The Equalizer Season 5 Episode 11 Review: Taken

The Equalizer Season 5 Episode 11, “Taken,” is an action-packed episode that brings out the best and worst in Robyn. While she is used to fighting the bad guys daily, dealing with a pedophile pushes her to almost act outside of the norm (and the law).

Even though she stops herself from hurting the bad guy and delivers him in one piece to the NYPD, she tells Dante that all she wanted to do was hurt that man. This is completely acceptable, knowing who she is dealing with.

What makes Robyn stand out from the rest and why so many people turn to her is that she always puts the victims first. As much as she wants to hurt this man, she will swallow her instincts and go for the result that will bring justice to the victims and their families.

Nevertheless, it’s good to see the more human side of Robyn McCall.

Another thing Robyn does right on “Taken” is trusting her daughter. Not too long ago, Robyn would have sent Delilah away from the crime scene without listening to her.

Luckily, she listens to her daughter this time and allows her to stick around. Because of this, they find the key witness who helps them discover what happened to Dylan.

The truth is that Delilah is ready for these kinds of situations because she trained with Mel and her mom. Both women prepared her for the worst-case scenario.

The teenager is able to think outside the box and come up with an idea that helps solve the case. But beyond that, she is able to act as calm and collected as her mother normally would to help Dylan’s mom.

Delilah becomes that grounding force that keeps Dylan’s mom stable while she waits for her son. If Dee hadn’t gone with her to the precinct, things might have turned out for the worst.

Delilah is a lot more like her mom than Robyn allows herself to think.

The Equalizer Season 5 Episode 11, “Taken,” also shows why Dante and Robyn work as a couple. Even though their chemistry isn’t the perfect kind of chemistry one would expect from the show’s main couple, a deeper understanding helps this relationship make sense.

Even though Robyn caught the bad guy with Mel, she only opens up to Dante about what she felt when she found him. She can honestly tell him that she wanted to hurt this man because she knows Dante will understand what she is referring to.

Lo and behold, he says he went through the same thing when his team brought down a ring of abusers. While he wouldn’t have been able to justify her actions if she had gone through with it, he can understand how she feels in that moment.

Robyn and Dante have an understanding that is rooted in the work they do. There is no anger when work comes first nor disappointment when one voices a feeling as raw as this one. They live on the same wavelength.

Hopefully, this understanding will eventually transform into more palpable chemistry that strengthens the relationship.

Once again, The Equalizer proves that even though the show is about action and solving crimes, its heart and soul rest on the relationships women form.

While Aunt Vi spends all day with Curtist trying to solve their “friendship,” when she comes home, she tells Robyn and Delilah that what matters the most is their family and their connection. Without these relationships, the women on the show wouldn’t thrive as much as they do.

The Equalizer continues to be a show about strong, resilient women who have each other’s backs.

—

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 10/9c on CBS.

Follow us on X and on Instagram!

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