by Nellie Curtiss …
I’ve been noticing that the best tv shows are using contemporary issues to drive programing. Apropos during May is Mental Health Awareness was the latest episode of the Equalizer shedding light on cybercrime and suicide prevention. Last Sunday’s Season 2 Episode 18 of the EQUALIZER addressed these issues in these high-tech times.
Queen Latifah rocks the role of Robyn McCall on the latest remake of The Equalizer. Robyn’s daughter is Delilah played by teenager Laya DeLeon Hays. In this episode, Delilah’s school friend Vera is the victim of break-up revenge. Delilah tries to help her friend, so reaches out to The Equalizer. In a story twist, Delilah learns her mother is this hero, The Equalizer; so, she asks her specialized team for help taking down the online video.
At school the exposed picture of Vera circulates with rowdy comments and laughter. Deliliah bravely responds to Logan and the hecklers in the hall: “You think this is a joke? It’s assault and harassment. You know, maybe even child pornography. What you did was a crime. And you’re gonna pay for it.”
As victims of this type of cybercrime learn in real life, proof is needed; and police cannot seize all student phones. Parents and guardians are contacted; and the criminal process wouldn’t be easy as Delilah learns when she talks to Detective Dante. The detective says, “Tell her that she doesn’t have to do this alone. Coming forward isn’t easy, but I know for a fact that doing nothing is worse.”
As the story evolves, Vera is standing on the roof ledge having been so depressed and only hearing insults decides she wants to take her life. After Vera shares that she is scared and doesn’t know how to handle being exposed all over the internet, Delilah stresses to her friend that she cares and loves her.
Delilah’s character shows us how or what we might say to a friend in need. She pleads, “No, Vera, it does. It matters to me. You matter to me. Okay, what would I do without my friend who speaks three languages? My friend who shared half of her sandwich with me when my lunch got stolen. . . . The world needs you. It’d be an awful place if you were not here. I mean, think about your little brother. He adores you. Henry. Vera, look at me. Look. What Logan did was awful. But there are people who love you. There are people who will stand with you. But we can’t stand with you if you’re not there. Because, as you know, winning the race means showing your face.”
While fighting cybercrime is important and grabs contemporary TV plots, suicide prevention is equally challenging—like The Equalizer’s Exposed episode shows us. Contending with suicide takes all of us listening to our friends, like Delilah did. It takes speaking up to our friends that we love them, we are here for them, and we care deeply. We can acknowledge that circumstances are difficult and painful; but that they matter to us. They matter because they have value as persons with their particular likes and dislikes, wishes and goals, or mistakes and successes.
As someone who continues to struggle with depression, I know first-hand that counselors can help. This episode brings to light how friends, families and schools can respond in difficult or controversial situations. Considering mental health is highlighted this month, guidance to find specialized help can make all the difference for teens and for adults. Here in the San Luis Valley, the Behavior Health Center on Airport Road offers help: 719-589-3671. The National Suicide Prevention Hotline is 800-273-8255. Taking a cue from the show, I encourage you to reach out if you or someone you know needs help.
Nelda Curtiss is a retired college educator and long-time local columnist. Reach her at http://www.columnsbynellie.com or email her at columnsbynellie@gmail.com
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