The Equalizer (1985 TV series) season 1

The Equalizer
Season 1
Season 1 U.S. DVD cover
Starring	Edward Woodward Keith Szarabajka
No. of episodes	22
Release
Original network	CBS
Original release	September 18, 1985 (1985-09-18) – April 8, 1986 (1986-04-08)
Season chronology

The Equalizer is an American action crime drama television series, co-created by Michael Sloan and Richard Lindheim.

Originally airing on CBS, a national broadcast television network in the United States, season one premiered on September 18, 1985 (1985-09-18) and ran for 22 episodes until the season finale on April 8, 1986 (1986-04-08). The series ran four seasons with a total of 88 episodes.

"The Equalizer" is the nickname given by a colleague and friend named Brahms (played by Jerry Stiller) to the protagonist Robert McCall, who is a former U.S. intelligence operative turned freelance "security officer." The latter description was given to him by NYPD Detective Lt. Jefferson Burnett, who at first is dubious about working with a vigilante.

McCall's clients usually call after seeing his newspaper advertisement in the security section of the classifieds. "Got a Problem? Odds Against You? Call The Equalizer 212-555-4200"

Episodes depict McCall reviewing his answering machine to decide who to help and who to ignore, followed by a meeting to discuss specifics of the case and how to proceed. McCall often enlists the help of current and former "Company" agents and assets to assist him, while also liaising with contacts in the New York Police Department. Occasionally, events and individuals from his prior career in espionage return to complicate his new profession.

The show became a popular cult classic that inspired three feature films from 2014 to 2023 and a 2021 reimagined series.

Production

Episodes were filmed on location in New York City.

Cast and characters

Main

See also: Main cast with character descriptions

• Edward Woodward as Robert McCall
• Keith Szarabajka as Mickey Kostmayer

Recurring

See also: Full Series list of Recurring cast with character descriptions

• Ray Baker as Dana Caldrin 
• Robert Blumenfeld as Wilhite 
• Jack Gilpin as Harvey 
• Robert Joy as Jacob Stock 
• Robert Lansing as Control 
• Roma Maffia as Sindee 
• Mark Margolis as Jimmy 
• Irving Metzman as Sterno 
• Ron O'Neal as Lt. Isadore Smalls 
• Saul Rubinek as Jason Masur 
• Yvonne Wilder as Lettie 
• Steven Williams as Lt. Jefferson Burnett 
• Fred Williamson as Lt. Mason Warren 
• William Zabka as Scott McCall 

Guest stars

Stiller

"The Equalizer" pilot episode guest stars Patricia Kalember as art teacher Carlene Randall who is being stalked. Michael Levin plays Leonard Morgan, Senior VP of Manhattan Telecommunications, which he uses for nefarious ends. Jerry Stiller guest stars as Brahms, a Company man who helps crack a computer code for his friend Robert, to whom he gave the nick name, "The Equalizer." Broadway actor and singer George Hearn guest starred as Senator Jim Blanding, who is running for President, but has dirty laundry at risk of exposure. Co-stars include: Jack Davidson as Hamilton, who has stumbled upon Morgan's racket, and hires McCall after he is nearly killed; David Proval as Detective Lt. Goldman who wants to help Carlene, but cannot until a crime is actually committed; singer Paul Jabara briefly appears as Scott McCall's music teacher; and Carrie Kei Heim as Sarah, Carlene's daughter. Supporting actors include, David Labiosa as Cristolides, a rogue agent who once trusted McCall, and Casey Biggs as agent Mason who his hunting Cristolides.

Lauren Tom, Tzi Ma & Jodi Long

"China Rain" featured several very early television appearances by its guest stars. Lauren Tom portrayed Mrs. Tom, a maid whose son Vincent is kidnapped while working for an affluent Chinese-American couple, the Lin's played by guest stars Tzi Ma and Jodi Long. James Russo guest stars as a Police Detective who is very vocal about his belief that they will not get Mrs. Tom's child back alive. It is his third television role the same year as his Miami Vice appearance. Co-stars include: Pippa Pearthree as Sarah who alerts Mrs. Tom to The Equalizer advert; Ching Valdes in her screen debut as Tommy Li, who McCall knows from his days with the Agency overseas in the Orient, in general, and Hong Kong in particular (Li had connections with the underworld of heroin smuggling, and tells McCall she misses the money they could've made); Kevin Gray as Dal the nightclub bartender; singer Karen Akers as Cynthia the nightclub's so-named Head of Personal Relations; and the two boys, played by co-stars Roger Change as Vincent and Steven Tom as Henry. Supporting actor Donald Li played Joe Boy, the leader of the "Joe Boys" Chinatown gang mentioned to McCall by Tommy Li. A fellow "Joe Boy" gangster is played by Al Leong in an uncredited appearance. Also not credited, but seen in the episode is Kim Chan (the man sitting on the steps), and Linda Wang (the Chinese teen that waves) as McCall walks by. Footage of Kim Chan's character is reused in another, subsequent episode, thus he was not credited twice. A few of the other supporting actors include: Antoinia Vasquez as Maxine, Martin Snaric as Hans, a pair of party-goers who interrupt police preparing for ransom demands, Peter Yoshida as Chung who is the owner of the store that McCall cases, Rony Clanton as Technician who hacks Mr. Lin's computer, and David Rosenbaum as Salesman (also as Agent in "Shadow Play"). In his final screen role, Rosenbaum played the recurring character Trial Judge Alan Berman in Law & Order (1992–2004).

M. Leo

Melissa Leo's screen debut in All My Children came only a year before her role in "The Defector," playing Russian ballerina Irina Dzershinsky, whose father Felix wants to defect to the West. She has gone on to roles in The Equalizer films as Susan Plummer. By 1985, Joe Silver, who plays Irena's father, had already appeared in nearly eighty films and television shows. After The Equalizer, Joe Silver had only seven more roles before his death in 1989. Jaroslav Stremien plays the antagonist, North American KGB Station Chief Karl Radek. Supporting actors include Colin Fox as the Russian Consulate, Victor Argo as O'Hare who works for Radek, Joseph Mosso as Vitaly Goncharov who also works for Radek (also as Alex in "Prelude."), and J. D. Roth as Larry Kelly, a bullied teen that McCall helps when Irena initially rejects his aid.

Adam Ant

In "The Lock Box," McCall tries to recover a teen girl named Edie for her parents, Sam and Eleanor Griffith, played by guest stars J. T. Walsh and Maureen Anderman. English singer/musician Adam Ant portrays the ruthless villain, Francis DeGraumont, who employs Ramon Scavosa, played by Jamie Tirelli. McCall's current love interest is Angelica, played by Sara Botsford. Supporting actors include Lori Petty as a hooker named Brandy, Luis Guzmán as an unlicensed Gypsy Cabbie, Stewart Steinberg as an opportunistic Hotel Clerk, and Jeff McCarthy as a Waiter. In law enforcement roles, Richard Portnow plays a Lieutenant, David Alan Grier the Desk Sergeant, and Daryl Edwards is a "Uni" Police Officer (i.e., beat cop). Ray Baker plays in his first of three episodes as Dana Caldrin. This is Grier's television debut a year before his reoccurring role in All Is Forgiven (1986), and Portnow's second television role. Portnow appears twice more as "Police Lieutenant" and "Policeman / Detective," but he is never named in dialog.

