Titus Welliver Calls Working with Queen Latifah on The Equalizer ‘Really Wonderful’ — Here’s Why!

Titus Welliver, best known for his portrayal of the stoic Harry Bosch in the Bosch series, is stepping into new territory with his guest appearance in The Equalizer Season 5, Episode 16, titled “Sins of the Father.” As Harry Bosch’s badge hangs up for now, Welliver embraces a fresh, dynamic role that promises to showcase his versatility and, potentially, lead to a new chapter in The Equalizer franchise.

The episode, which aired on April 20, 2025, introduces Welliver as Elijah Reed, a former CIA operative whose mysterious disappearance forces his daughter, Samantha (played by Juani Feliz), to join forces with Robyn McCall (Queen Latifah) and her team. This storyline serves as a potential backdoor pilot for a new Equalizer spinoff, with Welliver’s character taking center stage in an emotionally charged, action-packed mystery. If the fan response is strong, Elijah Reed’s story could be just beginning.

A Different Kind of Operative

While Welliver’s portrayal of Bosch, the brooding, methodical detective, is iconic, his role as Elijah Reed presents a fresh and dynamic shift. Describing Reed as “more open and demonstrative,” Welliver has compared him to “a Jason Bourne without the memory problems.” This characterization stands in stark contrast to Bosch’s no-nonsense, tightly controlled persona. Welliver expressed his excitement about the role, saying, “I had a blast doing it,” and praised his co-stars, particularly Juani Feliz, calling her a “marvelous actor.”

Despite being used to playing intense and often emotionally reserved characters, Welliver found Reed to be an exciting and liberating departure. “It’s fun,” he said of his role in The Equalizer, noting his admiration for the show’s legacy, including the original series with Edward Woodward and the films starring Denzel Washington. He’s particularly impressed with Queen Latifah’s take on Robyn McCall. “I love what Latifah does with McCall,” Welliver shared, reflecting on his long-standing respect for her work.

The Powerful Dynamic Between Reed and McCall

In Sins of the Father, Reed’s daughter Samantha teams up with McCall after her father’s sudden disappearance. What initially appears to be a missing person’s case gradually reveals deeper layers, including long-buried family secrets tied to Reed’s past in the Dominican Republic. This narrative provides Welliver ample room to explore a more vulnerable and emotional side of his character, marking a departure from the gritty and stoic nature of his Bosch persona.

“It was really wonderful to finally get to work with Latifah, who I’ve known for a long time,” Welliver said of his experience working with the actress and producing an electric on-screen chemistry. The intense, high-stakes drama that The Equalizer excels at gave Welliver the opportunity to stretch his acting chops and deepen his portrayal of a complex character facing his past.

The Future of Elijah Reed and The Equalizer

While The Equalizer has not officially announced a spinoff focusing on Elijah Reed, the positive reception of his guest appearance may determine if his character becomes a mainstay in the franchise. For Welliver, the opportunity to step into this new world was a thrilling challenge. “It was really, really great to step into that world,” he reflected. “I’d do it again in a heartbeat.”

For now, Welliver is enjoying the shift from Bosch to this new role, bringing with him a decade of experience in crime drama to bring depth to Elijah Reed’s character. As The Equalizer continues to captivate audiences, Welliver’s character may just be the next big thing in the action-packed world of Robyn McCall.

The Equalizer airs Sundays at 10 PM ET on CBS, and fans can tune in to witness Welliver’s compelling performance as Elijah Reed. With the potential for more to come, the future of Reed in the Equalizer universe seems promising.