The Equalizer: 5 Ways The CBS Show Is The Best (& 5 Ways The Movies Are Better)
Denzel Washington is a Hollywood icon and he had fans loving his take on the character of Robert McCall in The Equalizer in 2014. The success of the movie led to a sequel where the retired special agent once again became a vigilante, this time seeking revenge.
Originally adapted from a popular 1980s TV show of the same name, the successful Equalizer movies with Washington led to a new show idea by CBS. The Equalizer series debuted in 2021, but instead of a male lead, it starred Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, another highly-skilled vigilante. There are strong similarities between both main characters and the show has certain storyline elements that make for a more pleasant watch. But there are other ways in which the movies remain superior.
10 Show: Not So Steeped In Secrecy & Darkness
What made Denzel's hero enticing was that not much of his life was really revealed. He was an aloof character that fans know has special training. In the show, Robyn's life is much more open to the audience. This leads to a much more enjoyable experience from episode to episode.
Fans know about her life, her family, and her backstory, leading audiences to get more attached to the character as they see her real emotions and struggles with her job. There are also lighthearted moments that are a needed break from her reality and cement the morals of her character.
9 Movies: The Secrecy
When it comes to secrecy, the movies take the cake. The show opens it up to the audiences while the movies want to keep it hush-hush to create a mysteriously riveting character. It works incredibly well as it plays with people thinking Robert McCall is an older man who can't defend himself.
In the first movie, fans aren't 100% sure of his past life. They are aware that he was a former Marine and Special Forces agent, hence his combat skills, but not much else. In the second movie, audiences learn a bit more but just that he still has ties to his old life and his old partner.
8 Show: The Backstory
While the movies are all about secrets, the show isn't. The only real secret is that Robyn's daughter has no idea what she really does for a living. Fans from the start know she once worked for a high-level company eradicating threats and working missions, up until when they double-crossed her and she no longer wanted any part of it.
Audiences are even introduced to her friend and intermediary between her and the company. There's not much mystery as to why she is the way she is. No to mention that fans actually get an explanation as to why she's called "The Equalizer."
7 Movies: Much Darker Action Scenes
The movies were allowed to get a bit down and dirty with the storylines and blood. It's a factor that doesn't go as far in the show. Yes, there are deaths and gunshots, but the movies gave fans hard-hitting combat and blood. It's hard not to be impressed at Robert McCall taking people out with simple household items.
There's also his habit of setting his watch before a fight to track how long it takes. It usually takes a couple of minutes or even seconds. Within that time, audiences get a lot of impressively stylized action, whereas the show has more mild displays of violence.
6 Show: It's A Team
In the movies, Robert McCall is a lone vigilante. In the show, Robyn isn't. This team dynamic makes for some more interesting scenes and dialogue. It also showcases Robyn's willingness to seek help when needed.
In the first episode, Robyn saves a young girl being framed for murder. She takes her to an old friend who runs a bar. An old agent friend. She also goes and sees her friend's husband, who's a master at hacking and finding information. It was obvious that Robyn would join forces with them and create a vigilante message board to help people who can't go to the authorities.
5 Movies: His Unique Skills
Unlike the show, the movies give audiences an inner look at the workings of Robert McCall's mind. As previously mentioned, he has a habit of setting his watch before mapping out every move of an upcoming fight as he analyzes his surroundings. It's a fun idea to see play out on screen.
He also gets more creative with his methods of combat and instruments of death. Who would have thought that working at a home improvement store would be so useful in an action movie?
4 Show: More Emotional & Varying Missions
Each movie has a set storyline and mission. So far there have only been two. The best part about the new show is that each episode is a brand new mission. Missions can get personal and deeply emotional depending on the circumstances.
One girl is falsely accused of murdering a man she has no connection to. Another episode entails a young boy being kidnapped because his mother works for an elite businessperson and the kidnappers think that she knows vital information. The variation leads to more thrilling situations overall for the audience.
3 Movies: Better Dialogue
The movie did a good job at its dialogue and audiences were increasingly convinced of what was going on. There were no awkward line deliveries or bad choices of words. There were also no cliched lines from the bad guys. The show has its moments where even fans might not have been sold on the conversation.
The henchmen spout some generic lines that simply don't add anything new to the drama. The movie dialogue had fans cheering as Robert was cool but always assertive.
2 Show: Queen Latifah In The Lead Role
It was a pleasant surprise to hear that CBS would cast Queen Latifah in the lead role. She adds a level of comedy and lightheartedness that pairs well with the show. Robyn is an upbeat character who looks at the bright side and Latifah is a great fit for the role.
Having 'The Equalizer' be female also adds a new level to the show. Robyn is badass by all means. But there's also the dynamic of her being a mother and trying to be there for her daughter.
1 Movies: Denzel Washington
Denzel Washington is a perfect match for the movie character. The actor is able to showcase Robert McCall's kind heart and willingness to help others when he meets Alina (Chloe Grace Moretz). Audiences couldn't help but like him.
The same went for the second installment, as Denzel can take on a fatherly and guardian-like persona with the people around him. Denzel's versatility works well again when he switches into his Equalizer mode when saving Alina and seeking retribution against the villains he comes across.