7.8
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The Equalizer
1985·Show
The Equalizer fingerprint
Strong craft, light on feelings.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension6
- Adrenaline5
- Fast Pace4
Heart
Nostalgic
- Nostalgia8
- Hopefulness6
- Catharsis6
Humor
Some sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Wit & Wordplay7
- Dark Humor4
- Satire & Parody3
World
Everyday modern life, crime, and mystery
- Dialogue Centrality8
- Rewatchability7
- World Immersion6
Craft
Standout performances and dialogue
- Acting8
- Dialogue Quality8
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Music Composition7
- Music Centrality6
- Cinematography5
Energy
MediumCalm and low-key
The Equalizer is calm and low-intensity.
All energy traits
- Tension6Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare3Frightening moments and scares.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All heart traits
- Nostalgia8Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Pathos5Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Wholesome4Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy4Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics3Relationships and generational ties.
- Romance2Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder2Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
All humor traits
- Wit & Wordplay7Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Satire & Parody3Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Situational Comedy2Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy1Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, crime, and mystery
Its world is built around everyday modern life, crime, and mystery.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Novelty4Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity2Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Crime9Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Mystery8Whodunnits and unraveling secrets.
- Social Commentary7Perspectives on society and norms.
- Psychological6Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism6Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout performances and dialogue
The performances and dialogue stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Dialogue Quality8Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative1Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn5Gradual build with payoff.
All style traits
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Cinematography5Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing5Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Visual Stylization4Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality8Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchBinge-FriendlyComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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Episode ratings
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About
If the rules are against you he'll change them. If the odds are against you he'll even them.
Robert McCall is a former agent of a secret government agency who is now running his own private crime fighting operation where he fashions himself as "The Equalizer." It is a service for victims of the system who have exhausted all possible means of seeking justice and have nowhere to go. McCall promises to even out the odds for them.
Classic Detective ProceduralWitty Banter & WordplaySocially Conscious Crime DramaEdward Woodward Performance80s British Television AestheticMoral Ambiguity in JusticeIntellectual Mystery SolvingCharacter-Driven NarrativeNostalgic Comfort WatchRealistic Police Work
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Equalizer
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Equalizer worth watching?
62
DecentGoodWatch scoreOpinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 62/100 (IMDb 7.8 and Metacritic 53). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is The Equalizer rated?
ViolenceStrong language
Content advisories: violence and strong language.
How many seasons does The Equalizer have?
4 seasons
It has 4 seasons with 88 episodes of about 48 minutes each.
Do critics and audiences agree on The Equalizer?
Critics53
Audiences71
Not quite. Audiences rate The Equalizer higher (71) than critics (53). It's more of a crowd-pleaser than a critics' pick.
When did The Equalizer air?
S1S2S3S4
It ran from 1985 to 1989 and has ended.
What language is The Equalizer in?
EnglishGermanFrench
It was made in English, with some German, French. Produced in Canada, United States.
What tropes does The Equalizer use?
Demolitions ExpertManly TearsIn Harm's WayPolice Are UselessBluff the ImposterAppropriated AppellationAnonymous RingerShell-Shocked VeteranSex SlaveNever Be a HeroBusman's HolidayProtectorateand 100 more
TV Tropes lists 112 storytelling tropes for The Equalizer, including Demolitions Expert, Manly Tears, In Harm's Way.