10 Terrible Things Everyone Forgets About Beloved Movie Characters
2. Al Is A Killer Cop
Die Hard is about as straightforward an action film as you can possibly get. Lean, neatly trimmed, perfectly paced, with only the most essential elements included, but explored in a way that makes them feel fresh again. However, it's still a film from the 1980's, and if there's anything that personifies the 80's, it's this mantra: cops good, anyone cops wanna shoot at bad.
Which brings us nicely to Al Powell, John McClane's only ally in the first movie, and an admitted killer cop. Like an unfortunate abundance of police officers, despite having admitted to shooting and killing a child, he was not relieved of duty, although he was put way far down his precinct's pecking order.
Obviously, we're supposedly to admire the fact that he actually feels guilt about it, but it's still not enough for him to quit being a cop, you'll notice. Quite a heavy subject, true. But then, that's why it's this high.