The Equalizer Season 1 Episode 12: Reign of Terror
Aired on CBS: December 11, 1985
Directed by: Richard Compton
Written by : Steve Bello
Featuring: Lonette McKee (Brewster's Millions), Fred Williamson (NFL great), Immanuel Pena, and Paul "My name's Paul and this is between y'all" Calderon
The Equalizer has to save a health clinic in the slum from being overrun by a glam apocalyptic street gang, and all without using a gun. Not because he lost his whole arsenal of guns or anything, but the new doctor in town insists... and because he's had some rare troubled thoughts about his past aided by a theatrical pantomime shooting gallery where ex-agents go to think.
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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