To say that CBS has high hopes forThe Equalizerwould be an understatement. The network has given the vigilante reboot starringQueen Latifaha splashy premiere slot on Feb. 7 following the Super Bowl, which just so happens to be the most-watched TV event of the year, so the pressure is on this show to explode out of the gate, and now we have our first real look at the series thanks to a new trailer.
Queen Latifah plays Robyn McCall, who decides to fight crime with the help of a small support team that includes the always-welcomeAdam Goldberg(Dazed and Confused). “I’m the one you call when you may’t call 911,” McCall says in the trailer, which also featuresChris Noth, who warns her that the CIA is also curious about this dangerous new vigilante on the scene.
Now, The Queen has been a little glammed up in this trailer, and to be honest, I’m not sure I’m buying her as The Equalizer at this stage of her career, but I do think this show will be a hit for CBS. Don’t get me wrong, Queen Latifah was a badass inSet It Off, and I would’ve loved to have seen her in a vigilante show back then, but 25 years later, this role feels like a bridge too far for me. She also has big shoes to fill, with herBone Collectorco-starDenzel Washingtonhaving just played the role on the big screen.
Of course, most people won’t be familiar with the original ’80s series that starredEdward Woodward, but then again, this is CBS we’re talking about here. It has an older audience that may very well flock to this seriesbecausethey have fond memories of the original show. You never know…
This modern reimagining from Universal Television and CBS Studios will co-starTory Kittles,Liza Lapira,Laya DeLeon HayesandLorraine Toussaintas Aunt Vi. Meanwhile, Queen Latifah, aka Dana Owens, will executive produce alongsideAndrew Marlowe,Terri Miller,John Davis,John Fox,Debra Martin Chase,Shakim CompereandRichard Lindheim, the latter of whom co-created the originalEqualizerseries that ran on CBS for four seasons.Liz Friedlanderdirected and executive produced the pilot.
Even though this isn’t the starring vehicle I might’ve developed for her, I remain a fan of Queen Latifah, who celebrates her 30th year as an actress this year, which is truly impressive. FromChicagoandBeauty Shopto theIce Agesequels,Girls Tripand HBO’sBessie, Queen Latifah has proved the doubters wrong, and I’m sure I’ll be the latest one to join that list. After all, if CBS can make a TV star out ofLL Cool J, the sky’s the limit forThe Equalizer. All hail The Queen! And don’t forget about CBS’Silence of the LambsshowClarice, because I sure haven’t after thatcreepy-looking trailer.
