Walker Season One

History

On 23rd September 2019 it was reported that Jared had his first post Supernatural project lined up -- a reboot of the '90s action procedural series Walker, Texas Ranger that starred Chuck Norris. Coincidentally, in 6.18 Frontierland Sam used the alias "Walker, Texas Ranger"! The original series ran for eight seasons from 1993 to 2001, and was moderately successful throughout its run.

According to publicity, the series, which will be called Walker, would "focus on Cordell Walker as he returns from years undercover. A widower and father of two, he begins fighting crime with a new partner, who is one of the only female Rangers in history." Walker and his partner will be "the modern day heroes our world needs, following their own moral code to fight for what’s right, regardless of the rules." The show will be set, and film, in Austin where Jared and his family live.

The series is being written and executive produced by Anna Fricke, who is currently under an overall deal at CBS Television Studios, and who previously co-created the North American adaptation of Being Human for Syfy with husband and former Supernatural writer and showrunner Jeremy Carver. Jared is also listed as an executive producer along with Rideback's Dan Lin (Fox's Lethal Weapon), and Lindsey Libertore. Jared's manager Dan Spilo was also involved but was removed after his high profile removal from "Survivor" for sexual misconduct.

CBS Television Studios will produce the show, which has still to find a home. Both The CW and CBS were reported to be interested, before it was announced that it had landed with The CW. On January 19th, 2020, it was announced that the network had ordered the first season.

The first episode was to be available for ad buyers at the Upfront presentation in May, which will mean Jared would have gone into filming it very soon after Supernatural wrapped filming. However the shutdown of filming across the US in March due to COVID-19 changed the schedule. On 14th May 2020, the CW announced that it would launch its new season of original scripted shows in January 2021, rather than the traditional October launch. Walker will air on Thursdays at 8pm.

In October, 2020 showrunner Anne Fricke described the show in comparison with the Chuck Norris "Walker, Texas Ranger" as follows:

It’s ... a love song to Texas and the character is still obviously a Texas Ranger and somewhat of a maverick character with a very strong moral compass... This show, I’d say, is even more of a family drama just because Walker himself now is living on the ranch with his own parents, so it’s a real multi-generational story.

When asked how the show would deal with calls in 2020 for a racial reckoning and police reforms, Fricke said:

Walker is a character that can see things both ways — we call him the edge of the coin. We realized that unwittingly we were set up to have those conversations in the characters of Captain James, who is a Black man, and in Walker’s new partner, who is a Latinx woman. Given that we had the extra time, we tweaked the pilot slightly in that Captain James, as a newer captain who was promoted while Walker was gone on a case, is really here on a mission to bring progress into the department and to keep an eye on corruption.

Walker will air at 8pm on the CW with the premiere on Thursday 21st January, 2021.

Synopsis

After eleven months undercover, Cordell Walker is a widowed father of two finding his way back to his family while serving in the most elite law enforcement unit in Texas. Walker returns to his home in Austin after eleven months of undercover work on a high-profile case to discover that his family needs his attention.

He attempts to reconnect with his children, navigate clashes with his conservative family, and find unexpected common ground with his new partner Micki who is one of the first women in Texas Rangers history, while growing increasingly suspicious about the circumstances surrounding his wife's death.

Casting

• Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker – "He finds his transition back into everyday life proves tougher than he imagined, though, with Cordell needing to reconnect with his two children, navigate culture clashes with his conservative family, and find common ground with his new partner."
• Genevieve Padalecki as Emily Walker - "She is capable, generous, and focused on helping the disenfranchised."
• Lindsey Morgan as Micki Ramirez – "Who was born and raised in San Antonio. Described as focused and perceptive, her family has been in Texas since before it was Texas. She’s been in the Army and on the police force and knows first-hand what it’s like to be singled out and discriminated against because of her gender."
• Keegan Allen as Liam Walker – "Smart, slightly smug, but with a strong moral compass, Liam is Walker’s younger gay and conservative brother who has been recently promoted to assistant DA. Liam and Walker are close, but Liam gives his brother no shortage of tough love. Liam has always stayed close to home, often sacrificing his personal life in favor of his family duties. In Walker’s absence, he stepped up to take Walker’s kids under his wing. Liam’s close relationship with Walker’s son and daughter makes Walker slightly jealous."
• Mitch Pileggi as Bonham Walker – "A sturdy, conservative, tough-as-nails family man who doesn’t hold back when talking with his sons. A third-generation Texas rancher, he’s most comfortable taking care of business on the ranch."
• Molly Hagan as Abeline Walker – "An intelligent force of nature who’s a third generation Texas rancher. Abeline always puts family first and is ready to give you advice whether you want it or not."
• Coby Bell as Captain Larry James – "Trailblazer in his division, confident, sharp as a razor. Captain James, as the only African American man in the Austin headquarters and one of only a few in the entire Ranger division, has true grit and a wry sense of humor."
• Jeff Pierre as Trey Barnett – "Micki’s boyfriend. Warm and loving but haunted, Trey is an army medic recently back from his deployment. He’s doing his best to adjust but it’s not easy. He has a good relationship with Micki; they keep each other honest, and know each other better than they let anyone else know them."
• Violet Brinson as Stella Walker – "Sixteen years old, insolent and riding an emotional roller coaster, Stella is Walker’s teenage daughter. Headstrong and smart as hell, she resents her dad for being absent – and she’s not about to forgive him anytime soon. Her unrest leads her to ask questions Walker isn’t ready to answer."
• Kale Culley as August Walker – "Fourteen years old, sweet, sincere and quietly smart, August is Walker’s son. August rabidly consumes information and is eager to learn any skill that will help, please and impress his family. