Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* BadassBoast: [=McCall=] gives too many to list.
Added DiffLines:
* TheReasonYouSuckSpeech: [=McCall=] is quite masterful at giving these.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* [[MyNameIsNotDurwood My Name Is Not Mr. Equalizer]]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 55 (click to see context) from:
* KnightInSourArmor: [=McCall=] is cynical in the extreme, but he's got a soft spot for people in trouble; hence his current occupation. He's also a jaded idealist who still believes in the ideals of justice, goodness, and right even though he doesn't expect the world to operate by those principles and knows he hasn't and can't live up to those principles himself.
to:
* KnightInSourArmor: [=McCall=] is cynical in the extreme, but he's got a soft spot for people in trouble; hence his current occupation. He's also a jaded still an idealist (albeit a very jaded one), who still believes in is trying to do what it is he signed up for originally when he got into the ideals of justice, goodness, army and right even though he doesn't expect the world to operate by espionage, i.e. protect people innocent people from those principles and knows he hasn't and can't live up to those principles himself.who would do them harm.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 55 (click to see context) from:
* KnightInSourArmor: [=McCall=] is cynical in the extreme, but he's got a soft spot for people in trouble; hence his current occupation.
to:
* KnightInSourArmor: [=McCall=] is cynical in the extreme, but he's got a soft spot for people in trouble; hence his current occupation. He's also a jaded idealist who still believes in the ideals of justice, goodness, and right even though he doesn't expect the world to operate by those principles and knows he hasn't and can't live up to those principles himself.
Added DiffLines:
* NervesOfSteel: [=McCall=]
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 83 (click to see context) from:
* SugarAndIcePersonality: With close friends and clients [=McCall=] is generally gentle and soft-spoken with the occasional flash of mischievous humor or endearing vulnerability; with everyone else he tends to be very formal, aloof, prone to be easily irritated, and quite sharp-tongued.
to:
* SugarAndIcePersonality: With clients and close friends and clients [=McCall=] is generally gentle and soft-spoken with the occasional flash of mischievous humor or endearing vulnerability; with everyone else he tends to be very formal, aloof, prone to be easily irritated, and quite sharp-tongued.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 83 (click to see context) from:
* SugarAndIcePersonality: With close friends and clients he's generally gentle and soft-spoken with the occasional flash of mischievous humor or endearing vulnerability; with everyone else he tends to be very formal, aloof, prone to be easily irritated, and quite sharp-tongued.
to:
* SugarAndIcePersonality: With close friends and clients he's [=McCall=] is generally gentle and soft-spoken with the occasional flash of mischievous humor or endearing vulnerability; with everyone else he tends to be very formal, aloof, prone to be easily irritated, and quite sharp-tongued.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* SugarAndIcePersonality: With close friends and clients he's generally gentle and soft-spoken with the occasional flash of mischievous humor or endearing vulnerability; with everyone else he tends to be very formal, aloof, prone to be easily irritated, and quite sharp-tongued.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* FriendToAllChildren: [=McCall=] is generally very fond of children (despite sometimes covering it up with empty gruffness or irritation), and children tend to gravitate to him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 36 (click to see context) from:
* DeadpanSnarker: [=McCall=] can be, but the award in this category has to go to Control.
to:
* DeadpanSnarker: [=McCall=] can be, [=McCall=], but the award in this category has to go to Control.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* WhyDidItHaveToBeSnakes: [=McCall=] (to his chagrin and embarrassment) is deathly afraid of heights.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 81 (click to see context) from:
--> "I better not see you looking at this file, [=McCall=]."
to:
--> "I better not see ''see'' you looking at this file, [=McCall=]."
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* SpiesInAVan: Quite a few of these. Sometimes they are The Agency, sometimes The Opposition, and sometimes [=McCall=] and/or people he's working with.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 67 (click to see context) from:
* ResignationsNotAccepted: Subverted. [=McCall=] "rewrote the rules."
to:
* ResignationsNotAccepted: Subverted. [=McCall=] "rewrote the rules." [=McCall=] used three factors to his advantage to resign. (1) His 'friendship' with Control, who would rather not kill him and is savvy enough to realise he might still get some use out of [=McCall=] if he doesn't push too hard. (2) His loyalty has never been in question and Control knows [=McCall=] will hold the classified information he has unto death. (3) [=McCall=] is just so badass that it would be far more trouble than it would be worth to try to kill him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ResignationsNotAccepted: Subverted. [=McCall=] "rewrote the rules."
