Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah), never one to shy away from a challenge, faced a particularly unusual one in “Take My Life…Please!”: a suicidal comedian. Craig Harris (Luke Forbes), desperate to provide for his family after his death, hires a hitman to end it all, neatly packaged as an accident for insurance purposes. Only, things rarely go as planned, especially in the world of vigilante justice.
Mel (Liza Lapira), back in the field alongside Robyn (much to Robyn’s initial apprehension), adds her unique brand of methodical mayhem to the mix. The case takes them through a twisted maze of disgruntled friends, rival comedians, and a very angry ex-wife. The climax, naturally, unfolds in a comedy club, where Robyn’s intervention saves Craig not from a hired killer, but a jealous open-mic nemesis. Talk about burying the punchline.
Beyond the case-of-the-week, “Take My Life…Please!” delves into the show’s ongoing emotional arcs. The weight of his father’s failing health and the unresolved issues brought to light by the rediscovered letters push Marcus (Tory Kittles) to a pivotal moment with Robyn. Their simmering attraction bubbles to the surface, threatening to complicate their already delicate friendship. A near-kiss adds more tension to their already complicated relationship, leaving their future uncertain, especially given Marcus’s likely prolonged stay on the East Coast.
On a brighter note, Aunt Vi’s (Lorraine Toussaint) biopsy results bring enormous relief: she’s cancer-free. The joyous news is a welcome respite from the heavier storylines, reminding us that even in the face of near-constant danger, there’s still room for hope and celebration.
Meanwhile, Delilah’s (Laya DeLeon Hayes) college search becomes a personal journey of self-discovery. Touring campuses, she seeks not just an education, but a community where her unique voice can flourish. It’s a coming-of-age subplot that resonates with the show’s core theme of empowerment, albeit on a smaller, more personal scale.
With its blend of action-packed intrigue and character-driven drama, “Take My Life…Please!” manages to satisfy on multiple levels. The case itself, while unconventional, provides the requisite thrills. But it’s the ongoing character arcs, particularly Marcus and Robyn’s romantic entanglement and Aunt Vi’s health crisis, that provide the episode’s true emotional weight.
The Equalizer airs on Sunday nights on CBS.
