Liza Lapira Explains the Significance of Mel’s Song in The Equalizer Season 5 Mid-Season Finale

Warning: Contains SPOILERS for The Equalizer season 5, episode 7.

The Holiday Finale of The Equalizer: A Thrilling Encounter

The fifth season fall finale of The Equalizer captivated viewers on Sunday, December 8, as McCall, Dante, and Miles faced a life-or-death situation when a cartel seized control of a hospital. Thankfully, the trio managed to escape, aided by Liza Lapira’s character, Mel, who skillfully provided support from a nearby rooftop. Episode 7, titled “Slay Ride,”expertly blends intense action sequences with heartfelt character development, aligning perfectly with the holiday theme.

Mel’s Melodic Journey

In a significant moment of the episode, Harry acknowledges Mel’s talent with the guitar and surprises her with a gift that resonates deeply—a guitar of her own. In a poignant scene, Mel performs a song she wrote about her experiences with post-traumatic stress. Lapira, the creator of the song, expressed her enthusiasm about how the series poignantly wrapped up Mel’s storyline, focusing on the struggles faced by veterans and trauma survivors as they navigate their healing journeys.

Creating a Connection Through Music

Liza Lapira: I loved the closure of my arc. I had seen it coming down the pike. My bosses told me about the song because we’d been kind of layering it in to set up the song at the end. I knew it was coming because I wrote the song, and I had a deadline to get it done. And so when I finally got the episode and saw where the song was going to be and the action with the hospital and the whole concept of the two love interests being together. It was action-packed. I loved the whole thing, and I found it heartwarming.

Insights on Trauma and Healing

Lapira intentionally crafted Mel’s song to resonate with individuals grappling with trauma. She emphasized that even those who make all the right choices may still suffer, highlighting a disturbing truth about the lack of control victims often face.

Liza Lapira: I knew that the premise was Mel writing a song about her post-traumatic stress. She’d gone to therapy several times… The person was truly innocent, and they did the right things that society told them to do, and it still didn’t work out, and they’re still stuck with the pain. And so from there, this concept of, “I did everything right. What now?”came up, and that’s the premise of the song.

The Power of Performance

As Mel’s character develops, viewers see her creativity bloom through music. When asked about the possibility of Mel performing publicly, Lapira expressed interest but appreciated the personal touch of the intimate performances shared between characters.

Liza Lapira: Yes, in the bar. I had talked to the showrunners about that… I think they chose the absolute right way to debut this song, and they left the door open to have Mel sing this or something else at her bar.

Aspirational Love: The Relationship Between Mel and Harry

Lapira views Harry and Mel’s relationship as a beacon of support and mutual respect, reflecting the theme of resilience that is central to the show.

Liza Lapira: I like that we’re each other’s safety net. I think it’s aspirational… I wish everybody had a husband as supportive or a wife as supportive, so I’d like to see that continue.

Mel’s Journey Through Therapy

Season 5 has seen Mel confront her vulnerabilities, an arc that Lapira finds particularly relevant in today’s societal context.

Liza Lapira: I’m so excited about the storyline. I think mental health awareness, taking care of one’s mental health is very much in the ether now, thank goodness.. ..it mirrors real life.

Upcoming Developments: Family Dynamics in Season 5

As the series progresses, viewers can anticipate more insights into Mel’s family background when she visits her parents, leading to emotionally charged moments that delve into her past.

Liza Lapira: I am allowed to say that it’s a Mel-centered episode or storyline, and she goes and visits her parents, and it’s a little bit gut-wrenching. It doesn’t go well.

Lapira’s Perspective on Historical Context in Storytelling

Lapira also reflected on the importance of exploring generational trauma within the narratives of the show, drawing parallels between personal and collective histories.

Liza Lapira:. ..to have someone in present-day be suffering from the effects of a war they weren’t even alive for, particularly in Asia—I find that fascinating.

Embracing New Beginnings as Disgust in Inside Out 2

In addition to her role in The Equalizer, Lapira transitions into the animated realm of Inside Out 2, taking over the role of Disgust. She emphasizes how her interpretation of the character embodies both judgment and protection.

Liza Lapira: I likened her to the type that always asks to speak to the manager… It’s judging to protect.

About The Equalizer Season 5

Developed for television by Andrew Marlowe and Terri Miller, The Equalizer features Queen Latifah as Robyn McCall, a former CIA operative who utilizes her exceptional skills to aid those in need. The show captivates audiences with its compelling blend of action, drama, and social commentary.

The Equalizer returns Sunday, February 16, at 10 p.m. ET on CBS.

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