TV Week Editor BRENT FURDYK blogs about what’s going on in the wide world of television.
Steven Seagal — Really?
By Brent Furdyk, Editor, TV Week
I don't know what's funnier: that washed-up action star Steven Seagal is a fully commissioned deputy with a New Orleans sheriff's office or that this fun fact is forming the basis of a new reality show on A&E. Which supposedly stands for "Arts and Entertainment," although you'd be hard-pressed to explain how a Steven Seagal reality show could possibly be either "art" or "entertainment."
In fact, the star of generically-titled direct-to-DVD quickies such as "Attack Force" and "Mercenary for Justice" has actually been a on-and-off deputy for the Jefferson Parish County Sheriff's Office for nearly two decades, and spent some time helping out with recovery efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.
"I 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 in Louisiana," said the blues musician/martial arts master/creator of "Steven Seagal's Lightning Bolt" energy drinks.
Sure, sure, "positive work," whatever — just so long as we get to see him thwart liquor-store hold-ups by breaking a bad guy's femur with a No. 2 pencil.
Be on the lookout for the debut of "Steven Seagal: Lawman" late next year. While you're waiting, why not read an excerpt of the press release:
Seagal’s movies have grossed more than $2 billion worldwide. He is an expert martial artist, with a 7th-degree black belt in aikido. Along with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chuck Norris, he’s considered one of the film industry’s greatest action stars. But it turns out that Steven Seagal isn't just an action hero in the movies. For almost 20 years, Seagal has been working as a fully-commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office in Louisiana. In fact, in addition to going out on patrol, Seagal is an expert marksman who has worked with their SWAT team and has instructed Jefferson Parish officers in firearms and hand-to-hand combat.
“I’ve been working as an officer in Jefferson Parish for two decades under most people’s radar,” said Seagal, “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 Louisiana – to see the passion and commitment that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this post-Katrina environment.”
“Steven is a hero both on and off camera and helps fight crime because he cares about the community,” said Sharenow, “It’s such an amazing revelation that this larger-than-life star has been doing real police work for nearly 20 years.”
Until now, Seagal has never sought publicity for his work with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office. However, over a span of almost two decades, he has regularly gone out on patrol and worked major cases. The series will allow fans to ride shotgun with Seagal as he and his hand-selected elite team of deputies respond to crimes-in-progress. Then, when Seagal goes off-duty, the cameras will continue following him as he pursues his many ventures – including musical performances and philanthropic efforts – in Jefferson Parish and New Orleans.
"Steven has a very close relationship with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and I'm proud to have him as part of our team,” said Sheriff Newell Normand, “I cannot tell you how honored I am to not only be affiliated with Steven, but with A&E and all their support in highlighting the efforts, the trials and the tribulations of the men and woman of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff's Office.”
Steven Seagal is best known for playing the invincible action hero character that defined his career in such films as Above the Law, Hard to Kill, Under Siege (1 & 2) and blockbuster hit Exit Wounds. His familiarity with his signature roles stem from a long personal history with Eastern culture in both studying martial arts as well as practicing Buddhism. He is also a recording artist and guitarist, is founder of Steven Seagal Enterprises that markets his own all-natural energy drink “Steven Seagal’s Lightning Bolt” and is a dedicated philanthropist and activist for environmentalism and animal rights.
And yes, that is the actual name of the show, although I can't believe nobody thought of "Blob the Bounty Hunter."
Comments
Steven Seagal
Dear BrentYour "shots" at Steven Seagal were rude and distasteful. He has done more with his life than most of us have wished we could. He happens to be one of my favorite people on this planet and if anyone has ever watched his movies Fire down Below, Hard to Kill etc., I'm sure they would agree that he is not a bad actor. I am 50 years old and my Grandsons(15 & 11 years) and I watch his movies still and they, like myself, love them. I have seen bad movies done by many actors and it is always a shame when a columnist will only mention their bad work when writing about them. I expect an informed opinion from a columnist..not a rude one and I don't think I am alone when I say ..,. I think Brent might be a little jealous of Mr. Seagal and therefore can't find anything nice to say...but then..what man wouldn't be a little jealous of such a well-rounded person. I am looking forward to his new series on A&E..and I will be keeping informed about Mr. Seagal's ongoing work with animal rights, the environment, post-katrina work and of course let's not forget his dedication to the blues...need I go on. Huge Steven Seagal Fan..Yours Truly..Shawna Fidler
I'v always been a fan of
I'v always been a fan of Steven Seagal.hes amazing at everthing he does.My dream as a kid and today is to meet Steven.Hes a very goodlookn man and a hell of a roll model.I love his movies his martial arts.You know we need a lot more men like Steven in all law inforcement.We would have less crime and more love in this crazy ass world we live in. Someday I hope to have my dream come true thats been for years.My name is Wendy and I also hope I get a respons back.Good luck in everything you do.
steven
I think it is great that steven has his own show. and who knew that he was a real cop! well that's great too. keep up the good work.
susie k stassi
steven seagal lawman
steven, I enjoy your show. I hope to see more of you. and keep fighting those bad guys. susie k stassi,
Balance
He has the control of balance of a dancer. In Martial Arts, you need to know ,first how to walk ,and dance. All this comes to the balance in the Martial arts moments. With out it is nothing at all. In my life in Martial Arts, it is must. All forms need the balance of ones control. in life and life. Understanding its path of wisdom my friends. One needs to know ones self not what you don't understand my friend.
My long life be with you. He is my best that i like as a Star and person to follow in some of his path of wisdom. Not a show off. but a real person.
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