The Equalizer

The Equalizer was an American action-adventure television series that aired on the CBS Network between 1985 and 1989.

Related Topics:
American - CBS Network - 1985 - 1989

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The series starred British actor Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, a former secret agent who tries to atone for past sins by offering, free of charge, his services as a troubleshooter (literally), a protector, and an investigator. Aided by a group of shady contacts (some of whom date back to his spying days), McCall roams the streets of New York City, doling out justice on hoodlums and drug dealers.

Related Topics:
British - Edward Woodward - Secret agent - New York City

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Many episodes focus on McCall doing assignments for "Control" (played by Robert Lansing), the unnamed head of a secret organization for which McCall used to work. In later episodes, Richard Jordan joined the cast as fellow "equalizer" Harley Gage, in order to reduce the workload on Edward Woodward, who suffered a heart attack during production of the series. Keith Szarabajka was also a regular cast member, portraying McCall's freelance assist (also an ex-Secret Agent) "Mickey Kostmayer".

Related Topics:
Robert Lansing - Richard Jordan - Heart attack - Keith Szarabajka

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The series, which was in part inspired by the Dirty Harry films, was criticized for its level of violence, although the character of McCall was made out to be sympathetic, on more than one occasion expressing regret at having to kill bad guys. In this respect, combined with the fact that McCall still finds himself under the thumb of the organization he sought to leave, suggests that this series was also strongly influenced by Woodward's similarly-themed series Callan which ran from 1967 to 1972.

Related Topics:
Dirty Harry - Callan - 1967 - 1972

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The show's distinctive theme song became a hit for composer/performer Stewart Copeland.

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