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 41 (click to see context) from:
* EnragedByIdiocy: If there is one way guaranteed to get under [=McCall's=] skin it is by being idiotic; if it is simple idiocy which is at worst an annoyance you are almost guaranteed some sort of scathing remark, however if your idiocy endangers someone else you may well be in for a [[TheReasonYouSuck Speech Reason You Suck Speech]].
to:
* EnragedByIdiocy: If there is one way guaranteed to get under [=McCall's=] skin it is by being idiotic; if it is simple idiocy stupidity which is at worst an annoyance puts you in danger, you are almost guaranteed some sort of scathing remark, however if your idiocy endangers someone else you may well be in for a [[TheReasonYouSuck Speech [[TheReasonYouSuckSpeech Reason You Suck Speech]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* EnragedByIdiocy: If there is one way guaranteed to get under [=McCall's=] skin it is by being idiotic; if it is simple idiocy which is at worst an annoyance you are almost guaranteed some sort of scathing remark, however if your idiocy endangers someone else you may well be in for a [[TheReasonYouSuck Speech Reason You Suck Speech]].
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 70 (click to see context) from:
* ShellShockedVeteran: [=McCall=] is very haunted and he mentions he can't sleep for more than a couple of hours before the nightmares of things he's witnessed and done wake him.
to:
* ShellShockedVeteran: [=McCall=] is very haunted man, having witnessed, gone through, and perpetrated terrible things, and he mentions he can't sleep for more than a couple of hours before the nightmares of those things he's witnessed and done wake him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* HeWhoFightsMonsters: Explored up and down.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* RealMenCook: [=McCall=] is quite an accomplished chef.
* RunningGag: Harvey the pharmacy deliveryman who is constantly trying to get [=McCall=] into whatever ultra-health food, pill, or fad he's into at the moment.
* RunningGag: Harvey the pharmacy deliveryman who is constantly trying to get [=McCall=] into whatever ultra-health food, pill, or fad he's into at the moment.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* DeadpanSnarker: [=McCall=] can be, but the award in this category has to go to Control.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* ManlyTears: [=McCall=] when recalling the death of [[spoiler: his daughter]], which is obviously still a very present pain.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* WellDoneDadGuy: [=McCall=] really wants to build a good relationship with his son.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 78 (click to see context) from:
* WarriorPoet: [=McCall=] is a man of culture and education.
to:
* WarriorPoet: [=McCall=] is a man of culture and education.education who quotes poetry that means something to him (William Butler Yeats and Tennyson are two of his favorite poets).
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 30 (click to see context) from:
* BrutalHonesty: [=McCall=] doesn't usually mince words even at his most gentle.
to:
* BrutalHonesty: [=McCall=] doesn't usually mince words sugarcoat it, even at his most gentle.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Changed line(s) 65 (click to see context) from:
* ShellShockedVeteran: [=McCall=]. Among other things, he mentions he can't sleep for more than a couple of hours before the nightmares of things he's witnessed and done wake him.
to:
* ShellShockedVeteran: [=McCall=]. Among other things, [=McCall=] is very haunted and he mentions he can't sleep for more than a couple of hours before the nightmares of things he's witnessed and done wake him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* DarkAndTroubledPast: Guess who.
Added DiffLines:
* ShellShockedVeteran: [=McCall=]. Among other things, he mentions he can't sleep for more than a couple of hours before the nightmares of things he's witnessed and done wake him.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
** Though he often goes into smaller ones of these after having to kill someone.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
* BrutalHonesty: [=McCall=] doesn't usually mince words even at his most gentle.
Is there an issue? Send a MessageReason:
None
Added DiffLines:
http://static.tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pub/images/new_equalizer_logo_6101.png
[[caption-width:336:This CoolOldGuy can ''equalize'' the odds in your favor.]]
-->''Got a problem? Odds against you? Call [[TitleDrop the Equalizer]].''
-->-- newspaper advertisement.
An action-adventure television series originally broadcast on the CBS Network between 1985 and 1989. It starred British actor Edward Woodward as Robert [=McCall=] ''aka'' 'The Equalizer', a retired spy who assists people in need by way of [[RedemptionQuest atoning for his past actions]] as a premiere agent of the... er... 'Company'. Yeah, that's the ticket.