K. Young

Karen Young made her television debut in "Lady Cop" as Officer Sandra Stahl, who doesn't want anything to do with dirty cops, led by Will Patton's character, Officer Nick Braxton, Stahl's new partner. Two others also have their earliest screen roles, portraying dirty cops; Bruce MacVittie as Officer Frank Sergi, and Esai Morales as Officer Miguel Canterra. Supporting roles include, Michael Higgins as Marvin Stahl, from whom Sandra asks advice, not only because he is her father, but also as a former Police Sergeant who has experience dealing with corrupt officers. The cold opening features Reginald VelJohnson playing jazz on the fictional NYC radio station WJZA as Face to Face DJ Harmon Hunter. Hunter is trying to hire McCall to save him from loan sharks, but McCall's doesn't see why he should save him from a mess he created himself. Raynor Scheine makes an appearance as a hapless, unsuspecting Bum. Also in this episode, Mark Margolis begins his Equalizer role as recurring Company contact, Jimmy. Veteran actor Maurice Shrog handles Braxton's ill-gotten gains as his Pawnbroker. Playwright Miguel Piñero appears as a tenement superintendent, who calls police regarding an elderly woman who died in her sleep. Piñero's very last screen role before his 1988 death was the Equalizer 1986 episode, "Counterfire," as a Drunk.

B. Young

Tom Signorelli plays Frankie Corso, who gets his best friend of twenty years into trouble, in "The Confirmation Day." Signorelli also plays Dio, in "The Sins of Our Fathers." Burt Young plays Louie Ganucci, who wants to get his teen son Anthony (played by Ilan Mitchell-Smith) a new suit for his confirmation. He also considers enrolling him into private school. A fruit truck driver with a chauffer's license, he was injured on the job with no compensation. So he doesn't have the money. Thus he succumbs to Frankie's scheme, even though he's averse to doing anything crooked. Lois Smith plays Anthony's mother Marie, who is now endangered because of Louie's actions. Kent Broadhurst plays Noble, who smuggles contraband. His "muscle" Purcell, is played by Gary Howard Klar. Joseph Wiseman plays "wise guy" mob boss, Eddie Vanessi, who wants to control everything in his territory, including Noble's racket. John Capodice plays Father Antonelli who is concerned about a parishioner at his church seeking sanctuary. Even though he believes her to be deluded, he asks McCall to help her nonetheless. Anne Jackson plays Henrietta Fields, an eccentric former musical-comedy star, who says someone is trying to kill her for her "treasure."

Barron © Luigi Novi [2]

In "The Children's Song," guest star Dana Barron plays Melinda who is hitch-hiking from Toronto to Boston with her boyfriend Jayck (played by Tom Isbell), when they get into a truck with a bad group. Dana Barron made her screen debut only five years before The Equalizer in He Knows You're Alone (1980). This is Barron's third television role after debuting in the TV movie The Brass Ring (1983), the same year she originated the role of Audrey Griswold in National Lampoon's Vacation. After The Equalizer in 1987, she played Erica Sheldon in Death Wish 4: The Crackdown and that same year joined the cast as a recurring guest star on the action adventure series Crossbow in the role of Eleanor (1987–1989).

Whitford

Bradley Whitford plays Dillart, the leader of brutal young thugs who terrorize the Melinda and Jayck. William Youmans plays Ray, and Perry Lang plays Bobby, Dillart's accomplices. Supporting roles include Ed O'Neill as a Doctor, Ken Jenkins as Sheriff Stone, and Angela Pietropinto as the waitress at a one-stop store, restaurant, gas station. This episode marks one of five first screen appearances for Whitford, Youmans, and Jenkins.

Jon DeVries (credited as De Vries) has a leading guest star role in "The Distant Fire" as hit-man Michael Rosa, who once loved his target, Carla Holden played by Alberta Watson. His main target is her husband, an ambassador of an unnamed European nation, Vezay Holden played by George Morfogen. Saul Rubinek makes his first of three Equalizer appearances as Company bureaucrat Jason Masur. Bill Cobbs plays Barry, a Company man who runs a bar containing a dead drop, which is used by Rosa to contact McCall. Lori Cardille first appears observing McCall as Sarah Claxton. Her role becomes more apparent later. Tony Award nominee Broadway musical theatre star Dee Hoty makes a brief appearance as a Hostess at a formal diplomatic gathering.

Baranski

In "Mama's Boy," Christine Baranski guest stars as a successful advertising executive and single mother, Victoria Baines. Beastie Boys rapper Adam "Ad-Rock" Horovitz made his screen debut as Victoria's teen son Ronald, who is mesmerized by a "charming, ruthless, psychopath," drug dealing, martial artist, Eugene Benton, played by Mark Soper. Victoria has no idea Ronnie is dealing drugs, as she brags about him to her clients (one of whom is played by Richard Frank). In one of his earliest television appearances, Bob Gunton co-stars as her boss, Jim Cronin. Jim Dale guest stars as Gilbert, Victoria's disinterested ex-husband, who needs convincing by both McCall and Gilbert's girlfriend Vanessa, played by J. Smith-Cameron. Alex Winter plays Ron's friend Jeffrey Sims, who uses much too much. This episode was Winter's second television role, four years before Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure (1989). Supporting cast include Billy Wirth's screen debut as Ralph, a dissatisfied customer, and a brief appearance by Jill Larson as a single woman at Gilbert's gallery.

Dutton

Veteran actor Brian Bedford portrays Defense Attorney W. Donald Polk, who is fed up with failure of the justice system to lock up criminals, who admit they are guilty, granting them a free pass to commit more crime. Charles Brown plays Detective Sergeant Oliver Gant who confronts McCall after a vigilante kills two punks. Joe Maruzzo and Mark Baker play the aforementioned thugs, who just skated on a murder rap, and immediately commit another crime; robbing an old lady played by Sylvia Kauders, a Broadway actress who made her television debut in this episode after her film debut in Witness earlier in 1985. Mark Linn-Baker plays Ronnie, who sets McCall up with brand-new, state-of-the-art, top-of-the-line electronics to trace incoming callers (i.e., an early implementation of caller ID). His role came the year before playing Larry Appleton in Perfect Strangers. Laura Ashton guest stars as foreign student Sydney Blake, who is the victim of a "Bump and Run" attack in which she inadvertently kills one of the carjackers, called D.J. by his accomplices, Abmennet and Tessor, played by Charles S. Dutton and Nathan George, respectively. Dutton is one of several other Equalizer actors who also worked on Miami Vice, where he made his television debut shortly before this episode aired. His film debut was also earlier in Stephen King's Cat's Eye (1985).

Sydney Blake is arrested, and is advised by a lawyer played by Geoff Pierson. Rock singer Meat Loaf makes his American debut on network television as Sugar Fly Simon, an "alleged" dealer of illegal arms, after having appeared on Showtime's cable miniseries, Rebellious Jukebox (1985). Producer, screenwriter, and director Bobby Moresco, in one of his few screen appearances, has a small role as a 74th precinct policeman.

