The Equalizer (TV series)

The Equalizer
Genre	Action Crime Drama Spy fiction
Created by	Michael Sloan Richard Lindheim
Starring	Edward Woodward Robert Lansing Keith Szarabajka
Opening theme	Stewart Copeland
Country of origin	United States
Original language(s)	English
No. of seasons	4
No. of episodes	88 (list of episodes)
Production
Running time	48 minutes
Release
Original network	CBS
Audio format	Stereo
Original release	September 18, 1985 – August 24, 1989

The Equalizer is an American crime drama television series, originally airing on CBS from fall 1985 until late-spring 1989. It starred Edward Woodward as a retired espionage/intelligence officer with a mysterious past, who uses the skills from his former career to exact vigilante justice on behalf of innocent people who are trapped in dangerous circumstances. The series combined elements of the spy film, private investigator/police procedural drama, and vigilante genres. Actors Robert Lansing and Keith Szarabajka had regular parts in the show.

The series featured English actor Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, a former covert operations officer of an unnamed US government intelligence organization, which was often referred to simply as "The Agency" or "The Company" (it is implied that it is the CIA), who tries to atone for his past by offering, free of charge, his services as a troubleshooter, a protector, and an investigator. People in need find him through a newspaper classified ad: "Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer. 212 555 4200." When he begins this business in the pilot episode, it is revealed that the nickname "Equalizer" was bestowed on him by another operative by the name of "Brahms," played by Jerry Stiller.

Aided by a group of sometimes-mysterious contacts, some of whom date back to his spying days, McCall traverses the streets of New York City, delivering justice upon bullies, corrupt police and corrupt politicians, hoodlums, rapists, racists, murderers, kidnappers, drug dealers, and other "truly deserving" people. His contacts are also prone to human foibles, ranging from egotism to domestic problems.

McCall himself is divorced, a "lost dad" long estranged from his son, Scott (William Zabka). Scott comes back into his life as a young adult who is at first bitterly critical of his father's world, but then becomes drawn into that world to the dismay of both of his parents. McCall also lost a woman he was in love with, a fellow operative named Manon Brevard, and discovers that she had secretly given birth to his daughter (Ep. 3.16, "The Mystery of Manon").

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Wikipedia