The Equalizer Season 1 Episode 1: The Equalizer (pilot)
Aired on CBS: September 18, 1985
Written by: Michael Sloan
Directed by: Rod Holcomb
Notable guest stars: Patricia Kalember, Jerry Stiller, David Proval
Like most pilots, this one packs in a lot - gotta give the audience a taste of every aspect of what they're in store for with this brand new show. In this one:
<ol>
<li>Robert McCall (EQ) breaking from the agency and posting his iconic ad in the classifieds.</li>
<li>EQ trying to make amends with his son.</li>
<li>Equalizing #1, large scale: a communications company blackmailing senators!</li>
<li>Equalizing #2, personable scale: a woman has a dangerous stalker.</li>
</ol>
... and a lot of establishing that he is "the Equalizer" and just what exactly equalizing means.
Note: This is pure episodic TV, very few larger plots and themes, so no need to listen in order. This podcast, like say the celebrated show Parks+Rec, had a gestation period, and our full crew kicked in on season 1 episode 16, so you might want to skip ahead.
@equalizerspod
equalizerspodcast at gmail dot com

China Rain

The Equalizer aired on CBS from 1985 to 1989. It inspired two Denzel Washington movies and a reboot with Queen Latifah, but the original series with Edward Woodward is largely forgotten (It can be streamed on nbc.com or the NBC Roku app. Your move, Peacock). In a perfect world, it would receive all the nostalgic love of your MacGyver, your Magnum PI, your A Team, your Knight Rider. The premise - a retired special agent puts an ad in the paper to help those who feel the odds are against them (take that, paper clips and talking cars). Never heard of it? Not a problem. Vince, Chris, and Chuck take a deep dive into the show one episode at a time - incredibly absurd plots, well-known guest stars in every episode (sometimes 4 or 5!), and all other aspects of this show that make it a true hidden gem.
Note: This is pure episodic TV, very few larger plots and themes, so no need to listen in order. This podcast, like say the celebrated show Parks+Rec, had a gestation period, and our full crew kicked in on season 1 episode 16, so you might want to skip ahead.
Photo Credit: Bill Heck