Titus Welliver Dishes on ‘The Equalizer’ Role: How His CIA Operative Differs from Bosch and the Family Bond That Will Shock You!

Titus Welliver is no stranger to intense, character-driven performances, with his role as the tough and morally complex LAPD detective Harry Bosch in Bosch and Bosch: Legacy making him a household name. As his run on the Bosch spinoff series concluded on April 17, 2025, Welliver is back in action as former CIA operative Elijah Reed in The Equalizer, joining forces with Queen Latifah in an exciting new storyline.

In an interview with TV Insider, Welliver delved into his new role and reflected on the contrasts between his character in The Equalizer and his previous portrayal of Bosch. He also discussed the rewarding experience of working alongside Latifah, who plays the titular McCall, and teased a potential spinoff for his character.

A New Role: Elijah Reed in The Equalizer

Welliver’s character in The Equalizer, Elijah Reed, is a former CIA operative with a high-stakes past. In the episode titled “Sins of the Father,” Reed’s adopted daughter, Samantha (played by Juani Feliz), reaches out to McCall after her father mysteriously disappears. Together, they team up to track down Reed, and in the process, Samantha uncovers troubling truths about her family’s past in the Dominican Republic.

“The episode really focuses on our characters and our backstory,” says Welliver. “It’s a great experience, especially working with Juani, who is an extraordinarily gifted actor. We have great chemistry together, and working with Queen Latifah was fantastic.” He went on to describe their interactions as the “cherry on top,” especially as he and Latifah have known each other for years but had never worked together until now.

Comparisons with Bosch and a New Dynamic

While The Equalizer shares some thematic similarities with Bosch in terms of grounded storytelling, Welliver explained that the approach to action and character in the two shows differs significantly. “Bosch was deeply grounded in reality,” Welliver explains. “I get approached so often by members of law enforcement and the military, and they always say, ‘I watch your show because it’s real; it’s never goofy or goes off the rails.’”

In contrast, Welliver notes that The Equalizer has a “heightened kind of reality,” where some of the action and suspense may feel more fantastical. However, despite the difference in style, he believes both shows maintain a strong sense of authenticity, making them both compelling in their own right.

When discussing his character, Welliver highlighted the significant differences between Reed and Bosch. “Eli Reed is very, very different from Bosch. He’s more open and demonstrative,” Welliver shared. Despite Reed’s background in secrecy and protection, his relationship with his daughter is one of mutual trust and understanding. “He has raised her to basically be another version of himself,” Welliver explained, noting that their strong bond adds an emotional depth to the character.

Welliver even humorously compared Reed to another famous action character, saying, “You might say that Eli Reed is Jason Bourne without the memory problems.” This statement underscores Reed’s high-level skill set and his readiness for action, traits that set him apart from Bosch’s more brooding, introspective nature.

A Dangerous Skillset: Elijah and McCall’s Partnership

Welliver also drew comparisons between his character and the various iterations of McCall, played by Edward Woodward, Denzel Washington, and Queen Latifah. “He is of that same ilk with a high level and dangerous skill set,” Welliver said of Reed. “His daughter, who has been under his tutelage for 20 to 25 years, possesses that same skill set, so they are even more formidable together.”

This father-daughter dynamic brings an exciting new dimension to the show, with both Reed and Samantha boasting impressive skills and the ability to handle high-stakes situations. Welliver is optimistic that fans will enjoy the new partnership, saying, “I hope people dig it,” suggesting that the chemistry between the characters will be a key factor in their appeal.

Looking to the Future: Potential Spinoff

Although the current storyline in The Equalizer remains the focus, there has been speculation that Welliver’s character could eventually lead to a spinoff. CBS announced his casting in January 2023 for a potential series centered on Reed, but as of March 2025, there have been no official updates on this development. Regardless, Welliver remains excited about the possibilities, with The Equalizer opening the door for more exploration of his character’s backstory and potential future adventures.

Conclusion: A Thrilling New Chapter for Welliver

Titus Welliver’s portrayal of Elijah Reed in The Equalizer adds an intriguing new layer to the action-packed series, offering fans a fresh perspective while drawing on his previous experiences with characters like Bosch. His exciting collaboration with Queen Latifah and the development of his father-daughter relationship with Juani Feliz promises to bring an emotional and thrilling edge to the show. As the show progresses, Welliver’s charismatic and layered portrayal of Reed will surely keep fans on the edge of their seats, while also giving them a glimpse into the deeper connections that drive the character.

With the potential for a spinoff on the horizon, it seems Welliver’s journey in The Equalizer is just beginning, and his character has a lot more to offer in the world of action-packed drama.