10 Worst TV Performances Of 2016
6. Justin Hires - James Carter (Rush Hour)
The problem with adapting a beloved film series into a TV series without being able to snag the original actors is that it's incredibly difficult not to compare the latter to the former unfavourably. It's even more difficult when the TV series is bland and inspired, too.
In CBS's Rush Hour, Justin Hires plays Detective James Steven Carter, a reckless LAPD detective who is partnered with the serious Detective Jonathan Lee. In essence, he's playing the Chris Tucker role from the films. Unfortunately for Hires, he comes across as nothing but a dull impersonation, with none of the wit or charm of Tucker's character.
Hires also doesn't have much chemistry with Jon Foo, who plays his partner, which sort of spoils the whole point of a "buddy cop" narrative. Watching Hires, the prevalent wish is for Tucker to show up and take over. Sadly, it never happens.