By Debbie Schlussel
This has echoes of Shaquille O’Neal’s frequent stint as a cop and Erik Estrada’s & LaToya Jackson’s failed reality TV attempt at it.
But it promises to be more interesting. Where else can you find a half-Jew/half Irish dude from Michigan who thinks he’s Japanese, is an overweight, aging washed up action star, was once married to an English supermodel/actress, and is now a Cajun cop?

A&E is in production on “Steven Seagal: Lawman,” a new Real-Life series that will chronicle martial arts expert and international film star Steven Seagal’s extraordinary life in law enforcement, it was announced today by Robert Sharenow, Senior Vice President Non-Fiction & Alternative Programming, A&E Network.

For almost 20 years, Seagal has been working as a fully-commissioned deputy with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in Louisiana. In fact, in addition to going out on patrol, Seagal is an expert marksman who has worked with their SWAT team and has instructed Jefferson Parish officers in firearms and hand-to-hand combat.
“I’ve been working as an officer in Jefferson Parish for two decades under most people’s radar,” said Seagal, “I’ve decided to work with A&E on this series now because I believe it’s important to show the nation all the positive work being accomplished here in Louisiana – to see the passion and commitment that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this post-Katrina environment.”
“Steven is a hero both on and off camera and helps fight crime because he cares about the community,” said Sharenow, “It’s such an amazing revelation that this larger-than-life star has been doing real police work for nearly 20 years.”
Until now, Seagal has never sought publicity for his work with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office. However, over a span of almost two decades, he has regularly gone out on patrol and worked major cases. The series will allow fans to ride shotgun with Seagal as he and his hand-selected elite team of deputies respond to crimes-in-progress. Then, when Seagal goes off-duty, the cameras will continue following him as he pursues his many ventures – including musical performances and philanthropic efforts – in Jefferson Parish and New Orleans.
“Steven has a very close relationship with the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office and I’m proud to have him as part of our team,” said Sheriff Newell Normand, “I cannot tell you how honored I am to not only be affiliated with Steven, but with A&E and all their support in highlighting the efforts, the trials and the tribulations of the men and woman of the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office.”

Is he gonna make criminals drink his “Steven Seagal’s Lightning Bolt” energy drink? Now, that would be punishment.
And here are the obligatory cheesy questions?: Is he gonna be “Above the Law” and give criminals “Exit Wounds”? Sometimes that happens when they’re “Hard to Kill.” Ba-dum-bum-Ch.
In case you were wondering, Seagal is a lefty:

[He is an] activist for environmentalism and animal rights.

If I had cable, I’d watch this once or twice . . . especially if I wanted to play one of those drinking games.
Since there isn’t any footage available yet, I thought I’d post this great commercial with Seagal, worth watching regardless of what you think about the guy:

Now, this is a reality show I could watch: Seagal v. Van Damme–HILARIOUS!:

Let’s just hope this show is better than “Crouching Cops, Hidden Badges“: