June 16th, 2010 -- Written by Rodney
Seems the next 80s TV show to be adapted to the big screen will be The Equalizer. And it looks like Russell Crowe is attached to star as the lead!
Ramascreen says:
If you don’t recognize the material that this project is based on, don’t fret.. It’s an old series in the 80s starring the late Edward Woodward as Robert McCall, the mysterious top secret agent who has a shady past and done regrettable things but pays his dues as he’s hired each week to right wrongs and settle scores.
Now I know very little about this show. Ok, a little less than very little. This was never on my radar, but the premise was pretty simple. The city is full of crime like elevator rape, getting stuck in phonebooths and subway doors closing too fast, and one man takes it into his own hands to help the innocent.
And any story of a mysterious secret agent type trying to attone for his dirty past by going vigilante could work as a movie - but add Russell Crowe and I am instantly there.
If you haven’t heard of this show, then check out the opening credits.
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I used to watch this and it was a pretty cool show. The premise was nothing we haven’t seen a 1000 times before, but the main character made it work. He had that cool, destinguished gentleman thing going, instead of the normal head busters you see on these types of shows. It made for an interesting watch.
For some reason, Taken comes to mind. Not the same premise, but the idea of the older ex-secret agent kicking ass has already worked.
I loved the show from the 80’s- but it wasn’t just Edward Woodward that made the show. I always thought Keith Szarabajka (last seen in The Dark Knight) as Mickey was a cool character.
There were a lot of good eps in the series. When Woodward had a heart attack in real life, the show did this crazy, wonderful thing: McCall’s son wanted to follow in his father’s footsteps; Robert Mitchum came by to give him some help!
ROBERT MITCHUM!!!!
When woodawrd came back, Mitchum (along with Robert Jordan) had a recurring role. I also loved an ep in the last season, “Sea Of Fire” where David Strathairn had just one very memorable monologue scene. (His character was a burned out agent who had seen and done a lot of killing) LOOK IT UP. It’ll blow your socks off. That’s the kind of writing that made the show a hit. Aside from the cast and the gunfight of the week.
If CHiPS had the car crash quota in the late 70’s, Equalizer and Hunter had the Death Toll in the 80’s.
Rodney, you need some DVDs or something. This was a cool show.
Since the show was not cheese, but ’serious’ action and suspense, some PI work, some spy stuff, it’s not a surprise Russell Crowe is showing interest. I see more of Terence Stamp myself, but if Crowe’s in here, you won’t hear me complain.
And that theme score from Stewart Copeland? I hope they keep it around or ask Copeland to score the film. I know it’s much to ask….but I got to throw the gauntlet down somewhere.
There should be a pool going for the next 80’s TV show to get a big screen adaptation. My prediction: Manimal. LOL