The character's past is never fully revealed to the audience, but is implied to be full of amoral shadows and secrets. He is a ruthless and pragmatic man, a killer many times over -- but also a sensitive and honourable man, whose humanity has somehow survived years of terrible disillusionment. The series' expert juxtaposition of all of these elements -- and the flat refusal to apologise for ''or'' justify any of them -- is what has made it a cult classic. (Well, that and the cool [[ThePolice Stewart Copeland]] soundtrack.)
In keeping with this dedication to the grey areas, the Equalizer's clients are usually average New York citizens seeking protection from stalkers, neighborhood hoodlums, abusive husbands, corrupt politicians, [[CorruptCorporateExecutive crooked businessmen]] and other largely untouchable villains. His fees are nominal and frequently waived altogether, while his services inevitably go far beyond simple bodyguarding.
A standard episode generally begins with the Equalizer convincing his reluctant client that hiring what appears to be a Brit-accented Charles Bronson is a good idea -- or, in a few notable instances, explaining why 'just shooting them all' is ''not'' the answer -- and ends with the execution of a complex (and often cruelly ironic) extended mindgame that leaves his opponents so crazed that they're either sobbing for mercy or forcing [=McCall=] to shoot them in self-defense. There is not a lot in the way of redemption, on this series, and what there is has been hard-earned.
He is helped in his investigations by contacts acquired during his intelligence years, ranging from scientists to mercenaries. Notable among these -- more so in later years, when health problems forced actor Woodward to slow down -- is recurring sidekick Mickey Kostmayer (KeithSzarabajka), a junior agent who doesn't quite understand what drives [=McCall=]'s crusade but is ferociously loyal anyway (it's stated in one episode that Mickey had been convicted of {{fragging}} his superior officer, and [=McCall=] proved his innocence). [=McCall=] also reluctantly does assignments for his former boss, known only as [[EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep Control]] (Robert Lansing), who in payment turns a blind eye to this wholesale 'borrowing' of Agency personnel.
TheFilmOfTheSeries, with RussellCrowe starring as [=McCall=], is in the planning stages.
----
!!This show contains examples of:
* TheAtoner: [=McCall=] helps people partly to expunge his guilt over the amoral things he did as part of The Firm.
* BadassGrandpa: While Robert [=McCall=] has a son who is about 20-25 years old, he doesn't seem to have any grandchildren. Regardless, he is still definitely a Badass Old Guy.
* BatmanGambit. [=McCall=] is a master manipulator and uses psychological warfare very effectively.
* BluffTheImposter: Either involving someone from [=McCall=]'s spy past trying to get him to reveal or betray a still-relevant secret, or involving [=McCall=] trying to earn the confidence of a wary high-profile target.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: Mickey, at least temporarily, after the MindRape below.
* CallingTheOldManOut: [=McCall=]'s estranged son Scott doesn't hesitate to express how he feels about his dad being [[DisappearedDad gone for most of his life]]. Neither is he impressed when he later finds out [[MysteriousPast what [=McCall=] did for the Agency]] (like helping set up [[BananaRepublic brutal dictatorships]]).
* ColdWar: Occasional episodes revolved around the [[MysteriousPast operations]] that [=McCall=] performed against the [[DirtyCommunists Soviets]] coming back to haunt him... some which ended in disaster and which he felt he needed to clean up.
* CombatPragmatist: While capable of using firearms, he prefers psychological warfare on his opponents, and is willing to work with cops given the right situation. He avoids direct fights whenever possible, and when he has to fight, he relies on his skills more than his weapons.
* CoolCar: [=McCall=] drives a black Jaguar [=XJ6=], much to the dismay of clients who naturally assume his services are expensive.
* {{Defictionalization}}: Sometimes while on location on the streets of New York, Woodward would add money to parking meters that he noticed were about to expire, to save complete strangers a ticket -- an act that some NYC officials called (mildly) illegal. He would often leave a small card marked "Compliments of The Equalizer." Once the show became a hit, Woodward was also approached for assistance by so many people he started carrying leaflets for organisations that could actually help people in trouble.
* DramaticChaseOpening. Subverted. The opening credits are a collection of dramatic chase openings, but they're so many that they get switched before the actual chases begin.
