McCall's online ad leads her to a mother whose son has been kidnapped by a human trafficker and will be executed unless she steals confidential information from her FBI agent employer. Also, McCall enlists Aunt Vi to help uncover a secret Delilah is keeping from them both.
In 2020, the television industry aired 493 scripted shows across numerous outlets. The way people consume content now is different than it used to be. It happens according to one's own schedule. As such, it's less necessary to provide ample coverage of each episode in any given season from a show. Moreover, it is simply impossible to watch everything. As such, this site provides shorter episodic reviews in order to cover as many shows as possible. With all of that being said, here are my thoughts on the next episode of CBS' The Equalizer.
"Glory" was written by Andrew W. Marlowe & Teri Edda Miller and directed by Liz Friedlander
This episode slightly reveals just how thin the central premise can be. McCall has made herself known to the world as someone who can help when the authorities can't be trusted. However, the various federal agencies are aware of what she has posted online. Some have more awareness than others. Bishop and the CIA immediately know that this advertisement is hers. They question what she is doing. They don't understand it. They actually believe her actions will compromise what they have worked for years to achieve. Those worries are the most pressing for them. For McCall, she is simply trying to do right by the communities who are underserved in this world. Her intervention is necessary to actually help the FBI crack the case of this international smuggling ring. Both sides have been compromised with moles. After a week of investigation and acting, McCall ensures it all gets wrapped up. It's a nice and concise ending. It means McCall comes across as an avenging angel. Sure, she takes justice into her own hands. However, she rationalizes it all by saying it's for a noble and just cause. She did what was necessary to reunite a mother and son. In the process, she also happened to take down yet another wealthy and influential person trying to bend the world to his will. That too may present as a recurring theme in this story. It's also eerily similar to the setup from the first episode. It's a conspiracy that goes all the way up to a powerful, public figure. A person who is on the radar of many. He is believed to be untouchable in any of the moral and ethical ways. McCall doesn't play by those rules. Because she doesn't, it means these criminals are actually apprehended. Justice is delivered. The world is saved. The show enthusiastically supports her actions. The only moments of criticism of her methods comes when Detective Dante is investigating. McCall is simply a mysterious woman to him. She has gone through great lengths to make herself invisible. And yet, he recognizes whenever she becomes involved in a case. He notices her handiwork. He has a problem with it because it's a private citizen taking the justice system into her own hands. She kills two people here. She'll argue that she did that in order to save two other lives. She rescues two people who simply want to escape to a better life together where they can be in love. Again, there are noble aspirations in every single action. Plus, McCall makes it to Times Square in time to see her daughter perform. It's a rousing moment. One that cements in McCall's mind what is important. Hearing Delilah sing "Glory" recognizes that this moment is all about freedom. It's necessary to listen to the words and understand what they mean. She then has to carry them out to the rest of the world. She makes a difference in people's lives. Several interested groups have a problem with that. The CIA believes their secrets could be exposed because McCall is a loose cannon. She agrees to do freelance work for them. That may prove that the premise won't always allow for noble missions for McCall, Mel and Harry to embark on. They have formed a strong collective unit. Meanwhile, Bishop pops up every once in awhile to offer his concern. And then, Delilah and Aunt Vi are left completely in the dark while symbolizing the life of happiness McCall should be living amongst all of this as well. Again, it's reminiscent of everything the show was hoping to achieve in the premiere. That's typical of a second episode of a broadcast network procedural. This episode even closes with McCall calling herself "the Equalizer." That shows how the audience shouldn't dig too deep into the overall morals. That will only ruin the engagement of the stories being told. It will probably make the show more complicated to review on an ongoing basis. Queen Latifah remains captivating in the lead role. A formula has already been established though. Some details are distinct enough to present a unique world. However, the storytelling mostly just props up McCall's skills with loving adoration. That is important. It is the foundation of the series. That may be the only ambition the narrative really has though. If it's that glaringly obvious at this point, then it may not change all that soon either or grow to become a comfortable delight.
This episode slightly reveals just how thin the central premise can be. McCall has made herself known to the world as someone who can help when the authorities can't be trusted. However, the various federal agencies are aware of what she has posted online. Some have more awareness than others. Bishop and the CIA immediately know that this advertisement is hers. They question what she is doing. They don't understand it. They actually believe her actions will compromise what they have worked for years to achieve. Those worries are the most pressing for them. For McCall, she is simply trying to do right by the communities who are underserved in this world. Her intervention is necessary to actually help the FBI crack the case of this international smuggling ring. Both sides have been compromised with moles. After a week of investigation and acting, McCall ensures it all gets wrapped up. It's a nice and concise ending. It means McCall comes across as an avenging angel. Sure, she takes justice into her own hands. However, she rationalizes it all by saying it's for a noble and just cause. She did what was necessary to reunite a mother and son. In the process, she also happened to take down yet another wealthy and influential person trying to bend the world to his will. That too may present as a recurring theme in this story. It's also eerily similar to the setup from the first episode. It's a conspiracy that goes all the way up to a powerful, public figure. A person who is on the radar of many. He is believed to be untouchable in any of the moral and ethical ways. McCall doesn't play by those rules. Because she doesn't, it means these criminals are actually apprehended. Justice is delivered. The world is saved. The show enthusiastically supports her actions. The only moments of criticism of her methods comes when Detective Dante is investigating. McCall is simply a mysterious woman to him. She has gone through great lengths to make herself invisible. And yet, he recognizes whenever she becomes involved in a case. He notices her handiwork. He has a problem with it because it's a private citizen taking the justice system into her own hands. She kills two people here. She'll argue that she did that in order to save two other lives. She rescues two people who simply want to escape to a better life together where they can be in love. Again, there are noble aspirations in every single action. Plus, McCall makes it to Times Square in time to see her daughter perform. It's a rousing moment. One that cements in McCall's mind what is important. Hearing Delilah sing "Glory" recognizes that this moment is all about freedom. It's necessary to listen to the words and understand what they mean. She then has to carry them out to the rest of the world. She makes a difference in people's lives. Several interested groups have a problem with that. The CIA believes their secrets could be exposed because McCall is a loose cannon. She agrees to do freelance work for them. That may prove that the premise won't always allow for noble missions for McCall, Mel and Harry to embark on. They have formed a strong collective unit. Meanwhile, Bishop pops up every once in awhile to offer his concern. And then, Delilah and Aunt Vi are left completely in the dark while symbolizing the life of happiness McCall should be living amongst all of this as well. Again, it's reminiscent of everything the show was hoping to achieve in the premiere. That's typical of a second episode of a broadcast network procedural. This episode even closes with McCall calling herself "the Equalizer." That shows how the audience shouldn't dig too deep into the overall morals. That will only ruin the engagement of the stories being told. It will probably make the show more complicated to review on an ongoing basis. Queen Latifah remains captivating in the lead role. A formula has already been established though. Some details are distinct enough to present a unique world. However, the storytelling mostly just props up McCall's skills with loving adoration. That is important. It is the foundation of the series. That may be the only ambition the narrative really has though. If it's that glaringly obvious at this point, then it may not change all that soon either or grow to become a comfortable delight.