Baker & Feldshuh

Blanche Baker portrays Allison Webster, a housewife "Desperately" seeking more attention from her disinterested husband, Ross (played by co-star, Luke Reilly), who cares more about stocks than his wife inviting the auto-mechanic for coffee. Ray Sharkey guest stars as a charming but deranged hit-man Geoffery Dryden, who takes advantage of Allison's frustration. David Margulies guest stars as Macklin who employs Pantero and Dryden. In a special guest appearance, Tovah Feldshuh plays Allison's friend Samantha Page, who encourages her to seek diversion elsewhere. Ray Baker also guest stars, in his second of three episodes as Dana Caldrin, who ferrets out the hit-man's identity and employer. Co-stars include Carlos Carrasco as Pantero who tries to reign in Dryden to finish the job for which he was contracted, and Richard Portnow as a police lieutenant in his second of three Equalizer appearances. Supporting actors include Jack Gilpin as McCalls pharmacy delivery man Harvey, and Roma Maffia's television debut as Dana's street acquaintance Sindee. Both Gilpin and Maffia have the first of two their Equalizer appearances in this episode.

Williamson
Milian

Lonette McKee guest stars as the incoming free clinic Doctor Elly Walton, who endures a "Reign of Terror" after refusing to pay drug tribute to the Crips. This is McKee's second television role after Spenser: For Hire only a month prior. Tomas Milian plays Immanuel Pena (AKA Hernando Rodriguez), a Marxist who defected from Cuba with McCall's help. Former head of the Cuban Secret Police, he now lives in the neighborhood, trying to find redemption. Special guest star Fred Williamson appears in the first of two episodes as Lt. Mason Warren. As an old flame, he tries to help Elly hold the gang at bay. Co-stars include Lester Rawlins, in his last screen role before his 1988 death, as Doctor Timms, who is retiring from his practice. He has tried his best, but he is too tired of gang activity. Rosemary De Angelis plays Timms' nurse Irma Portman, who knows the routine, and calls McCall to put an end to it. Joe Maruzzo appears in his second Equalizer role as "Head" who leads the Crips gang, taking over from his predecessor, Andreas who died. Primo (played by Pedro Sanchez) thinks he should've been leader instead. In Paul Calderón's fifth television appearance, shortly after his second Miami Vice role, he plays Crips member Rat Heart. Calderón also co-stars as Chacon, a hit-man in season three, "Shadow Play." Alberto Vazquez and Begonya Plaza play Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez, whose six month-old baby girl needs a shot to live.

Converse

Frank Converse guest stars as Guthrie Browne, a bank owner and villainous landlord in "Back Home." Other guest stars include: Allen Swift as Monty Wynn, and Anne Pitoniak as Monty's wife Lilly, an elderly couple who, along with other tenants, are being harassed to move so that Guthrie can redevelop the property; Charles Hallahan as George Cook, who McCall has tasked with keeping the Wynn's safe while he investigates. Marisa Berenson makes a special guest star appearance as Andrea Browne, Guthrie's estranged and battered wife. This is Fred Williamson's second and last Equalizer episode. Co-stars include Jude Ciccolella who plays Joe, a thug hired by Guthrie to harass the tenants, along with co-thug Ben, played by Paul Herman. Ciccolella made his screen debut earlier in the year, making this his fourth television role and fifth overall.

Berenson

Jean De Baer (credited as DeBaer) makes a brief appearance as Eileen Arden, who works at Guthrie's bank. She has a more significant role in season three as Detective Bishop in "Regrets Only" Helen Hanft co-stars as Mrs. Washburn, who along with her husband, Mr. Washburn (played by Richard Russell Ramos), are also concerned tenants. Two recurring characters have their first appearances in this episode: Irving Metzman as Sterno, and Robert Blumenfeld as Wilhite. Supporting actor Frank Adonis, born in Brooklyn (as Frank Scioscia), spent 15 years in film before making his first television appearance in season one, "The Distant Fire" as a Limo Driver. In this episode, he drives Guthrie's limo, in which McCall plants a bug. He is also a limo driver in season two, "Memories of Manon." In "Past Imperfect," he plays the Chauffeur who tries to kill Ray Quintero. After The Equalizer, he played Anthony Stabile in Goodfellas (1990).

McHattie

"Out of the Past" steps Robert McCall's ex-wife Kay, mother of their son Scott. However, she is now Kay Wesley, played by guest star Sandy Dennis. Kay is married to Walter Wesley, played by Barry Primus. This would be Dennis' last television role, although she had more five films before her death in 1991. Also guest starring: Stephen McHattie as Eddie Washburn, a deranged and dying felon who wants revenge on Walter for testifying against him; James Gammon as Eddie's parole officer, Michael Cub, who tries to keep Walter safe from Eddie; Brad Dourif as Eddie's ex-con friend Fenn, who doesn't want to see Eddie return to prison; and Sylvia Miles as Mother, a singer who runs Mothers piano bar. Jasmine Guy has supporting role as Gloria. Guy made her 1982 screen debut on the television series Fame as a Dancer, but was not credited, making this her first credited screen role. Leonie Norton makes her last screen appearance as Gretchen (Gloria's so-called "twin sister").

Curtis

James Murtaugh guest stars as Barry Konig, a florist who needs protection in "Dead Drop." McCall enlists series regulars Mickey Kostmayer, Jimmy, Dana Caldrin, and Sterno, with one addition; Ginger Brock, played by guest star Robin Curtis shortly before reprising her role as Lieutenant Saavik in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home that same year (1986). This is Curtis' fourth credited television, and seventh overall screen, role. Curtis portrays a Company agent who has history with Mickey from a prior mission that resulted in the death of her colleagues, which initially complicates their working relationship. David Leary guest stars as Grant Lawseth, an NSA agent that Ginger and Mickey surveil meeting with "Red Parka Man" (played by co-star George Kyle). Leary had two more Equalizer roles; Marty Bennett in "The Line" and Anton Jooste in "Day of the Covenant." Co-stars include Barry Snider as Inspector Logan (also as Detective Calloway in "Always a Lady"); Richard Portnow as a Policeman / Detective, in his last of three Equalizer roles; James Eckhouse in a very early television appearance as Steve, the "big fish" ringleader (also as the District Attorney in "Suspicion of Innocence" ); Tony DiBenedetto (credited, Di Benedetto) as Sam the Doorman; and Robert O'Reilly as Fur Collar Man. Roma Maffia makes her last of two supporting cast appearances as Sindee.

Davi

Brian Tarantina made his television debut in "Wash Up right after his debut film role in The Cotton Club. He plays a skyscraper window washer, Lenny DeWitt, who believes his boss has tried to kill him and his coworker Pete (Bill Cwikowski) for forming a union. Robert Davi guest stars as their villainous boss, Michael Riegert. Other guest stars include Yvonne Wilder's first appearance as Lettie, McCall's housekeeper; Michael O'Hare as Alex, who is called in by McCall to help Jimmy; Joe Spinell as a mob boss; and the first appearance of Ron O'Neal as Lt. Isadore Smalls. Hell's Kitchen, Manhattan resident John Michael Bolger had a small, but first screen role as a Bartender before appearing in Twins (1988), Delirious (1991), Carlito's Way (1993), and as Lieutenant Johnson on Third Watch. Kenneth Solarino (credited as Ken Solarino) has a supporting role as Riegert's bodyguard, Rick. In season three, Solarino plays McCall's contact Jeremy for three episodes.