* DrowningMySorrows: Notably by [=McCall=] in one episode.
* FiveFiveFive. The phone number on the Equalizer's newspaper advertisement. Spoofed on the Late Show when DavidLetterman rang the number and [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMfsLySxIzA ends up talking to a woman in Information]].
* FloorboardFailure: Comes up as the Equalizer is being menaced by the villain on a building site. He warns the villain not to come any closer because there are broken boards between them; of course the bad guy doesn't trust this, so steps onto the broken boards and falls to his death.
* FriendOnTheForce: Lt. Isidore Smalls
* TheGunslinger: Several characters, but notably Kostmayer, who always carries a handy [[CoolGuns Uzi or Ingram]] [[MoreDakka submachine gun]].
-->'''Mickey:''' So why can't we just bust in there and start shooting [the kidnappers]? Take 'em by surprise.
-->'''[=McCall=]:''': Mickey, there is a five-year-old child in that room!
-->'''Mickey:''' Oh, yeah. [lowers Micro-Uzi sheepishly] I, uh, forgot.
* GovernmentAgencyOfFiction: [=McCall=]'s former employer is only referred to as "The Agency" or "The Company", both well-known nicknames for the CIA. Not actually ''calling'' it the CIA gets around the issue of [[AcceptableBreaksFromReality how the mysterious Agency can legally operate inside the United States]].
* {{Handguns}}: [=McCall=] carries a stainless steel Walther PPK/S with Pachmayr grips. He's also seen using the .357 Desert Eagle, and the Uzi in its SMG or pistol variants.
* ImprovisedWeapon: One episode has [=McCall=] [[BruceWayneHeldHostage accidently held hostage]], whereupon he proceeds to kill the terrorists using a coat-hook screw rammed through the jaw and stranglation with a tie.
* KarmicDeath (actually more Karmic Punishment as those villains who die are usually just shot by [=McCall=]): Examples include a man who was robbing deaf people temporarily losing his hearing after [=McCall=] blasts him with a sound weapon, and a slum landlord almost losing his life in a fire set by his own hired arsonists.
* KnightInSourArmor: [=McCall=] is cynical in the extreme, but he's got a soft spot for people in trouble; hence his current occupation.
* Magazine/{{MAD}}: ''The Tranquilizer''.
* MindRape: A favourite tactic of [=McCall=]'s. Also used to brainwash Mickey into (almost) assassinating him in one episode.
* [[TheMissusAndTheEx The Mister and the Ex]]: [=McCall=] is on the ex end of things when he has to protect his ex-wife and her husband (who he actually ends up getting along with quite well).
* NeverBeAHero: Scott sometimes tries to copy his father's methods, but usually ends up making an idiot of himself.
* NewYorkCity: The location shooting, and access to the Big Apple's wide pool of acting talent (including actors who were appearing on Broadway at the time) certainly didn't hurt this series.
* PoliceAreUseless: Albeit presented sympathetically as hamstrung by the larger justice system.
-->'''[=McCall=]:''' Who runs this city?
-->'''Detective:''' We do.
-->'''[=McCall=]:''' When your backs are turned, who runs this city?
* PrivateDetective, SpyFiction, VigilanteMan: The series draws on tropes from all of these genres.
* SecretTestOfCharacter: Comes up sometimes as [=McCall=]'s method of getting clients to stand up for themselves by the end of a particular MindScrew on once-untouchable bad guys.
** Used on occasion with episodes involving [=McCall=] and Control regarding the spy agency, trying to determine who among their associates could be trustworthy. Especially in one memorable episode where Control is put on trial by the agency [[spoiler:only for the trial to have been set up by Control to see which of his subordinates would go through 'executing' him on questionable evidence. All of them do, and fail the test.]]
* SharpDressedMan: [=McCall=] dresses impeccably throughout the show; whenever he doesn't, it's significant in some way.
%%* SmugSnake: Jason.
* ShoePhone: Subverted as all the spy gadgets used by [=McCall=] are available commercially in real life.
