The Equalizer | Season 1 Episode 1
**May contain spoilers**
This 1980’s reboot features a newly retired CIA agent, Robyn (Queen Latifah), who uses her skills to help others in dire situations.
Jewel, a young waitress, witnesses a murder and as she gives her statement to the police a doctored footage surfaces, framing her as the shooter. Like any young woman, she flees the precinct because she realizes her life is actually in danger. As Robyn gets acclimated to civilian life, she meets up with her former colleague at Coney Island. (But wait, shoutout Queen Latifah’s hair! She never misses.) Robyn sees Jewel with a suspicious man so she follows her instinct and goes after them. Low and behold, the man actually tries to take advantage of Jewel but Robyn swoops in and rescues her.
Thankfully, being a former CIA operative has its perks, including having friends in high places. Robyn believes Jewel is innocent and provides her with sanctuary. In the meantime her hacker friend helps her track down the people who are after Jewel. The following day Jewel has a scholarship interview and against orders she shows up and is arrested on the spot. Robyn uses her wit and concoks a master plan for Jewel’s escape. In the end she was able to solve the case and clear Jewel’s name.
The best part of the episode is when Robyn brings her daughter, Deliah, to women's prison after she finds out Deliah was caught shoplifting. Robyn points out the majority of the prisoners are Black, and as a punishment/lesson Deliah will be volunteering at the facility. This scene was a stand out moment because it provides depth to Robyn’s character. She truly wants to make a difference in the world and help others.
I will say, I enjoyed the episode and it had all the action frills, bombs, fight scenes, and even a fugitive escape. It seems as though the show will follow the format of having new cases each episode which is blehh. I feel like I want to see character development with Robyn and Deliah. The spy stuff is cool too of course but watching a Black woman play this role will be interesting to see. I get the vibe the show may be predictable but I am here for the ride.
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