The Equalizer Season 1 Episode 3: The Defector
Aired on CBS: October, 1985
Written by: Heywood Gould
Directed by: Rod Holcomb
It's not easy to make show that focuses on Russian spies yet has zero international intrigue, but The Equalizer finds a way. First every action scene has to make no sense off the bat then get weirder from there. For quieter scenes, have Robert unbutton way too many shirt buttons. And for good measure, add a second plot with a teenager terrorized by a gang straight out of a community theater production of Grease.
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The Lock Box

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