* ShoutOut: [=McCall=]'s troubled past clearly draws on Edward Woodward's title role in the 1967-72 BritishSeries ''{{Callan}}'' about a reluctant killer in the [[TrenchcoatBrigade murky world]] [[SpyFiction of espionage]]; as well as issues raised by the trial of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernhard_Goetz 'Subway Vigilante' Bernard Goetz]] and the movie ''Film/DeathWish'' (as seen in a Magazine/{{MAD}} spoof where Goetz, Charles Bronson and the Equalizer argue over who should shoot a subway mugger). His Walther PPK is an obvious reference to that most famous British spy, Film/JamesBond.
* SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism: An in-depth exploration of this is pretty much the entire point of the series.
* TheSpymaster: Control.
* SteppingOutForAQuickCupOfCoffee: Smalls does this sometimes.
--> "I better not see you looking at this file, [=McCall=]."
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: After Edward Woodward suffered a heart attack that forced him to cut down on his acting for awhile, the 'Equalizer' role was temporarily shared with Richard Jordan and Robert Mitchum (also playing former members of the Agency).
* TitleDrop: In the classified ad, as well as people who answer the ad when they first meet [=McCall=]
* VigilanteExecution: Averted. [=McCall=] never shoots anyone in cold blood, as noted preferring to use [[TryingToCatchMeFightingDirty psychological warfare]] to inspire a confession or attitude-adjustment (though quite a few villains conveniently [[VillainBall pull a gun at the climax so [=McCall=] can kill them in self-defense]]).
* VigilanteMan: [=McCall=]'s MO; he sees himself as helping people that the police can't or won't.
* WallOfWeapons: Hidden behind a tool board in his apartment's workshop.
* WarriorPoet: [=McCall=] is a man of culture and education.
* WeHelpTheHelpless: [=McCall=]'s method of advertising; see the page quote.
* WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys: The question of how [=McCall=] can afford his CoolCar, expensive New York apartment, and equipment is lampshaded several times, but never answered directly. It's implied that [=McCall=] was in a position to make (or perhaps skim) a large amount of money during his time with the Agency.
----
[[caption-width:336:This CoolOldGuy can ''equalize'' the odds in your favor.]]
-->''Got a problem? Odds against you? Call [[TitleDrop the Equalizer]].''
-->-- newspaper advertisement.
An action-adventure television series originally broadcast on the CBS Network between 1985 and 1989. It starred British actor Edward Woodward as Robert [=McCall=] ''aka'' 'The Equalizer', a retired spy who assists people in need by way of [[RedemptionQuest atoning for his past actions]] as a premiere agent of the... er... 'Company'. Yeah, that's the ticket.
The character's past is never fully revealed to the audience, but is implied to be full of amoral shadows and secrets. He is a ruthless and pragmatic man, a killer many times over -- but also a sensitive and honourable man, whose humanity has somehow survived years of terrible disillusionment. The series' expert juxtaposition of all of these elements -- and the flat refusal to apologise for ''or'' justify any of them -- is what has made it a cult classic. (Well, that and the cool [[ThePolice Stewart Copeland]] soundtrack.)
In keeping with this dedication to the grey areas, the Equalizer's clients are usually average New York citizens seeking protection from stalkers, neighborhood hoodlums, abusive husbands, corrupt politicians, [[CorruptCorporateExecutive crooked businessmen]] and other largely untouchable villains. His fees are nominal and frequently waived altogether, while his services inevitably go far beyond simple bodyguarding.
A standard episode generally begins with the Equalizer convincing his reluctant client that hiring what appears to be a Brit-accented Charles Bronson is a good idea -- or, in a few notable instances, explaining why 'just shooting them all' is ''not'' the answer -- and ends with the execution of a complex (and often cruelly ironic) extended mindgame that leaves his opponents so crazed that they're either sobbing for mercy or forcing [=McCall=] to shoot them in self-defense. There is not a lot in the way of redemption, on this series, and what there is has been hard-earned.
He is helped in his investigations by contacts acquired during his intelligence years, ranging from scientists to mercenaries. Notable among these -- more so in later years, when health problems forced actor Woodward to slow down -- is recurring sidekick Mickey Kostmayer (KeithSzarabajka), a junior agent who doesn't quite understand what drives [=McCall=]'s crusade but is ferociously loyal anyway (it's stated in one episode that Mickey had been convicted of {{fragging}} his superior officer, and [=McCall=] proved his innocence). [=McCall=] also reluctantly does assignments for his former boss, known only as [[EveryoneCallsHimBarkeep Control]] (Robert Lansing), who in payment turns a blind eye to this wholesale 'borrowing' of Agency personnel.