Hart

In "Torn," nine year-old Melissa Joan Hart co-stars as Laura Moore, a young girl who McCall protects from her abusive, ex-con father, Mike Moore (played by Kenneth Ryan, who later plays Max in "Solo"). Laura's mother Jesse is played by guest star Caitlin Clarke (from Dragon Slayer, 1981). Zohra Lampert guest stars as Veronica Whitney, who pays for an illegal arms deal. Co-stars include: Charles Knox Robinson as Brian, who betrayed McCall's friend Angela years ago; Robert John Burke in his television debut as O'Toole, Mike's case worker; and an early television appearance of Patricia Richardson as an unnamed woman who is Veronica's daughter. Richardson played a more significant role as Fraunces Tavern barfly Sandy in the 1987 episode "In the Money" before joining the cast of Home Improvement (1991).

Verdon & Delaney

Kim Delaney guest stars as aspiring actress Sally Ann Carter who was taken in by a flashy but ruthless pimp, Anza Serrato played by Bobby DiCicco in "Unnatural Causes." Veteran Broadway and film actress Gwen Verdon guest stars as Kelly Sterling, an older, retired Company operative who helps trap Kevin Geer's character, the "Orchid Killer" (Geer also played Willie J. Hawkins in "Target of Choice"). Other guest stars include, Charlotte Moore as Francine Grant, McCall's librarian researcher, and Stephen Joyce as Mr. Peters, Anza's boss. Co-starring is Lynn Milgrim as Mrs. Lenox, one of the victims; Joe Lisi as a Patrolman; and Alice Spivak as Sally Ann's Acting Teacher. In a supporting role, Cathryn de Prume (as dePrume) had her screen debut as a Waitress.

Clarkson

In "Breakpoint," terrorists kidnap their target but do not escape before police arrive, forcing a hostage situation in the hotel where a large wedding reception is under way. The episode features a large cast of nine guest stars (excluding regular cast), four co-stars, and four supporting actors (plus two uncredited terrorists and numerous extras).

Shalhoub

Guest stars include Patricia Clarkson as Deborah Wade, who has just married Benjamin Wade. She conspires with McCall as if she knows how her enemies think, and seems quite willing to act when the time is right, even managing to kick one of the terrorist in the face. This is Clarkson's second screen role, before her film debut in The Untouchables (1987). The unnamed terrorist leader is played by Tony Shalhoub in his screen debut, five years before joining the cast of Wings (1991). He plays a cold, calculating, focused ideologue who stops at nothing to secure his prize, Gustav Herant.

Aharon Ipalé plays Gustav Herant, a philanthropist, and the only hostage to keep safe until they return to their (unnamed) country to try, convict, and execute him as a traitor. Richard Hamilton plays Otis Hendricks, a saxophonist in the wedding reception band, who just wants it to be over so he can quit this gig. Phyllis Newman plays Gwen Hunter, who is friendly with everyone, including terrorists, despite a deadly situation.

Eisenberg

Sam Schacht plays Frank Stevens, a City Councilman who wants to fight back. Schacht also played Frank Carter, an FBI Agent, in "Heartstrings." Ron Frazier's unnamed character is sent in by law enforcement when a doctor is requested for a terrorist who was shot, but he only makes a show of treating the wounded; he is there to get a weapon to McCall. Frazier also played Coe in "Nocturne" and Honeywell in "Always a Lady." Ned Eisenberg and Tony Spiridakis guest star as unnamed terrorists. Eisenberg's character tends to distraction, conversing with hostages, whereas Spiridakis is a coarse thug, in particular towards Deborah.

Florek

Co-stars include: Earl Hindman as Findlay, presumably law enforcement, but neither his rank, nor his agency or department is mentioned. He does know Mickey Kostmayer, and Robert McCall, and their methods. Hindman will appear thrice more in The Equalizer as Detective Lt. Elmer before joining the cast of Home Improvement as Wilson (1991). Dann Florek plays a Lieutenant (surname Ferraro in dialog), and acts as the negotiator. It is Florek's fourth television role (fifth overall) before joining the casts of L.A. Law (1988) and Law & Order (1990). This is Joseph Kell's first screen role as Benjamin Wade, who tries to remain so Deborah may go free. This is Jeff McCarthy's second screen role (both on The Equalizer) as Gary (surname Speer in dialog). McCall convinces him to trade places, so McCall may stay and help, while Gary goes free.

Metcalf

Laurie Metcalf guest stars as Theresa whose friend Vicki is killed after running afoul of industrial spies, in "No Conscience." D. W. Moffett plays a womanizer named Mitchell who inadvertently makes himself a target of Vicki's enemies, after she hands him her phone number. Linda Thorson plays an unnamed industrial spy who wants what Vicki stole; what she now believes Mitchell has. Veteran actor Madison Arnold guest stars as Mr. Signorello, a cabbie who McCall helps, after which Signorello agrees to lend a hand when needed. In this episode, he tails Laurie and reports back to McCall. Kelly Curtis co-stars as Laurie's friend Vicki who initially passed the information to Mitchell. Karen Morris Gowdy as Mary, and Nitchie Barrett as Dana, co-star as two of Mitchell's many conquests. Lara Harris as a Blonde on Phone has a small supporting role in which she is mistaken for Vicki.

Hedaya

Dan Hedaya guest stars as Frank Donahue, inventor of the Donahue Fuel Injector who claims IP theft, not realizing that his boss at Penatrax has already committed murderous "Unpunished Crimes." Regina Baff plays Susan Donahue, Frank's wife, who has lost patience with Frank's fixation on the success of his invention, and is on the verge of leaving him. Baff will have one more role, which will be her final screen appearance, as Kitty Halsey in The Equalizer series finale, "Suicide Squad." John Cameron Mitchell plays Frank's eldest son Ed Donahue, who sides with his mother. It is Mitchell's second screen role. Cameron Johann (as Cameron Charles Johann) plays Frank's son Rick Donahue, who calls The Equalizer to save his father and their family. Johann will have one more Equalizer role as Chris Winter in "Re-Entry." After a handful of other screen roles in the 1980s, Johann became a producer. John Cullum guest stars as Stuart Cane, the ruthless CEO of Penatrax, who has a dark secret. Co-stars include: Jon Polito as Gianni Greco, who led a terrorist organization called Red Wind. Polito has two more Equalizer roles as Gene Caramack in "Memories of Manon" and as David Pfieffer in "Silent Fury;" Joseph Ragno as Jock co-stars as McCall's plumber, who makes a mess of it, doesn't finishing it. and still wants money for it; Lee Wallace as Whitney, who works for Cane, but tries protect corporate interests; Clifford David as Charles Webber, George Guidall as Richard Phillips, and Walter Bobbie as George Cox, portray Corporate Executive Officers from other companies, who Greco uses to run a game on Cane to uncover his unpunished crimes; and August Schellenberg as Brennan, who works for Cane.

