The CW’s Walker is the newest drama on the network that you should be watching. A remake of the original Walker Texas Ranger, this tells the story of a family who has lost it’s way after the death of the matriarch of the family. What follows is a story with a lot of heart, problems to fix up, and opportunities to tell a story full of family, representation, and a whole new set of roles for familiar faces.
1. It’s about family.
Walker follows in the steps of great family shows like Black Lightning except with no powers. There’s an emphasis on family dynamics across generations and the breakdown of community between a parent and his children. Finding their way back to each other is a journey we’re just starting to see but one that feels worthwhile and worth watching.
2. It’s a whole new role for Jared Padalecki.
With so many fans used to Padalecki playing Sam Winchester on Supernatural, it’s a welcome new role for the actor. Every episode he gets a chance to prove that he’s more than a hunter, brother, and badass. He’s messy, distraught, and barely holding on. But his character fights, every damn day, to find his way back to his kids. And it’s a welcome new role for an actor that has charmed us for over a decade.
3. It’s a chance for Lindsey Morgan to show us her acting chops.
We’d be remise to talk about acting and new chances if we didn’t talk about Morgan’s role as Micki Ramirez. Morgan killed it on The 100 and this show is a chance for her to show us that she can survive more than the end of the world. She can thrive as a young Texas Ranger who is breaking barriers and saving the day, left and right. The fact that her story isn’t all about Walker is a welcome bonus to an already interesting character.
4. It’s a look at representation.
Micki is the minority when it comes to Texas Rangers on the force. Her story paints a picture of what happens when Latinx people reach for the stars and land in a polarizing role that divides the community. The fact that she’s a woman further complicates things but sets Morgan up for a role unlike any other that she’s taken on in her career. Each episode is a welcome one where her experiences are acknowledged and worked through with the respect they deserve.
5. It’s got no chance at a partners to lovers.
One of the most worrying things on this show is the possibility of the leads falling into a relationship together. After all, the partners to lovers trope is a trope for a reason. But this show makes it extra crystal clear that there is no chance for Walker and Ramirez getting together. Walker is still rightfully grieving the death of his wife. And Ramirez, well she’s got her own partner who she’s trying to build something with. This certainty that nothing is going to happen with Walker and Ramirez is refreshing and worth watching.
Walker returns to The CW on March 11th at 8/7c.