TheFilmOfTheSeries, with RussellCrowe starring as [=McCall=], is in the planning stages.
----
!!This show contains examples of:
* TheAtoner: [=McCall=] helps people partly to expunge his guilt over the amoral things he did as part of The Firm.
* BadassGrandpa: While Robert [=McCall=] has a son who is about 20-25 years old, he doesn't seem to have any grandchildren. Regardless, he is still definitely a Badass Old Guy.
* BatmanGambit. [=McCall=] is a master manipulator and uses psychological warfare very effectively.
* BluffTheImposter: Either involving someone from [=McCall=]'s spy past trying to get him to reveal or betray a still-relevant secret, or involving [=McCall=] trying to earn the confidence of a wary high-profile target.
* BrainwashedAndCrazy: Mickey, at least temporarily, after the MindRape below.
* CallingTheOldManOut: [=McCall=]'s estranged son Scott doesn't hesitate to express how he feels about his dad being [[DisappearedDad gone for most of his life]]. Neither is he impressed when he later finds out [[MysteriousPast what [=McCall=] did for the Agency]] (like helping set up [[BananaRepublic brutal dictatorships]]).
* ColdWar: Occasional episodes revolved around the [[MysteriousPast operations]] that [=McCall=] performed against the [[DirtyCommunists Soviets]] coming back to haunt him... some which ended in disaster and which he felt he needed to clean up.
* CombatPragmatist: While capable of using firearms, he prefers psychological warfare on his opponents, and is willing to work with cops given the right situation. He avoids direct fights whenever possible, and when he has to fight, he relies on his skills more than his weapons.
* CoolCar: [=McCall=] drives a black Jaguar [=XJ6=], much to the dismay of clients who naturally assume his services are expensive.
* {{Defictionalization}}: Sometimes while on location on the streets of New York, Woodward would add money to parking meters that he noticed were about to expire, to save complete strangers a ticket -- an act that some NYC officials called (mildly) illegal. He would often leave a small card marked "Compliments of The Equalizer." Once the show became a hit, Woodward was also approached for assistance by so many people he started carrying leaflets for organisations that could actually help people in trouble.
* DramaticChaseOpening. Subverted. The opening credits are a collection of dramatic chase openings, but they're so many that they get switched before the actual chases begin.
* DrowningMySorrows: Notably by [=McCall=] in one episode.
* FiveFiveFive. The phone number on the Equalizer's newspaper advertisement. Spoofed on the Late Show when DavidLetterman rang the number and [[http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HMfsLySxIzA ends up talking to a woman in Information]].
* FloorboardFailure: Comes up as the Equalizer is being menaced by the villain on a building site. He warns the villain not to come any closer because there are broken boards between them; of course the bad guy doesn't trust this, so steps onto the broken boards and falls to his death.
* FriendOnTheForce: Lt. Isidore Smalls
* TheGunslinger: Several characters, but notably Kostmayer, who always carries a handy [[CoolGuns Uzi or Ingram]] [[MoreDakka submachine gun]].
-->'''Mickey:''' So why can't we just bust in there and start shooting [the kidnappers]? Take 'em by surprise.
-->'''[=McCall=]:''': Mickey, there is a five-year-old child in that room!
-->'''Mickey:''' Oh, yeah. [lowers Micro-Uzi sheepishly] I, uh, forgot.
* GovernmentAgencyOfFiction: [=McCall=]'s former employer is only referred to as "The Agency" or "The Company", both well-known nicknames for the CIA. Not actually ''calling'' it the CIA gets around the issue of [[AcceptableBreaksFromReality how the mysterious Agency can legally operate inside the United States]].
* {{Handguns}}: [=McCall=] carries a stainless steel Walther PPK/S with Pachmayr grips. He's also seen using the .357 Desert Eagle, and the Uzi in its SMG or pistol variants.
* ImprovisedWeapon: One episode has [=McCall=] [[BruceWayneHeldHostage accidently held hostage]], whereupon he proceeds to kill the terrorists using a coat-hook screw rammed through the jaw and stranglation with a tie.
* KarmicDeath (actually more Karmic Punishment as those villains who die are usually just shot by [=McCall=]): Examples include a man who was robbing deaf people temporarily losing his hearing after [=McCall=] blasts him with a sound weapon, and a slum landlord almost losing his life in a fire set by his own hired arsonists.
