People have always had an interest in law, criminals, and especially the takedowns of the bad guys. John Walsh really kicked off the reality law genre years ago with America’s Most Wanted. The Law and Order franchise have given reality law a shot more recently with their Trial by Jury series. Now we have the well known Dog the Bounty Hunter and Steven Seagal Lawman.

Dog the Bounty Hunter – Grade: B

Dog initially appeared on another A&E series called Take this Job about people with unusual jobs. Wednesday night saw the 150^th episode of Dog the Bounty Hunter on A&E (Wednesdays at 9pm).

Duane “Dog” Chapman and his family are probably the most famous bounty hunters in the world hunting down bad guys primarily in Oahu, but often in Colorado as well. The sixth season kicked off with a rather spirited chase after a criminal with a history of drugs and reckless driving. However, the chase hits the team a bit harder than usual. It falls on the anniversary of the fatal accident of Dog’s daughter, Barbara Katie.

Dog has almost single handedly made the mullet a fashion statement once again. He and his family are interesting and dynamic people. While they sometimes seem to have a bit of unnecessary flair and fire power, they get the job done while entertaining us in the process (not bad- get paid for the show and the bounty).

Beer: Big Swell IPA from the Maui Brewing Company- this award winning IPA boasts a6.2% ABV. Starring four different hops (CTZ, Amarillo, Centennial, and Cascade) the dry hop flavor at the end comes as no surprise and the perfect end to the smooth, malty taste it starts with.

Steven Seagal Lawman Grade: A-

Steven Seagal has entertained people for years while taking down the bad guys in destructive, violent, and well- really cool fashion; so cool that his movies have grossed over $2 billion worldwide. Most of his fans are aware that he is a 7^th degree black belt in Aikido, but little did most of know that he has been laying down the law in reality for the last twenty years.

In this new series, Steven Seagal Lawman (Wednesdays at 10pm)which also became the highest rated series premiere for A&E, viewers get the opportunity to see Steven Seagal as he patrols the grounds of Jefferson Parish Louisiana as a fully commissioned deputy.

Seagal is an engaging person which makes even his bad movies semi-entertaining to watch. What makes this show good is not just the expert marksman and Aikido master, but the way in which his fellow officers are portrayed as well. These guys are shown to be the professionals that they are, and not just a sideshow to a Hollywood star.

Both shows have what you need for a show to be successful- likable, entertaining, charismatic people that you want to watch; that, and something everyone can appreciate- bad guys getting what they deserve. Catch them both if you can.

Beer: Big Easy Beer from the Big Easy Brewing Company in Jefferson Parish, LA- While not nearly as good as the show, it is only appropriate that a beer paired with this show be made in the same place Seagal is protecting. With a rather sweet, syrupy flavor this beer has a surprisingly tangy aftertaste.  If you like your beer heavy on the malty side than this American Amber/ Red Lager might be for you!