The Equalizer has successfully created its place in television, considering it had big shoes to fill of its parent show, the 1985 series of the same name. Modeled after the hit 80's show, this one brings a new cast and characters, giving a modern twist to the veteran show.
The show is led by Queen Latifah, who plays Robyn McCall, a divorced single mother and ex-CIA agent who is a street vigilante who offers justice to the helpless. She and The Equalizer team solve cases for people who need them.
The show premiered its finale of Season 4 on May 19, 2024. After the events of Season 4, there was news about changes in cast for Season 5 (which premiered on October 20, 2024), including Liza Lapira's Mel Bayani and Tory Kittles' Marcus Dante leaving the show.
However, it is confirmed that Mel and Dante are not leaving The Equalizer. They both will return for Season 5. Their characters' storylines might change, but they will still be a part of the show.
Here is everything you need to know about Mel and Dante's fate on the show.
Disclaimer: This article contains spoilers for The Equalizer Season 4. Reader discretion is advised.
What happened with Mel and Dante in The Equalizer Season 4 finale?
The Equalizer Season 4 finale saw the fate of two of its main characters hanging by a thread. But as confirmed in an update by TVLine, Mel and Dante will return in The Equalizer -
''They will both be back, but maybe not back back just yet. Lipira’s Mel...walked away from Equalizing, but guilt will consume her...Kittles’ Dante, meanwhile, moved to L.A. to join the FTF, but juggling that new gig and a very personal matter will start to take its toll on McCall’s ex.''
Dante and Robyn finally get together in Season 4, and it seems they are about to start a relationship when Dante learns about his promotion.
Captain Watkins offered Dante a promotion and a salary increase in the Federal Unit in California. He also made it very clear that denying this offer would mean that Dante would be bound to his desk throughout his career.
While Robyn wants him to stay in New York after their budding relationship, she does not initially voice her concerns. The episode ends with Dante confirming that he will accept the job. He walks away, leaving a teary-eyed Robyn behind.
Stakes were also high for Mel in the Season 4 finale when she is kidnapped by Billal Malik. He, along with his brother, is tracking down people responsible for their father's death.
When Harry uses his CIA connection to bring evidence that their father is alive and living under a new identity, Mel is rescued by the team.
This, however, changes Mel's perception of her job, and she realizes the dangers associated with it. She decides to quit the team and take some time off to heal.
Are Mel and Dante leaving The Equalizer?
While the future looked uncertain for Mel and Dante after Season 4, they are not leaving the show. As confirmed by Kittles in an interview, he will return, and the two will explore their relationship on the show-
“So we’re finally going to confront that (Dante and Robyn's relationship)...it’s going to be very revealing for both of them. But they both are going to have to take leaps of faith, and they’re going to have to make big, big choices about their futures,”
Kittles' statement proves that Dante will remain a part of the show. It is also confirmed that Mel will return; while she may not be an active part of the team, she will return.
Her dynamic within the team might change after her realization in the Season 4 finale, and it will be interesting to see her in a new light in Season 5.
Also Read - Fact Check: Is Adam Goldberg from The Goldbergs on The Equalizer?
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