The Equalizer Season 4 Episode 8 Review: Condemned

The Equalizer Season 4 Episode 8, “Condemned,” starts by telling us the journey we will take throughout the episode. We see Dante running around a warehouse with men shooting at him, and we know he is in danger.

However, when the episode goes back three hours in time and we see him pick up his father, we know it definitely has something to do with Ben’s past.

Even though, in the end, both Dante and Ben are connected to the crew that comes after them, this near-death experience gives Ben a chance to come clean about his past. Is it with the answers Dante wanted to hear?

Since Ben came back into Dante’s life, we have seen him trying to understand why his father continues to let him down. He acts as if he doesn’t care, only being cautious to avoid his sons getting hurt, but deep down, he wonders why his dad always abandoned him and his mother.

The Equalizer Season 4 Episode 8, “Condemned,” gives him the answer he has been looking for, but is it the answer he wants? Absolutely not.

When he thinks he is on his deathbed, Ben confesses that he left Dante and his mother so often to be with his other family. Dante has a brother, who is also why Ben didn’t make it to the game with his grandchildren.

Ben could be dying, but Dante won’t let him speak further about his brother. He isn’t interested in hearing any of his father’s excuses.

By the time they are rescued and he shares the secret with Robyn, Dante chooses to walk out of the hospital. His father has already done enough damage.

Now that Dante has the truth, will he be able to live with it? Will he be able to move on and accept his father’s apology? Or will this drive them even further apart?

If we suspected there might be a love triangle about to happen when Miles asked Robyn to join her team, “Condemned” proves us right. Miles is back and more interested in Robyn than before.

Not only does he ask about joining her team again, but he also asks her out on a date. It is funny to see Robyn’s reaction, as she first believes the dinner involves Delilah.

Even though Aunt Vi kills any consideration of dating Miles again by pointing out his tricks, we can’t deny that Robyn and Miles have more chemistry in one episode together than Dante and Robyn have had in four seasons.

It is clear that The Equalizer is setting Dante to be Robyn’s love interest, but the show hasn’t done a great job of prioritizing this storyline. However, we’re steered in that direction when Aunt Vi tells Robyn that only a certain detective can understand her line of work and the lack of normalcy in her life.

But now that Dante is dealing with all the emotions from his father’s confession, would he even have time for a romance? Would that romance be worthy of Robyn?

The thing that stands out the most on The Equalizer Season 4 Episode 8, “Condemned,” is Robyn’s need for normalcy. It starts at the very beginning when she tells Aunt Vi she is happy she gets a day off like normal people do.

This is followed by her mentioning going on a date with Miles (or anyone for that matter) would be nice because it would make her feel normal. Even though Aunt Vi points out she isn’t normal, she is extraordinary, that doesn’t help Robyn feel better.

Towards the end, she sits down and wishes she could have more normal days because she realizes what she does for a living won’t allow room for a relationship in her life. There are big parts of her life that she must keep a secret, which means she would have to lie to whoever becomes her partner.

Yes, it is true that Dante would understand her situation. He already knows her work and has collaborated with her on several cases. But would that bring Robyn the normalcy she is looking for?

As much as we can understand Robyn’s struggle, we know she won’t give up on all the people who need her. Whether she likes it or not, she can’t stop being the equalizer.

—

What did you think of this episode of The Equalizer? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Critic Rating:

User Rating:

 

The Equalizer airs Sundays at 8/7c on CBS.

 Follow us on Twitter and on Instagram!

Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!