Feature Story
Cue the Chuck Norris jokes, “Walker, Texas Ranger” is back — though not without some major changes, starting with the name. The CW reboot of the timeless `90s action television show is simply called “Walker.” A complete reboot as opposed to a sequel of the original series, audiences won't be seeing many references to the original series or to Norris's character. “Walker” has a brand new plotline and cast of characters, only connected to the original by legacy and concept, and it's scheduled to premiere Thursday, Jan. 21, on CW.
One character who is staying on board — because you really can't have a “Walker, Texas Ranger” reboot without him — is Cordell Walker himself. Originally played by Chuck Norris, “Supernatural's” Jared Padalecki is stepping into the title character's boots and the role couldn't come at a better time for Padalecki as the series finale of “Supernatural” recently aired, calling an end to its 15 years on television.
Unlike Norris's original Vietnam veteran crime-fighting character, Padalecki's adaptation has a darker and more mysterious backstory; what we know going in is that he's a widower with two children. After returning home from a two-year stint with an elite crimefighting unit, Walker finds that there's a lot of work he needs to do to reconnect with his kids.
We'll also get to know Cordell Walker's late wife, the generous and kindhearted Emily, throughout the first season of the reboot as writers feed audiences her story through flashbacks. Played by Genevieve Padalecki, the connection between characters goes beyond the screen: Genevieve is Jared's wife in real life as well, the two having gotten married after falling in love on the set of “Supernatural” back in 2008.
Upon Walker's return, suspicion surrounding his wife's death builds. Between this and the usual crime-fighting duties of an elite ranger, he's definitely in for a season full of action. Fortunately, he has a tough and experienced new partner to back him up.
Walker's partner, Micki (played by Lindsey Morgan, “The 100”), is a groundbreaking character. Micki is a true Texas native, her family rooted in the state before it was even known as “Texas.” As the first-ever female Texas Ranger, Micki served both in the U.S. Army and on the police force. Not only do we get to see her live up to the standards of a Ranger, but we'll also see how the series tackles the discrimination she faces as a woman in the field.
Morgan's character stands in stark contrast to the original Walker sidekick, James “Jimmy” Trivette. Played by Clarence Gilyard (“Die Hard,” 1988), Jimmy was a Dallas Cowboys player who grew up in Baltimore. Morgan will be bringing a new supporting vibe to the screen as she finishes up work on “The 100,” now entering its seventh and final season.
We have a surprising amount of detail about the “who's who” in “Walker's” incredibly diverse and familiar supporting cast. Keegan Allen (“Pretty Little Liars”) will play Walker's younger brother, Liam, a gay, conservative and morally driven district attorney. The show's executives explain that he is also apt to put others' needs before his own — a trait we are introduced to almost immediately when we see him interacting with Walker's kids.