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The Equalizer (1985–1989) 7.4
A retired intelligence agent turned private detective helps various threatened clients to equalize the odds. |
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Title: The Equalizer (1985–1989)
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Cast
| Complete series cast summary: | |||
| Edward Woodward | ... |
Robert McCall
(88 episodes, 1985-1989)
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| Keith Szarabajka | ... |
Mickey Kostmayer
(55 episodes, 1985-1989)
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Plot Summary
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Add Synopsis
Storyline
Robert McCall is "The Equalizer", a private detective with a lot of contacts who is available for hire if you have a problem that you don't know how to solve. His no-nonsense attitude, compassion, and experience with dealing with a wide variety of situations makes him a powerful and useful detective. Written by Murray Chapman <muzzle@cs.uq.oz.au>
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Details
Country:
USALanguage:
EnglishRelease Date:
18 September 1985 (USA) See more »Also Known As:
Equalizer See more »Filming Locations:
New York City, New York, USACompany Credits
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company contact information
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Technical Specs
Runtime:
Sound Mix:
MonoColor:
ColorAspect Ratio:
4:3
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Robert McCall: Mickey, there is a five year old boy in there.
Mickey Kostmayer: Oh yeah, we're gonna need a diversion.
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Did You Know?
Trivia
Actor Martin Shaw, who gained fame on the British series The Professionals, turned down the role of Robert McCall on 'The Equalizer'. See more »Quotes
Mickey Kostmayer: What do we need a diversion for? Just kick in the door and hose the room.Robert McCall: Mickey, there is a five year old boy in there.
Mickey Kostmayer: Oh yeah, we're gonna need a diversion.
See more »
I doubt that I could call this an objectively excellent show, but I loved it. We all have worries and concerns in this world, and when The Equalizer would come on, it was as if someone showed up to take care of it all.
The violence was gratuitous, the hero flawed, the premises and execution over the top. Yet the team, headed by an effective if somewhat hammy Edward Woodward who is in turn flanked by Mickey Kostmayer, and Jimmy and Sterno, and the regulars - Control, Pete O'Phelan, Lt. Smalls, Scott, etc. - grew on us. So many budding actors, now famous, guested on this show.
In a key conversation, McCall tells Control how he wished the rain pouring outside could clear away all the human scum and filth that terrorizes society. McCall took it upon himself to do so.
I often wished that longer-term plot elements would take hold. At one point, McCall says to Saul Rubinek's character, "Jason, you set me up. I don't know why, but believe me, I will find out" - but nothing came of this. Some of today's shows, Alias for example, show the potential for twists and turns in long-term plot elements. So, while there were serial elements (ex. McCall's family tribulations), the episodes were largely stand-alone. The Equalizer had huge potential for groundbreaking storylines, but failed to realize it. Still, it provided me with my weekly dose of valued escapism.