McCall deals with a classic case of amnesia – leaving Team Equalizer working backwards to discover the truth.

Our client, who shall not be named for episode plot reasons, introduces himself the conventional way, but very soon matters grow in urgency when McCall quickly has to work out whether the client is a good man or a villain.

Meanwhile, McCall’s reconciliation to continuing with her duties on the condition her work-life balance improves quite literally causes her nightmares. As much as she is accepting of her family’s need to optimise their personal safety, we are frequently reminded of her discomfort with the situation as a whole, and the constant repetition suggests that is going to play a part in the season’s conclusion.

However, it does have advantages in that she finds a useful outlet for Delilah’s continued training. As well as the physical side, McCall suggests improving other aspects of her skillset and in doing so refreshes some subtle bonding with Dante through his old boxing trainer Manny. The streetwise old master proves a welcome background addition, and the gym itself provides a potential love interest for Delilah in the form of Jackson. But Delilah’s instincts serve her well in that Jackson has a problem of his own, which the more frequent voice of wisdom in her life, Aunt Vi, has pre-empted in reminding her that the longer path may be dull, but it will pay off with less risk of total failure. Although Jackson’s problem is resolved, it is not without fallout…

The episode is a somewhat lighter jaunt than of late, but still balances solid humour with unpleasant antagonists. It is probably most reminiscent of Somewhere Over the Hudson last season in that respect, although not quite as whimsical. The client carries that balance well, leading with his own fear and confusion but clearly marked for comedy as well by echoing a character more frequently in that spot – Harry. One of the jokes references this very directly by way of Harry’s wardrobe, but again this provides a more serious payoff later in the episode.

Verdict: Amnesia storylines work much the same way most of the time – unravelling the investigation in reverse – but this is equally true of many of McCall’s more procedural cases anyway. As we have not seen this exact presentation in the show up until now, it lets the show’s writers easily play to their strengths. 7/10

Russell A. Smith