Lethal Weapon Review: Better Living Through Chemistry (Season 2 Episode 13)

On Lethal Weapon Season 2 Episode 13, “Better Living Through Chemistry,” Cahill’s patients are front and center, and not in a “wow they are doing amazing” kind of way.

It’s doubtful that there will ever come a time when Riggs is referred to as an amazing patient.

It’s nice to see more of Cahill. We haven’t spent a lot of time with her recently. She’s definitely the best part of the case. Okay, second best, you can’t really beat the Riggs punching Murtaugh and Murtaugh punching Avery scenes.

The case itself isn’t all that compelling, sadly. Of course the mental institution director is behind all of it. This is a predictable turn of events.

At least Dr. Samuels is nice enough to share his proceeds with the rest of the hospital staff. That’s the only part that was a little unexpected. He seems like the greedy type.

Another downside of the case is that nothing is really able to breathe and develop. We don’t get a chance to dive into Stanley or Jose too much before the team figures out that Dr. Samuels is behind it all.

Jose isn’t really needed.

Stanley’s tox screen should have been enough to get Murtaugh and Riggs to figure out that someone is selling pharmaceuticals on the black market, and then maybe Riggs could have spent more time in the mental hospital.

Riggs making friends with the other patients, like say his roommate, could have provided some great laughs. There could have been a bit more build up to figuring out that Dr. Samuels is behind it all.

Riggs could have been forced to do a bit more undercover work and snoop around a little bit more. Would you have liked to see more time of Riggs in the mental hospital?

Avery: I deluded myself. I thought you were less crazy, less angry.

Riggs: I’m less angry!

Avery: No you’re not.

The hospital does make for a great way to see the full memory that has been haunting Riggs in his sleep — his mother’s suicide.

We get a tease of it in the beginning, and we see Riggs spiral because of it.

Granted, the Deputy Mayor could have handled things better. It’s not like Riggs meant to spit his hangover cure into the guy’s car! Accidents happen.

Riggs’ anger is front and center, as is his progress.

While Cahill believes that she’s failed Riggs, I don’t believe that’s the case. Cahill helped Riggs be okay with saying goodbye to Miranda and moving on.

Riggs, unfortunately, has a lot of baggage. He’s not a quick fix; no one is. It’s just like Riggs tells her, he’s taking baby steps.

Cahill: You like it up there — inches from death, so close to the edge. You’re so angry. One day it will kill you, and I won’t know why.

Riggs: It’s like the anger’s always been there. I mean, not when I was a kid, you know. Certainly after my mom passed. It’s like a, like a fire, you know. Sometimes I get so hot, I just want to jump outside of myself, you know.

It’s impressive that Riggs recognizes his own improvement. He knows he isn’t perfect, but he isn’t discouraged by the therapy process. He knows it will take time, and he’s willing to work at it.

Sure, he still tempts fate a bit by following suspects up to the edges of buildings and drinks while sitting on construction beams, but that’s just Riggs, strange as it is to say.

What did you think of this episode of Lethal Weapon? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!

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Lethal Weapon airs Tuesdays at 8/7c on FOX.

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