Musante

In the season two finale, "Pretenders," Chad Redding guest stars as Beth Mackie, a rookie reporter who is struggling to make a name for herself, and enough money to fight for custody of her six year-old son. Beth suspects her neighbor is a criminal, and smells a story. McCall is dubious. Beth offers more business by crediting him in her exposé on Parker. He takes her case only after matters escalate. Chad Redding made her final screen appearance in season four of The Equalizer as NYPD Detective Sgt. Alice Shepard in the 1989 episode "The Caper," after ten episodes in the role beginning with season two in "A Place to Stay." Tony Musante guest stars as John Parker (an alias), who threatens Beth after she witnesses something nefarious. Other guest stars include: Philip Bosco as Brian Barclay, Beth's editor who doesn't see a story but encourages Beth nevertheless (Bosco also plays Oscar in "Heart of Justice"); and Albert Macklin as Dack, Beth's sympathetic colleague who helps her write about sports, and refers her to The Equalizer. Co-stars include: Bruce Jarchow as Flynn, who once tried to interview The Equalizer, and Beth's co-worker who will give her pointers, starting with dinner; and Katherine Cortez as Cynthia, Beth's friend, and the one who sublet the apartment to Parker. This is Cortez's debut television role, and third screen role overall. Cortez also plays Karen Alden in "Inner View" and Cecilia Romero in "Past Imperfect." Supporting actors include: David Bailey as 1st Suit, who with the second guy in a suit, abducts Ian Buchanan's character, Harried Man. This is Buchanan's television debut before joining the cast of General Hospital as Duke Lavery a few months later; and singer Grace Garland as Karen, who works at the Company office and tries to access Parker's file for McCall.

