Following the recent death of his wife, LAPD narcotics Sergeant Martin Riggs, a former Special Forces soldier, has become suicidal and erratic. Despite the protests of police therapist Stephanie Woods, Captain Ed Murphy believes Riggs is faking his psychosis to be forcibly retired with a generous pension, and partners him with fellow war veteran and seasoned Homicide Sergeant Roger Murtaugh. Riggs and Murtaugh do not get along well as Murtaugh is initially dismissive of Riggs's mental state, but he is soon convinced Riggs is genuinely suicidal.
