The Equalizer (1985 TV series) season 1

The Equalizer (1985 TV series) season 1 comprises the initial 22 episodes of the American crime drama television series The Equalizer, which premiered on CBS on September 18, 1985, and concluded its first season on May 7, 1986. The season introduces viewers to Robert McCall, a former covert operations agent who uses his skills to help those in need, operating outside the bounds of the law.

Overview:

Season 1 establishes the premise of the series: McCall, haunted by his past and seeking redemption, places an ad in the newspaper offering his services as "The Equalizer." He assists ordinary people facing extraordinary and often dangerous situations, often involving criminal activity or powerful adversaries. The cases he undertakes are diverse, ranging from helping victims of domestic abuse to rescuing kidnapped children and protecting witnesses.

Key Characters Introduced:

• Robert McCall (Edward Woodward): The protagonist, a complex and enigmatic figure with a mysterious past.
• Control (Robert Lansing, voice only): A former colleague of McCall's from his days in the intelligence community, often providing assistance and information.
• Various recurring supporting characters who are often victims or clients seeking McCall's help.

Notable Episodes:

Specific episodes from season 1 dealt with issues such as:

• Pilot episode: Introduces McCall's character and his methods.
• China Rose: Involves a young woman seeking refuge from the Chinese mafia.
• Other episodes focused on themes of revenge, justice, and the struggle against corruption.

Themes:

Season 1 explores themes of redemption, justice, the morality of vigilantism, and the complexities of the Cold War era, with hints about McCall's past experiences as a government operative. It also touches upon social issues relevant to the 1980s.

Reception:

The first season of The Equalizer was generally well-received by critics and audiences, praised for its realistic depiction of urban crime, strong performances (particularly by Edward Woodward), and its morally ambiguous protagonist. The series gained a dedicated following and contributed to the popularity of the vigilante crime drama genre.

Availability:

The first season of The Equalizer has been released on DVD and is available for streaming on various platforms.