Home releases

See also: Home releases for all four seasons

Episodes

See also: Summary list of all four seasons, without plot summaries

No. overall	No. in season	Title	Directed by	Written by	Original release date	Prod. code	Rating/share (households)
1	1	"The Equalizer" "Pilot"	Rod Holcomb	Michael Sloan	September 18, 1985 (1985-09-18)	83517	18.3/32
At knife-point, a girl in the subway is used as a shield by agent Cristolides. Robert McCall talks him down, but Cristolides is shot by agent Mason. McCall considers shooting Mason.... The music teacher jokes with Scott McCall, as his estranged father arrives. Disenchanted, wanting "a new slate," Robert resigned from an unnamed American intelligence "Company." Scott agrees to give his father a chance. On a quest for atonement, McCall checks the ad he bought: GOT A PROBLEM? ODDS AGAINST YOU? CALL THE EQUALIZER 212-555-4200 Art teacher Carlene Randall rebukes her daughter Sarah for talking to a stranger. The stranger watches... Hamilton at Manhattan Telecommunications discovers "a locked sequence, 0900" in a restricted account list with an embedded phone number; Pentagon General Branford answers. Olsen and Gardner take him to Senior VP Leonard Morgan. The stranger calls Carlene. "What are you wearing? My name is Steve...it is time that we really meet." She hangs up... but he's outside... waving... Control dissuades McCall from resigning; he's a security risk. Hamilton is nearly killed. His wife Ellen listens as he calls The Equalizer. Carlene is shopping... so is Steve... Someone shoots at Hamilton. McCall drives away, but "This isn't quite working..." He takes action. "NOW it's working." NYPD Detective Lieutenant Jefferson Burnett from the 83rd Precinct wonders about McCall's new "security officer" job, and why he should help him. McCall gives him the plate number. It's registered to Morgan. Burnett warns, "This isn't 'Nam or Africa or Central America. This is the Big A, and you don't know what guerilla warfare is until you hit those streets." Carlene is also at the precinct with Detective Lt. Goldman, whose hands are tied. McCall gets to Hamilton's terminal. Morgan noticing, orders Olsen and Gardner to get him. Steve sees her... in her home... in the shower... "I'll be back." That's it! She calls The Equalizer. Brahms says he doesn't know anyone who left the Company, and tells McCall, he's "Code Red," "Top Security Violation." McCall asks Brahms to crack the "0900" code. Steve's back! McCall confronts him... with his Jaguar XJ and a gun. "Leave the Lady alone!" About advertisements, Brahms comments, "I thought I was the only one who called you 'The Equalizer'." About codes, a presidential candidate was bugged; Senator Jim Blanding. McCall suspects extortion. Control lowers McCall's code to Yellow, "officially dangerous, but tolerable." McCall goes to confront Morgan. Meanwhile... Steve grabs Carlene at knife-point. ^ cast
2	2	"China Rain"	Richard Compton	Story by : Victor Hsu Teleplay by : Joel Surnow & Maurice Hurley & Victor Hsu	September 25, 1985 (1985-09-25)	61204	14.3/23
The maid Mrs. Tom brings her son Vincent to work, upsetting Mr. Lin. Mrs. Lin prompts Sarah, who takes them out to the park. Chinatown gangsters kidnap Vincent, mistaking him for Henry. Lt. Burnett prepares for ransom calls. Hans and Maxine show for the party but quickly retreat. Control wants McCall's operational notes. The Shemoneh Esrei "benediction for new life" persuades McCall to trade. Mr. Lin won't pay two-million. A police detective carelessly blurts defeatist remarks. Sarah sees the ad; Mrs. Tom calls. McCall searches Chinatown, passing a man sitting on the steps, and a Chinese teen, to a nightclub. The bartender Dal, calls for the "Head of Personal Relations," Cynthia. Tommy Li and McCall talk "Old Times." She says, "Joe Boys," but dreads turf wars. McCall replies, "I'm the war you have to avoid." She gives a clue; "Axe." A technician hacks Mr. Lin's system. McCall leverages Lin's interests in Laos and Amsterdam, for a $100,000 token, to "follow the money." Joe Boys celebrate the downpayment. McCall scopes Chung's premises, and trades his marker with Control; he needs supplies, and a "wacko who's willing to stick his finger in the fan," Mickey Kostmayer. Mrs. Tom prays... Burnett gets an address... McCall and Mickey go in... ^ cast
3	3	"The Defector"	Rod Holcomb	Heywood Gould	October 2, 1985 (1985-10-02)	61213	12.1/20
Trade Attaché clerk Felix Dzershinsky is barred access to the Russian Consul. North American KGB Station Chief Karl Radek suspects Felix is a highly trained American double-agent. "Let's see what he'll do now..." Felix calls his handler, McCall. The ballet master directs Irina Dzershinsky, as Felix describes his predicament. Control provides "bare minimum backup" for a "minor league operative." Enter Jacob Stock who bungles a breakdancing distraction. Felix dies, defecting. Lt. Burnett doesn't like "cloak and dagger games." McCall confronts Control about Stock, and intuits it's Radek "The Avenger." Irena gets a "Nightingale" number, and "Equalizer" ad, but blames McCall. He helps another caller; at K.H.C. Pizzeria, Larry Kelly needs a crash-course in self-defense against bullies led by Indio. Larry, "Who are you?" McCall, "You were, possibly, expecting Clint Eastwood?" Russian operatives trap Irena. She calls McCall. Radek reacts, "Better call our two Americans..." Larry stands up, and is beat-down. His father Vince vows to "straighten them out," but "It's his fight." Officer O'Hare puts Irena into "protective" custody. McCall gets the bad news, and gears up. Jacob wants to help. "I have to help!" ^ cast
4	4	"The Lock Box"	Russ Mayberry	Story by : Frank Military Teleplay by : Frank Military & Joel Surnow & Maurice Hurley	October 9, 1985 (1985-10-09)	61216	15.0/25
"Wow! We're in New York!" exclaims seventeen year-old Edie. Her mother Eleanor lets a gypsy cabbie load up. A union cabbie ousts him...with luggage. The hotel clerk gouges Sam Griffith for squalid lodgings. Curious about New York, Edie leaves...at night...alone...accosted by Ramon Scavosa ..."saved" by Francis DeGraumont. An Officer reports to the Desk Sergeant. The Griffiths wait for the Lieutenant. Eleanor is handed an advert. McCall entertains voyeuristic suggestions from Angelica. The Lieutenant thinks Edie ran away, and tells Eleanor to wait in Duluth. Furious, she calls. McCall tells Dana Caldrin, "I need a tour of the cesspool, so naturally I thought of you." They go clubbing. Dana points out a hooker named Brandy who explains, "She's getting a crash course...A lock box...whatever he wants...invitation-only." She names Scavosa. Dana elaborates, "2-bit ball racker for DeGraumont." McCall knows that name. A waiter brings Sam's burger...rare. He doesn't complain, angering Eleanor. Fed up, Sam goes hunting. McCall poses as a john to save Edie. Sam gets the news...diplomatic immunity. Eleanor calls again, to stop Sam from killing him... ^ cast
5	5	"Lady Cop"	Russ Mayberry	Story by : Kathryn Bigelow & Maurice Hurley & Joel Surnow Teleplay by : Maurice Hurley & Joel Surnow	October 16, 1985 (1985-10-16)	61208	14.4/23
Mulligan Man airs on WJZA's Face to Face. DJ Harmon Hunter yells, "They go'n kill me, man!" (Loan-sharks) McCall, "Call the police! Leave town?" The superintendent leads Officer Nick Braxton and Officer Sandra Stahl to the body. Stahl tries calling in. Officer Miguel Canterra, "Where ya going?" Officer Frank Sergi, "You're new Stahl...be cool...learn something." They search. Canterra, "I once found $6,800 under a mattress!" Braxton finds jewelry. Stahl, "That's not evidence! ...This is not a game I play." Braxton, "You're already on the team." Her father, Sergeant Marvin Stahl concludes, "This isn't a holy crusade. It's just a job." She disagrees. A drug dealer gives Braxton an envelope. She protests. Fact of Life #4: "Give us any trouble and you're dead." At home, her gun-cleaning blotter shows an advertisement. McCall, how deep is it? Stahl, can you Equalize the NYPD? He tails Braxton...with a camera, to the Pawnbroker, his bedroom, a nightclub. A technician hacking NYPD finds leverage. For silence, with Stahl's gun, Braxton kills a bum. McCall, "Dosage?" Jimmy, If you mix them, "buckle up...Snakes eating Snakes." Stahl, McCall, and Burnett, set a trap. ^ cast
6	6	"The Confirmation Day"	Richard Colla	Story by : Eric Blakeney & Gene Miller Teleplay by : Edward Adler & Heywood Gould	October 23, 1985 (1985-10-23)	61205	12.9/21
The choirmaster scolds fourteen year-old Anthony Ganucci for passing notes. Outside, Frankie Corso tells his best friend Louie Ganucci, It's a 15-minute trip for $1,500. Louie doesn't want crooked work. Louie tells Anthony, "Confirmation needs a new suit," but he's broke. So Louie steals the truck, loaded with antiques, from Noble. Frankie is shot by Purcell. McCall meets Father Antonelli. An eccentric musical-comedy star, Henrietta Fields says she's being stalked. Louie is now in deep trouble. Anthony hires McCall, who takes him and his mother Marie to a safe house. Lt. Burnett tells McCall, Mrs. Fields is a nut... peeping Toms, Russian spies, 2nd husband's ghost. It's a New York tragedy, but not police business. McCall wants an officer nearby anyway. Who controls the area? Burnett, "We do!" McCall, And when you're not looking? Burnett, "You mean the wise guy. Eddie Vanessi." McCall wonders why Vanessi wants antiques. He goes to find out. Louie, trying to handle it himself, walks into the lion's den. McCall arranges to swap swag. ^ cast
