as : Robert's estranged son, whose difficult relationship with his father is a recurring emotional arc. Season 1 Episode Guide (1985–1986)
In 2021, CBS successfully rebooted the television franchise with Queen Latifah playing Robyn McCall, proving that the concept of a lone protector leveling the playing field remains deeply resonant with modern audiences. Conclusion
McCall, in his apartment, types a name into an old typewriter. The paper reads: “Kessler, Anton – Terminated (Asset retrieval only).” He crosses out “Terminated.” Writes: “Corrected.”
as Robert McCall: A sophisticated but tough vigilante seeking redemption for his past.
Season 1 consists of 22 episodes that laid the groundwork for the entire franchise, which later spawned theatrical films starring Denzel Washington and a CBS reboot starring Queen Latifah. Several key elements defined this freshman season:
The original master tapes have been digitized for streaming platforms, fixing many of the color-bleeding and tracking issues found on old VHS tapes or early 2000s DVD releases.
| Character | Actor | Role Description | | :--- | :--- | :--- | | | Edward Woodward | The protagonist; a retired intelligence officer offering his services as a troubleshooter. | | Mickey Kostmayer | Keith Szarabajka | McCall's quiet, unassuming, but highly dangerous ally who frequently assists in the field. | | "Control" | Robert Lansing | McCall's enigmatic former boss at "The Company," whose relationship with McCall is complex and often adversarial. | | Lt. Burnett | Steven Williams | An NYPD detective who is initially wary of McCall's vigilante methods but comes to work with him across multiple episodes. |
If you are looking for high-quality, atmospheric noir television, The Equalizer 1985 remains essential viewing.
: The iconic driving electronic theme music composed by Stewart Copeland, drummer for The Police, injected a unique, high-energy New Wave energy into the show.
Compare The Equalizer with other shows of the era (like Miami Vice or Magnum, P.I. ). Recommend similar "intellectual vigilante" shows.
The Equalizer stood out because it treated violence with gravity. Robert McCall was a weary man carrying a heavy moral burden, a stark contrast to the lighthearted tone of contemporary shows like The A-Team . Season 1 established the blueprint for the entire franchise, proving that a lone individual with a moral compass could stand up against systemic corruption and street-level terror.
In Season 1, Woodward masterfully balances McCall’s dual natures. On one hand, he is a refined gentleman who drives a sleek Jaguar XJ6, dresses in immaculate trench coats, and enjoys classical music. On the other hand, he is a cold, calculating operative capable of extreme, precise violence. This duality gave the series a psychological depth that was rare for network television at the time. Season 1 Highlights and Themes
The show’s hook was instantly iconic, established by the newspaper classified advertisement McCall runs in every episode: