hilarious and highly entertaining. It’s that way for them, too. One officer even jokes of having an “Above the Law” flashback, which is in reference to Seagal’s 1988 film debut. Naturally, Seagal is a top-notch marksman. In the second episode, he helps a fellow officer practice for a recertification exam. Working with a target practice sheet, Seagal, in his own Zen fashion, tells the policeman to try and shoot a bullet through an existing bullet hole. He then demonstrates such technique. Dare I say it? Yeah, it’s pretty awesome.

Starting Dec. 2, “Steven Seagal Lawman” airs each Wednesday at 10 p.m. on A&E. The show is online at www.aetv.com/steven-seagal-lawman.

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