Honestly, how many times have you watched a crime movie or TV series where the characters are law enforcement officers from different departments who fight over jurisdiction?
From mall security staff to real police officers, egos get bruised each time someone from a superior department arrives at a crime scene. The most common of these turf wars always seems to be between the Los Angeles Police Department and the FBI.
Recognising the potential in this scenario, Renegade 83 is producing a reality show, One Man Army, in which real-life members of the FBI, the Marine Corps and Swat compete in various tasks. One Man Army is hosted by a former Green Beret, Mykel Hawke, who instructs the contestants on what is expected of them. The various challenges test for intelligence, decision-making, endurance and physical strength.
The show’s setting looks like the sort of place where John Rambo would thrive.
Since the law enforcement agencies are given specialist training, it should be interesting to look at them individually to make predictions about who will be good at what:
FBI
They are the smartly dressed officers of the law who, in the movies, usually have model looks and cool cards to boot.
Counter-terrorism, counter-intelligence, cyber-warfare, corruption, white-collar crimes and protecting civil rights topped the FBI’s list of priorities last year.
To me, these people look as if they like to stay clean, which means that on One Man Army they are probably best at dealing with tasks that require well-honed problem-solving skills and a sharp mind.
SWAT
Since Swat is the acronym for Special Weapons And Tactics, these are usually the guys with the big guns. They are trained to perform rescue missions and counter-terrorism operations, subduing hostage takers, making high-risk arrests, and engaging with heavily armed criminals.
In the show, Swat members will have endurance and strength on their side. They are probably not the best strategists, though, because they are used to having a leader guide them.
The Marine Corps
Remember wrestler John Cena’s movie The Marine? If you are a firearms and explosives enthusiast, then these guys are your best friends. Marines are trained to withstand just about any weather and topography. Should the tasks on this show be about endurance, decision-making or physical strength, then the marine has the upper hand.
l Who will come up tops? Let the games begin. One Man Army starts next Thursday on Discovery Channel at 8.30pm.