7	7	"The Children's Song"	Richard Compton	Story by : Howard Chesley Teleplay by : Howard Chesley & Maurice Hurley & Joel Surnow	October 30, 1985 (1985-10-30)	61203	14.0/24
Robert McCall's estranged son Scott declares he's leaving NYC for the Strasbourg Conservatory in Paris. McCall suggests a weekend at his country cabin to try and bond. A hitch-hiking couple, Jayck and Melinda, are taken off-road by young ruffians Dillart, Ray, and Bobby. It's clear what Dillart wants from Melinda. They try running, but Ray hits Jayck, knocking him unconscious and bloody. The hospital doctor pronounces Jayck dead. Dillart warns Melinda to keep quiet, and tries to get her out, but the doctor tells her that Sheriff Stone will want to talk. They need beer...lots of beer. At the store, they argue while the waitress gets Melinda food. Dillart, "I guess we got no choice." Scott enters, "What's the matter?" Melinda, "They killed Jayck, and I think they're gonna kill me, too." Scott gets her away to the cabin. They follow and cut the lines. Faced with prison, Ray goes for more firepower. Meanwhile, under siege, without their own guns, McCall improvises defenses using only what's in the cabin. ^ cast
8	8	"The Distant Fire"	Alan Metzger	Story by : Robert Sabaroff Teleplay by : Robert Sabaroff & Maurice Hurley & Joel Surnow	November 6, 1985 (1985-11-06)	61201	11.8/18
The hitter takes out his gear...and the kid, "No problem." Barry, "Something came." McCall de-codes a USS Intrepid postcard: "S.A.V.E.  C.A.R.L.A." Barry, "Opposition?" McCall, "Michael Rosa." Barry whistles, "Who's Carla?" McCall, "A woman." ...he loved. Company bureaucrat Jason Masur surveils. Rosa explains, Carla married Ambassador Vezay Holden. McCall approves, "Morality, Integrity..." Rosa, Nobel Prize candidate...there's a contract, her too. "Dreams for constitutional independence...her influence." McCall, "So the Inspired must be killed along with the Inspirer...the trigger?" Rosa, "Me...We can save her." Rosa loved her too. Masur, "Hit'em." Barry, "We're taking Rosa! Stay out of this, McCall." They escape. Masur, kill McCall too. Agent, "They won't let us." Masur, "There is no 'They,' I am the 'They.' To hell with Control." McCall fails to convince Carla to flee; "He hides, they win." Interrupted by the hostess, Sarah Claxton introduces herself, "And you are?" McCall, "Leaving." Jimmy needing more money for his divorce lawyer, nonetheless gives McCall the Secret Service plans. McCall and Rosa make their own plan. A bearded man greets McCall at Carla's yacht. Rosa surveils from outside... ^ cast
9	9	"Mama's Boy"	James Sheldon	Heywood Gould	November 13, 1985 (1985-11-13)	61219	13.5/21
Ronald Baines delays his friend Jeffrey Sims from seeing "charming" but "ruthless psychopath" drug dealer Eugene Benton while discussing "sheep." Victoria Baines brags about Ron to clients, as Jim Cronin announces her promotion. Victoria confronts Ron, finds drugs, cash, and hires McCall. Lt. Burnett says, "no drug reports" at Ron's private school, "but It's everywhere...like a plague." Burnett has Benton's Staten Island mug shot...no conviction. McCall deals; Benton's supplier for letting Ron "off the hook." Victoria visits Selden Gallery, greeted by Vanessa, to enlist her ex-husband Gilbert. He's not interested; "The boy is on his own." Sonny and Ralph confront Eugene, "You shorted us." Ralph pulls a switchblade. Eugene kicks him. "Protect your interests, mama's boy." Ron hits Sonny. McCall, seeing Ronnie dealing, confronts him. Jeffrey OD's. McCall passes single women at Gilbert's gallery, and Vanessa urges Gilbert to help his son. Gilbert recognizes Maureen Sims at Jeffery's funeral. McCall, "Speedballs...cocaine and heroin." Gilbert, "What can I do?" McCall, "I'm setting a trap." McCall hires Taekwondo master McGowan to test Benton's martial arts, then poses as a client. ^ cast
10	10	"Bump and Run"	Richard Compton	Story by : Jim Trombetta Teleplay by : Maurice Hurley & Joel Surnow	November 20, 1985 (1985-11-20)	61214	11.8/19
Two thugs walk. "Al'right!" says the first. "He was 73 years old, the man you killed," protests Defense Attorney W. Donald Polk. "You're missing the point...Nobody calls us!" says the second thug. They purse-snatch an old lady. They're followed...they're shot! .44 Magnum. Sgt. Oliver Gant finds the advert, and visits McCall. The copy-cat vigilante leaves a message. McCall gets tracing tech from Ronnie. Foreign student Sydney Blake kills D.J. in a "bump and run" car-jacking. The detective and her lawyer say they'll learn where she lives. Abmennet and Tessor vow to make her pay for D.J.. Mickey guards Sydney and falls for her, to McCall's dismay. McCall tries to find the .44 dealer. Jimmy, "Not my area...Sugar Fly Simon." Copy-cat calls are traced to the 74th precinct. Gant, Who used it? "Anyone with a quarter," answers a precinct policeman. The copy-cat goes after Tessor and Abmennet, who go after Sydney... ^ cast
11	11	"Desperately"	Donald Petrie	Charles Grant Craig	December 4, 1985 (1985-12-04)	61221	12.4/20
Robert is ill. "Pharmacy, Mr. McCall." Harvey starts pitching useless products; negative ion machines, gravity boots, electric vibrating socks... Desperate housewife Allison Webster is lured by a stranger, Geoffery Dryden, into breaking into an apartment where he murders a man. Pantero, who followed, grabs Dryden and tells him off. Allison's friend Samantha Page helps her contact The Equalizer, who deduces he is a professional hit-man. He convinces her to report to the authorities. A police lieutenant assures them, "We'll get him." McCall doesn't seem convinced. Allison is worried he'll find out where she lives, and doesn't know how to tell her husband Ross. McCall asks Dana Caldrin for intelligence on the hit-man's identity. Dana also gets the name Macklin, who hired him. Dana's working girl contact Sindee provides more first-hand "crazy, monster-ama, weird" details. McCall must track down Dryden before he kills both Allison and Samantha. ^ cast
12	12	"Reign of Terror"	Richard Compton	Story by : Steve Bello Teleplay by : Steve Bello & Coleman Luck	December 11, 1985 (1985-12-11)	61220	13.2/22
Doctor Timms quits the hood because he's just too tired of dealing with Crips thugs "Head", "Primo," "Rat Heart" and the rest. The incoming Dr. Elly Walton refuses to pay their drug tribute, so her nurse Irma Portman calls The Equalizer. Dr. Walton sends McCall away from her free clinic; she doesn't want "another man with a gun." So, McCall visits Immanuel Pena, who he helped defect from Cuba twelve years ago. McCall hears Pena's story of torture and forgiveness, and why he stopped carrying a gun. Dr. Walton calls the precinct asking for her friend and old flame, Lt. Mason Warren. Mason confronts the gang, beats up Head, and warns them to leave Elly alone. But he hasn't worked the local 3rd street precinct in years. So the Crips intimidate all her patients instead. Rat Heart even prevents Mr. and Mrs. Sanchez from taking their six month-old baby girl for a life-saving treatment. McCall must strategize on how to defeat them without using lethal force. ^ cast
13	13	"Back Home"	Alan Metzger	Story by : Neil Cohen Teleplay by : Joel Surnow & Maurice Hurley	December 18, 1985 (1985-12-18)	61209	13.6/23
Resident thugs Ben and Joe terrorize elderly residents of a rundown apartment block with a Dobermann. Monty Wynn plays cards with Mrs. Washburn waiting for his wife Lilly, then calls The Equalizer to end the harassment from landlord and bank owner Guthrie Browne. McCall has George Cook protect them. McCall asks Treasury Department bank examiner Wilhite about Knickerbocker Trust and Guthrie. To surveil Guthrie, McCall poses as a customer to Eileen Arden and talks to his limo driver to plant a bug. Guthrie meets a dubious character. Enter Sterno, and his "creamy pork puppy" (cream cheese, sauerkraut, hotdog). McCall, "License numbers, car numbers. I want names and faces put to them." He discovers that Guthrie hired hit-man Karn to kill his estranged wife Andrea Browne. Lt. Mason Warren plants information to misdirect anyone checking on McCall. Sterno helps McCall arrange a disturbance at Browne's bank which prompts Browne to order the building to be torched. The race is on to get everyone to safety and save the building. ^ cast
14	14	"Out of the Past"	Richard Compton	Cyrus Nowrasteh	January 15, 1986 (1986-01-15)	61224	12.2/20
