Coleman Luck, Executive Producer of The Equalizer, is interviewed by TV Time Machine host Jim Benson about the classic 1980’s crime series starring Edward Woodward as secret agent turned urban avenger, Robert McCall.
In this edition of TV Time Machine, we travel back to 1985. A year that invited audiences to witness a special type of TV justice–courtesy of a dapper, yet dangerous gentleman known as The Equalizer.
Our guest helped breathe life into the character of Robert McCall–writer and producer Coleman Luck. Mr. Luck spent four seasons on the Equalizer, and was one of the primary talents responsible for adding depth and dimension to this remarkable television character. A veteran of the Vietnam War, Mr. Luck is the recipient of a bronze star for both valor and service, and is the author of the book Angel Fall.
Over these audio segments, Coleman Luck helps us relive virtually every aspect of this classic television series and reflects upon his career and life experiences which shaped many of the Equalizer’s finest moments. Again, if you’ve gotta problem, and the odds are against you, feel free to answer our ad, as we slip from the restraints of the present and into an equalized past!
Listen to the Interview Below
Coleman Luck audio interview Segment One
In this segment, host Jim Benson and talks with The Equalizer Executive Producer Coleman Luck about his early years performing as a real-life mentalist, and how his faith has influenced his exploration of the mind as well as his on-screen creations. Mr. Luck also talks about the genesis of The Equalizer and the character of Robert McCall–a combination of father figure, flawed hero, and avenging angel.
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Coleman Luck audio interview Segment Two
For the second segment, host Jim Benson and Executive Producer of The Equalizer Coleman Luck discuss the second season turning point of The Equalizer, clarifying Robert McCall’s back-story and motivations. Mr. Luck also talks about the first season turmoil and how the show ultimately got on track, and his “Manon” story arc that revealed stunning secrets about McCall’s past. The producer also discusses the further turmoil the show faced when star Edward Woodward was felled by a heart attack in the third season, and the extraordinary creative measures that had to be employed to cope with that situation (including the introduction of two characters played by Robert Mitchum and Richard Jordan).
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Coleman Luck audio interview Segment Three
For the final segment, host Jim Benson and The Equalizer Executive Producer Coleman Luck talk about the misconceptions in Hollywood at the time about the series, what Edward Woodward brought to the role, and why he’ll never reveal the secret behind the cryptic statement that Robert McCall made in the episode “Splinters,” about the year 1957. Finally, Mr. Luck discusses his novel “Angel Fall,” and reflects upon how meaningful The Equalizer has been for his career and life.
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