Beyond the realm of Blaxploitation, one of the primary influences for WORLD OF HURT was the television program, The Equalizer, which was broadcast on CBS from 1985-1989.  The very first sentence I wrote to promote and explain my webcomic was the high concept, elevator pitch, “WORLD OF HURT is Super Fly meets The Equalizer.”  Honestly, I wasn’t sure how many people would get either, or both, of those references, but they meant everything to me, and I couldn’t think of a better way to sum up my intentions.

“The Equalizer” was the nome de guerre of ex-secret agent, Robert McCall, who left the world of espionage to find some peace of mind after his lifetime of violence by using his unique skills to help ordinary people in trouble.  He advertised his services free of charge via an ad in the newspaper, which read: “Got a problem? Odds against you? Call the Equalizer.”  Man, I loved that show. 

It has been reported that Edward Woodward, the actor who portrayed Robert McCall, died today at the age of 78.  I won’t pretend to know the full breadth of Mr. Woodward’s career, although I know he was a noted stage actor who transitioned into film work and television work with a numberof celebrated roles, such as his portrayal of the title character in Breaker Morant (1980) and The-Ghost-Of-Christmas-Present in A Christmas Carol (1984), opposite George C. Scott.  What I do know is that watching Edward Woodward’s Robert McCall stand up for the little guy and face down assassins, corporate thugs, mobsters, and stalkers with his icy glare; terse, clipped British accent; dry wit; clever, strategic mind; and a precise, tactical application of violence made an incredible impression on me that continues to this day.

In Edward Woodward’s honor, this Friday’s blog will be dedicated to a retrospective of the first season of the groundbreaking series, The Equalizer.

- JEP