The Fading Punchline of Cop Comedies: How Super Troopers 3 Misfires

The original Super Troopers film, released in 2001, was a cult classic that cleverly subverted the bumbling cop trope by making its characters lovable and relatable. However, its third installment has proven to be a misfire.

The franchise’s attempt at nostalgia is admirable, but it comes at the cost of ignoring the changing cultural landscape surrounding law enforcement. The film’s biggest problem lies in its refusal to acknowledge the shift in public perception towards policing, particularly regarding racial disparities and immigration enforcement.

At a time when policing is under intense scrutiny, Super Troopers 3 chooses to maintain the status quo of cops as lovable screwups. This makes the film feel dated and irresponsible, especially considering the current cultural context. The franchise’s reliance on stale cop comedy tropes is evident in its over-reliance on Farva, played by Kevin Heffernan, who bears the brunt of the physical comedy workload.

While it’s refreshing to see a character get more screen time, his antics start to feel like a rehashing of old jokes rather than a genuinely new take. The film also falls short in its portrayal of characters from underrepresented communities, relegating Indian-American trooper Thorny to a subplot that feels forced and convenient.

His sister’s character is introduced to add “diversity” to the story but remains woefully underdeveloped. Instead of introducing fresh faces, Super Troopers 3 relies on nostalgia to carry it through. The addition of SNL’s Andrew Dismukes as a crooked rookie cop was a promising move, but it feels like an afterthought in an otherwise tired narrative.

The changing landscape of policing and the public’s perception of law enforcement is not just a local issue; it’s a global one. As countries around the world grapple with issues of police accountability, trust, and reform, Super Troopers 3’s refusal to acknowledge these changes feels like a missed opportunity.

The film’s creators may have thought that reviving the franchise would be a fun trip down memory lane, but instead, it’s become an object lesson in how not to tackle contemporary issues. The fact that they chose to ignore the elephant in the room only serves to highlight their lack of foresight and sensitivity.

As we move forward, it’s essential for creators to acknowledge the changing cultural landscape and adapt accordingly. For now, Super Troopers 3 feels like a relic of a bygone era, a reminder that some punchlines are better left unspoken. The film may have been released in August, but its impact will be felt long after its box office run is over.

As we continue to grapple with the complexities of policing and law enforcement, Super Troopers 3 serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of ignoring the present.