What Unnoticed Details Are Hidden in 'The Equalizer' Series?

"The Equalizer," directed by Antoine Fuqua and starring Denzel Washington, hit theaters in 2014 as an action-crime film. It tells the story of a former secret agent battling evil in his retirement. The film celebrates individualism to the fullest, with visuals and action sequences reminiscent of 1990s crime movies. It's a highly enjoyable film, especially for action fans.

In 2018, Antoine Fuqua released the sequel, "The Equalizer 2." This marked Denzel Washington's first foray into a film franchise, and the movie maintained the standard and the essence of its predecessor. While critical reviews were not overwhelmingly positive, audience reception remained highly favorable.

"The Equalizer 3" has already hit theaters, but before diving into the third installment, let's take a look at some significant details from the first two films that deserve your attention.

1. "The Equalizer" kicks off with a shot of Boston's Tobin Bridge.

2. In the opening scenes of Robert's house, a shot reveals leather-bound books on the shelf, most likely Franklin Library editions, representing the pinnacle of bookbinding and print artistry of the 70s and 80s.

3. Robert, played by Denzel Washington, exhibits signs of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Washington engaged with real OCD patients to prepare for his role.

4. During training, Ralphie, played by Johnny Skourtis, wears a T-shirt with "Foreigner world tour" written on it. Foreigner's song "Urgent" was used to promote the 1985 TV series adaptation of "The Equalizer" in France.

5. Slavi, played by David Meunier, asks Tevi, played by Alex Veadov, about debt collection. Tevi's response, "Yeah, he wants forgiveness. I told him, 'You think I'm Jesus? '" Refers to Alex Veadov's role as Jesus in the 2010 short film "Jesus Comes to Town."

6. The military watch Robert wears in "The Equalizer" is a Suunto Core All-Black, although it underwent some special effects modifications for the film.

7. The car that Detective Masters, played by David Harbour, is trapped in by Robert is a Series III Jaguar XJ.

8. Robert leaves a message for law enforcement, saying, "Follow the money" after seizing the evidence in the money laundering facility, a nod to Denzel Washington's previous role in the 2006 crime film "Inside Man."

9. When Robert contacts FBI agent Mosley in "The Equalizer," it's a homage to Special Agent Mosley in the 1988 movie “Midnight Run.”

10. In "The Equalizer," Robert humorously mentions that he used to be a "Pip," referring to the backup dancers of Gladys Knight & The Pips. In the final battle, the broadcast system plays Gladys Knight & The Pips' "Midnight Train to Georgia."

11. The villa where Robert makes his final appearance in "The Equalizer" is the same villa that appeared in the 1987 horror film "Flowers in the Attic."

12. At the end of "The Equalizer," Robert's books include "Invisible Man" by Ralph Ellison, addressing social issues faced by African-Americans in the early 20th century.

13. The final shot of "The Equalizer" pays tribute to the painting "Nighthawks" by American realist painter Edward Hopper, whose name, Edward, coincidentally, is the same as the lead actor in the 1985 TV series adaptation, Edward Woodward.

14. The email subject that Robert sends at the end of "The Equalizer" is "Odds Against You?" - a nod to the 1985 TV series "The Equalizer."

15. In "The Equalizer 2," when Robert is on the train, he's reading "Between the World and Me" by African-American writer Ta-Nehisi Coates.

16. When Robert pulls Miles Whittaker, played by Ashton Sanders, out of the apartment, he calls him "Little Yummy," referencing the tragic story of Robert Sandifer, an 11-year-old gang member known as "Yummy" who was killed by fellow gang members in Chicago in 1994.

17. When Robert pulls Miles out of the gang's apartment, he provokes Miles to shoot by saying, "5 pounds of pressure." The gun used, Colt's M1911A1, is famous for its lightweight trigger and accuracy, proven over a century of battlefield testing.

18. In Miles' hiding place in Robert's home, Robert instructs Miles to fetch the novel "Native Son" by Richard Wright. Interestingly, Ashton Sanders, who plays Miles, starred in a film adaptation of "Native Son" in 2019.

These subtle details make "The Equalizer" series not only action-packed but also rich in references and connections, enhancing the viewing experience for fans.