The Equalizer Season 1 Episode 2: China Rain
Aired on CBS: September 25, 1985
Written by: Victor Hsu
Directed by: Richard Compton
Episode 2. The first episode after the "establish several throughline plots" pilot. The Equalizer is called in to help return a kidnapped boy. But he's going to need help... Cue the first appearance of his up-for-anything agency cohort Mickey Kostmayer. You'd think with a more straightforward episode we'd have less to talk about, but you'd be wrong. In fact, who do you think you are thinking that? This is The Equalizer, there are endless things to pick apart.
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The Defector

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