CBS has ordered a pilot episode of the series starring Brandon T. Jackson as Aaron, Axel Foley's son. Despite an ambitious vision and a strong cast, the series ultimately did not make it to air. The cause was not only personality clashes, but also unexpected problems with audience and studio expectations.
Initial order and production
CBS ordered a pilot for the series, with Brandon T. Jackson to play Aaron, Axel Foley's son. This one-hour crime drama was produced by screenwriter Shawn Ryan, known for The Shield and The Chicago Code.
Vision and concept for the series
In January 2013, Ryan said, "This will be a CBS procedural where there will be a new case every week, but it will be full of humor and fun. I also want to add social commentary, showing a young working class kid in Detroit in the middle of Beverly Hills. The pilot begins with a suspenseful sequence that is meant to be gut-wrenching and dangerous, similar to shows like The Shield or The Chicago Code, and will also contain some humorous moments. It is not a comedy series."
The cast and direction
In February 2013, Kevin Pollak was cast as Rodney Daloof, an in-house lawyer for the Beverly Hills Police Department. David Denman played Brad, a likable but socially awkward detective. Barry Sonnenfeld agreed to direct the pilot and also became executive producer.
Cancellation and reaction
In May 2013, CBS decided not to continue the series. In August 2013, Jackson explained that they were too bold for CBS and that their style did not fit the character of the station.
Eddie Murphy's cameo and repercussions
In February 2015, Eddie Murphy stated that his cameo in the pilot caused viewers to expect his regular presence in the series, leading to its cancellation: "People thought I would make a regular appearance, and when that wasn't possible, the series didn't continue." In 2019, Murphy repeated his statement and added that the studio turned down the project because they wanted his regular participation.
Personality clashes and further developments
In January 2016, Ryan accused television of personality clashes: "They said they liked other pilots better, but I think it was clashes between big players in the industry. I'm proud of the pilot and working with Murphy was great." Following the cancellation of the CBS series, Paramount decided to develop a fourth film.
The pilot episode leak
In December 2022, the pilot episode was leaked to the Internet.
Source: English Wikipedia
