Robocop: Dark Justice

A little more than a decade has past since the cult classic "Robocop" was brought into this world. The robo cop has undergone many different versions of himself, but not until now has a version matched the original directors thought of Robocop. Fireworks Entertainment and Rigel have joined forces with visionary producer-director Julian Grant and screenwriters Brad Abraham and Joseph O'Brien to bring the 21st Century hero into the real 21st Century in a new, 4-part television miniseries collectively entitled RoboCop: Prime Directives. The miniseries is divided into four, two-hour movies, each segment telling an independent story, but one that, viewed as a whole, emerges as a longer, more elaborate narrative.

In DARK JUSTICE, we return to Delta City (now dubbed "The Safest Place On Earth!"), the futuristic megalopolis wholly owned and operated by Omni Consumer Products. Ten years after his death and resurrection as RoboCop, Alex Murphy (PAGE FLETCHER) has begun to feel his age. On the verge of obsolescence, Murphy must also contend with the fact that his now-grown son James (ANTHONY LEMKE) is an OCP executive, unaware that his father is still alive. In addition to this, Murphy's former partner, John T. Cable (MAURICE DEAN WINT) has returned to Delta City as its new Security Commander.

But there is a new threat to Delta City: a mysterious vigilante called Bone Machine is cutting a swath through the criminal element in Delta City with the help of an experimental armored combat suit. Through their joint investigation into Bone Machine, we learn about Murphy and Cable's past, their years on the force together, and the falling out between them that ultimately led to Murphy's fateful transfer to Metro West Precinct, his subsequent murder at the hands of Clarence Boddicker's gang, and his rebirth as RoboCop.

At OCP, Security Concepts' chief Sara Cable (MARIA DEL MAR), John Cable's ex-wife, has brought James Murphy under her wing, inducting him into a secret group of executives known as The Trust. The Trust is attempting to overthrow the current executive board, and both Murphy and Cable's investigation into Bone Machine is coming dangerously close to exposing them. Murphy is programmed by The Trust with a new directive, instructing him to terminate John Cable. Cable's only chance is to try and reach through to Murphy's human side, an action that causes severe system conflicts within Murphy, conflicts that, if left unchecked, will destroy him... (synopsis from "Robocop: Prime Directives" Official website)

This film acts as a re-introduction of sorts. Its been ten years since Robocop's creation, and a lot of things have happened since his creation. The attention he once received has completely evaporated, and Murhpy is beginning to question his worth. His son is now apart of OCP, and his old partner, JOhn Cable, has found his way back into the city of Detroit.

This film has some very nice flashback scenes developing the relationship between John Cable & Alex Murhpy (prior to being Robocop). Which make the climax of this film even more interesting. The problem I have with this piece is the explanation of Sarah Cable...this may be cleared up later in the series, but the ruthlessness of her character has yet to be explained. I mean, was ol girl this wacked out when John first hooked up with her, or has something happened to her since then? Either way, she needs some more fleshing out.

What makes me happiest about this opener is that the humor, humanity and dark edge that was present in the original is back. Satrical "tounge & cheek" comments with the deep relationship stories between Alex and John, John and Sara Cable, Sara and Alex's son, and Alex's son & Alex. With all of these characters actions and responsibilites directly linked to one another, this makes for a very interesting situation and a lot of possibilities for the remaining three stories. Oh yeah..and the ending on this sucker re-empahsizes the now evident fact. Robocop is back...the way he was meant to be.

Rating: 1/2 out of four.

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