* KnightInSourArmor: [=McCall=] is cynical in the extreme, but he's got a soft spot for people in trouble; hence his current occupation.
* Magazine/{{MAD}}: ''The Tranquilizer''.
* MindRape: A favourite tactic of [=McCall=]'s. Also used to brainwash Mickey into (almost) assassinating him in one episode.
* [[TheMissusAndTheEx The Mister and the Ex]]: [=McCall=] is on the ex end of things when he has to protect his ex-wife and her husband (who he actually ends up getting along with quite well).
* NeverBeAHero: Scott sometimes tries to copy his father's methods, but usually ends up making an idiot of himself.
* NewYorkCity: The location shooting, and access to the Big Apple's wide pool of acting talent (including actors who were appearing on Broadway at the time) certainly didn't hurt this series.
* PoliceAreUseless: Albeit presented sympathetically as hamstrung by the larger justice system.
-->'''[=McCall=]:''' Who runs this city?
-->'''Detective:''' We do.
-->'''[=McCall=]:''' When your backs are turned, who runs this city?
* PrivateDetective, SpyFiction, VigilanteMan: The series draws on tropes from all of these genres.
* SecretTestOfCharacter: Comes up sometimes as [=McCall=]'s method of getting clients to stand up for themselves by the end of a particular MindScrew on once-untouchable bad guys.
** Used on occasion with episodes involving [=McCall=] and Control regarding the spy agency, trying to determine who among their associates could be trustworthy. Especially in one memorable episode where Control is put on trial by the agency [[spoiler:only for the trial to have been set up by Control to see which of his subordinates would go through 'executing' him on questionable evidence. All of them do, and fail the test.]]
* SharpDressedMan: [=McCall=] dresses impeccably throughout the show; whenever he doesn't, it's significant in some way.
%%* SmugSnake: Jason.
* ShoePhone: Subverted as all the spy gadgets used by [=McCall=] are available commercially in real life.
* ShoutOut: [=McCall=]'s troubled past clearly draws on Edward Woodward's title role in the 1967-72 BritishSeries ''{{Callan}}'' about a reluctant killer in the [[TrenchcoatBrigade murky world]] [[SpyFiction of espionage]]; as well as issues raised by the trial of [[http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bernhard_Goetz 'Subway Vigilante' Bernard Goetz]] and the movie ''Film/DeathWish'' (as seen in a Magazine/{{MAD}} spoof where Goetz, Charles Bronson and the Equalizer argue over who should shoot a subway mugger). His Walther PPK is an obvious reference to that most famous British spy, Film/JamesBond.
* SlidingScaleOfIdealismVersusCynicism: An in-depth exploration of this is pretty much the entire point of the series.
* TheSpymaster: Control.
* SteppingOutForAQuickCupOfCoffee: Smalls does this sometimes.
--> "I better not see you looking at this file, [=McCall=]."
* SuspiciouslySimilarSubstitute: After Edward Woodward suffered a heart attack that forced him to cut down on his acting for awhile, the 'Equalizer' role was temporarily shared with Richard Jordan and Robert Mitchum (also playing former members of the Agency).
* TitleDrop: In the classified ad, as well as people who answer the ad when they first meet [=McCall=]
* VigilanteExecution: Averted. [=McCall=] never shoots anyone in cold blood, as noted preferring to use [[TryingToCatchMeFightingDirty psychological warfare]] to inspire a confession or attitude-adjustment (though quite a few villains conveniently [[VillainBall pull a gun at the climax so [=McCall=] can kill them in self-defense]]).
* VigilanteMan: [=McCall=]'s MO; he sees himself as helping people that the police can't or won't.
* WallOfWeapons: Hidden behind a tool board in his apartment's workshop.
* WarriorPoet: [=McCall=] is a man of culture and education.
* WeHelpTheHelpless: [=McCall=]'s method of advertising; see the page quote.
* WhereDoesHeGetAllThoseWonderfulToys: The question of how [=McCall=] can afford his CoolCar, expensive New York apartment, and equipment is lampshaded several times, but never answered directly. It's implied that [=McCall=] was in a position to make (or perhaps skim) a large amount of money during his time with the Agency.
----
