Just when you thought Steven Seagal had done everything - singing, guitar, acting, Buddhism, aikido instruction - he’s finally tried something he’s never encountered before. Reality.

Reality T.V., that is. Apparently, Seagal has worked on-and-off for the last two decades as a police office in his home of Jefferson Parish, Louisiana. Naturally enough, A&E has decided to turn his everyday work into a series, “Steven Seagal: Lawman.” According to Seagal, “I’ve decided to work with A&E on this series now because I believe it’s important to show the nation all the positive work being accomplished here in Louisiana–to see the passion and commitment that comes from the Jefferson Parish Sheriff’s Office in this post-Katrina environment.”

Recognized as a reincarnated Tulku - a Tibetan Buddhist lama who has been reborn in order to continue his work - Seagal has described himself as having been “born very different, clairvoyant and a healer.” Presumably as a part of his clairvoyant/healing duties, he produces the energy drink Steven Seagal’s Lightning Bolt, which is “A Natural Energy Drink Packed With Vitamins and Exotic Botanicals.” It is produced by his company, Steven Seagal Enterprises, which was founded to “share his wisdom and experience of energy with the world.”

According to Variety, ” ‘Lawman’ also will document his life off the beat, including his musical and philanthropic activities in the Big Easy.” This blurb does a decent job of summarizing why he’s turned to reality T.V. to seek his fortunes.

Seagal toplined a series of successful actioners in the ’90s, most profitably in the “Under Siege” couplet. His Warner Bros. contract was not renewed in 1997; since then he has appeared mostly in straight-to-video projects and exclusively so since 2003. Most recently, he wrote and starred in “Kill Switch” for First Look Intl.; it bowed on Oct. 7.

Well, let’s all hope that “Steven Seagal: Lawman” brings in some much-needed T.V. ratings and gives Seagal a chance to share his wisdom and experience of energy with the world. You know, I can make fun of this show all I want, but I can’t think of a person in my immediate acquaintance who wouldn’t tune in out of sheer morbid curiosity.

Popularity: 9% [?]