Martial Law (1998)

Martial Law is a groundbreaking American action-comedy television series that aired on CBS from September 26, 1998, to May 13, 2000. Created by Carlton Cuse, the show stars Sammo Hung as Sammo Law, a Chinese police officer and martial arts expert who relocates to Los Angeles in pursuit of a crime boss and a missing undercover officer, Chen Pei Pei. Upon his arrival, Sammo joins the LAPD, bringing his unique skills and cultural background to the team. ​

Plot Overview

The series follows Sammo Law as he adapts to his new environment in Los Angeles, working alongside American detectives to combat crime. His traditional Eastern methods often clash with Western policing techniques, leading to both comedic and dramatic situations. Throughout the series, Sammo collaborates with fellow officers, including Terrell Parker and Grace "Pei Pei" Chen, to tackle various criminal activities in the city. ​

Season 1

In the first season, Sammo's primary mission is to locate the missing Chen Pei Pei, an undercover officer who has lost contact with her department. As he integrates into the LAPD, Sammo's martial arts expertise proves invaluable in solving cases and apprehending criminals. The season establishes the dynamics between Sammo and his new colleagues, highlighting cultural differences and mutual respect. ​

Season 2

The second season introduces new characters and shifts in the storyline. Commander Amy Dylan joins the team, initially skeptical of Sammo's methods but eventually becoming one of his allies. The season delves deeper into Sammo's personal life, including the revelation of his estranged son, adding emotional depth to the narrative. ​

Cast and Characters

Sammo Hung as Sammo Law: A seasoned Chinese police officer and martial arts master.

Kelly Hu as Chen Pei Pei: An undercover officer and Sammo's protégé.

Arsenio Hall as Terrell Parker: A witty LAPD detective.

Gretchen Egolf as Amy Dylan: A high-ranking LAPD officer introduced in season two.

Louis Mandylor as Detective Louis Malone: Sammo's partner in the first season.

Tom Wright as Captain Benjamin Winship: The commanding officer overseeing the team.​

Production and Reception

"Martial Law" was notable for featuring Sammo Hung as the lead, making him one of the few East Asian actors to headline a prime-time network series in the United States. Despite language barriers, Hung's performance was well-received, and the show gained a dedicated fan base. However, the series concluded after two seasons due to high production costs and creative differences. ​

"Martial Law" remains a unique blend of martial arts action and police procedural drama, remembered for its dynamic fight sequences and cross-cultural storytelling. The series contributed to increased visibility for Asian actors in American television and continues to be appreciated by fans of the genre.​

If you're interested in watching "Martial Law," it's available on various streaming platforms. Let me know if you'd like assistance finding where to watch it or if you need more information about the series.