The Equalizer Season 1 Episode 17: Torn
Aired on CBS: February 5, 1986
Directed by: Russ Mayberry
Written by : Carl Eastlake
Featuring: A young Melissa Joan Hart, Patricia Richardson, Ron O'Neal, Saul Rubinek (last appearance on the show)
A powerhouse episode. The most ambitious cinematography on this show yet as the Equalizer flashes back to his work on the field long ago. Someone from his past is back in town, a double crosser with the ominous name: Brian. Also a pre-Clarissa Melissa Joan Hart calls the Equalizer since her dad is set to be released from prison. Come for the recap. Stay for the guest star career connections, the historical context, and the deep thematic analyses. 
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Unnatural Causes

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