Lethal Weapon Inspired Dog Names

The Lethal Weapon franchise did just about as much as it could for the classic concept of silver screen police officers duos, continuing on a trend that was largely set just after the solo protagonists of the film noir era by celebrating a somewhat abrasive — even if comically so — dynamic between two unlike personalities. In Lethal Weapon 2, writer and creator Shane Black even furthers the relationship by adding in Leo Getz as a third-wheel. But one important partnership tends to get overshadowed throughout the franchise’s history: the relationship between Riggs and his dog Sam.

While characters in film having dogs is usually a simple contextual addition to their character, Sam actually ends up being quite important in several of the films. Although he does appear in all four — barring Lethal Weapon 3 in which he is only shown in the extended cut — Sam’s place in Lethal Weapon history largely stems from the franchise’s origins: Lethal Weapon and Lethal Weapon 2.

While he certainly doesn’t get the attention that many other cast members do, his role shouldn’t be understated. In the original film, much of the narrative stems around Riggs’ depression and his constant struggle with the loss of his wife and quickly degrading mental state, which often manifests in the field in destructive manners. Riggs proves to be suicidal in the film first but is comforted by Sam’s company and at one point, because of it, decides not to take his own life with his dog present. Sam also acts as his moral compass, becoming visibly upset when Riggs brings random women home to his trailer. 

But his role in the second film may be just as important, as his loyalty and awareness combine to save Riggs from near destruction. In Lethal Weapon 2, Riggs tells Sam to go outside after bringing home Rika Van Den Haas, which he somewhat reluctantly does. A few moments later, when helicopters stacked with Arjen Rudd’s men ambush his trailer, Sam is the first to alert his master of the impending danger, buying them all enough time to escape in a pickup truck. Much like the first film, Sam also provides Riggs his company after Rika is killed, joining him on the walk down the beach. 

Though he’s rarely given big parts, Sam proves to be the reason that Riggs stays alive in both the first and second films, cementing himself in a pivotal role as the best kind of loyal and intelligent canine companion.