Ex-con Fenn picks up Eddie Washburn and throws him a get-out-of-prison party, complete with cake and call girls; Gloria and her "twin sister" Gretchen. But Eddie is desperately ill and Gloria doesn't want that business! Eddie is dying and dreaming of vengeance. He harasses Walter Wesley who testified against him. Walter's wife Kay calls McCall for protection. Kay is McCall's ex-wife, and mother to their son Scott. McCall enlists Eddie's parole officer, Michael Cub. They find Eddie and Fenn at Mothers piano bar, named for its proprietor, Mother. Cub roughs Eddie up and warns him away from Walter. Eddie remains undeterred. After Eddie shoots Cub, Walter confesses to being more than just a witness against Eddie, and McCall arranges a meeting to resolve their grievances. ^ cast
15	15	"Dead Drop"	Donald Petrie	Maurice Hurley & Joel Surnow	January 22, 1986 (1986-01-22)	61230	13.3/22
An innocent florist, Barry Konig, is targeted after his name is marked on mail in a dead drop by doorman Sam Jacobs, who is stabbed by "the guy in the blue coat with the fur collar." Inspector Logan interrogates Barry as a suspect. A police detective says something "doesn't scan." He hands an advert to Barry, who calls after he is nearly killed. McCall assembles a team of contacts including Mickey Kostmayer, Jimmy, Dana Caldrin, Sterno, and Ginger Brock to stake out and tail anyone using the drops. Dana's girl Sindee provides the name Grant Lawseth, an NSA agent, who shows up at a diner to meet "red parka man." As they all try to reason with Lawseth to call off the hit on Barry, Control's nemesis Jason Masur shows up threatening to fire McCall's contacts. Regardless, after consideration they continue to help McCall to find "the big fish" in control of the ring. McCall reports his findings to Det. Mason at the 75th precinct, and warns Masur not to push Control or it will become personal. ^ cast
16	16	"Wash Up"	Richard Compton	Mark Frost	January 29, 1986 (1986-01-29)	61228	11.9/20
McCall is hired by two skyscraper window washers, Pete and Lenny DeWitt who are certain their boss Michael Riegert will kill them for forming a union. Complicating matters, McCall's housekeeper Lettie and her two sons, Jorge and Ishmael, temporarily move into his apartment. Sterno gives McCall Riegart's background. Riegart loses his contract with Gibson, putting him under pressure to square his debt with a mob boss. Riegert puts crank into coffee served by the bartender. Stan, the man at end of the counter, tells Riegert, "same old broken record," union talk. Torqued on crank, Riegert stabs Lenny and plants the switchblade on him. His bodyguard Rick backs his play. With two-against-one testimony, Lt. Isadore Smalls say's "Do the math!" Smalls leads McCall to Big Ed, and to Ladonna Page, Rigert's battered woman. She agrees to help Jimmy and Alex set up Riegart for arrest. ^ cast
17	17	"Torn"	Russ Mayberry	Story by : Joel Surnow & Maurice Hurley Teleplay by : Carl Eastlake	February 5, 1986 (1986-02-05)	61211	11.9/20
Jessie Moore asks Det. Smalls for protection from her abusive husband Mike, who is about to be released from prison, just as McCall shows up at the precinct. Detective Smalls says he has no client business there, until Jessie's young daughter Laura says she's the one who called him. Jason Masur also hires McCall to find Brian, who years ago betrayed McCall, sending Angela to her death. Masur says Brian needs money, and his paymaster is Veronica Whitney. McCall inquires about Whitney from a saleswoman, who happens to be her daughter. He's called away; Laura has disappeared. He gains insight from Mike's case worker O'Toole. Masur says Brian is meeting an arms dealer; McCall sets a trap for Shumway. He discusses Angela with Lettie, who comments on justice versus vengeance. With Brian on the run, and Mike coming home, McCall is torn on which case to close first. ^ cast
18	18	"Unnatural Causes"	Alan Metzger	Story by : Susan Woollen Teleplay by : Susan Woollen & Coleman Luck & Scott Shepherd	February 12, 1986 (1986-02-12)	61233	11.7/19
Mrs. Lenox meets her date... he brought her an orchid. McCall is hired by aspiring actress Sally Ann Carter, who was duped by a flashy pimp, Anza Serrato. McCall warns him off. Francine Grant, a librarian helping McCall with research, becomes the latest victim of the Orchid Killer, who strangles lonely middle-aged women answering his "Mr. Goodheart" newspaper ad. A Patrolman tells McCall that Det. Smalls is in charge. He asks him for details, but he has none. Anza roughs Sally up...again. McCall contacts Jimmy who suggests going to Anza's boss Mr. Peters who works for "those guys." McCall contacts retired operative Kelly Sterling, who helps entrap the Orchid Killer. ^ cast
19	19	"Breakpoint"	Russ Mayberry	Story by : Scott Shepherd Teleplay by : Scott Shepherd & Don Carlos Dunaway	February 19, 1986 (1986-02-19)	61226	13.2/22
At a wedding reception for Benjamin and Deborah Wade terrorists kidnap philanthropist Gustav Herant, taking four hostages and raffling freedom for the rest. McCall manages to remain, trading places with Gary Speer. Lieutenant Ferraro calls to negotiate. The terrorist leader wants a television first. Findlay analyzes wedding photos. Mickey tries circumventing the barricade cop. A reporter publicizes hostage names: Deborah Wade, City Councilman Frank Stevens, Gwen Hunter, Otis Hendricks, "...and Gary Speer." The leader rants at the "traitor," Herant. Mickey storms the barricade...with PIZZA! Findlay recognizes him. Mickey, "McCall's in there...might as well be two." Findlay, "Ferraro says you're a loose grenade with no pin...he's right!" Stevens eyes a knife near a distracted terrorist. The leader warns him. Mickey tries the sewers, basement, vents.... Deborah is assaulted by a terrorist. A "doctor" slips McCall a .22 pen-gun, and is shot. Saved by his vest he's thrown out...and Otis too. Intent on stopping them, McCall starts with Deborah's molester. Mickey arrives late, but gets a shot in. ^ cast
20	20	"No Conscience"	Richard Compton	Mark Frost	March 26, 1986 (1986-03-26)	61231	10.6/20
McCall and Jimmy ride with independent cabbie Mr. Signorello to scare off racketeers with a camera...documentary-style. In a club, Vicki writes her number on a matchbook and gives it to a womanizer named Mitchell, who then gives it to Donna... or was it Dana. Mitch is kidnapped and beaten by an industrial spy, but has no clue what "it" is that they want. Given 36 hours to find "it" he hires McCall. They track down all the women who gave him their numbers, starting with Mary. Nope, she doesn't have "it." Shelly? No... The blonde on the phone? No...that's not her. Mitch sees Vicki's friend Theresa and remembers the matchbook. They check on Vicki and find "it" but she's been killed. McCall has Jimmy analyze "it" and finds a microdot, but Theresa swaps it. McCall discovers the switch after his new contact Mr. Signorello reports in. McCall and Mitch have to take a big gamble with the spy and her thugs. Mitch tells McCall he's going to settle down... "Hi Mitch... I'm Chris... I'm Diane..." ^ cast
21	21	"Unpunished Crimes"	Alan Metzger	John Burke & Grenville Case	April 1, 1986 (1986-04-01)	61227	11.1/20
Frank Donahue, inventor of a fuel injector, claims IP theft by Penatrax CEO Stuart Cane. Whitney says they never settle nuisance cases. Presented a logbook as proof, Cane sends Whitney and Gerry Brennan out of the office, ostensibly on errands, giving Cane a chance destroy the logbook and fake a knife attack. Frank is hauled out. After they burn his remaining records, his young son Rick calls The Equalizer. Frank's workshop is sabotaged causing an explosion, so his frustrated wife Susan leaves with his eldest son Ed. To help his client Rick save his family, McCall invites them all to stay at his home for the moment. Sterno gives McCall intelligence on Cane, including ties to Red Wind terrorists led by Gianni Greco. McCall enlists Greco to run a game on Cane to uncover his unpunished crimes, with a little help from other CEOs, Charles Webber, George Cox, and Richard Phillips. ^ cast
22	22	"Pretenders"	Richard Compton	Scott Shepherd	April 8, 1986 (1986-04-08)	61234	10.8/20
Rookie reporter Beth Mackie suspects her neighbor John Parker of criminal activity. Officer Dysan, eyeing an empty wine bottle, asks "Were you alone last night?" and suggests earplugs. Beth's editor Brian Barclay doesn't see a story. Her jerk colleague Flynn just hits on her. Her sympathetic colleague Dack refers her to The Equalizer. McCall suspects she just wants a story. A man is harried and dragged from Parker's apartment. The first guy assures her, he just had "too much to drink." Parker sees, and threatens Beth. McCall warns Parker directly, then talks to Det. Smalls, who surreptitiously displays Parker's file. Jimmy says he's using a false identity and is protected by Control. McCall asks Karen at the Agency to find Parker's file. Karen, "We hit a little snag...I can't help you any longer." "...Classified. Notify Supervisor." Beth's friend Cynthia tries to relay what she saw in the apartment she sublet to Parker, but Cynthia is killed and Beth narrowly escapes. McCall gets Beth to a safe-house, and discovers Parker's plot, but not before Beth gets into trouble. ^ cast

External links

• The Equalizer at IMDb
• List of The Equalizer episodes at epguides.com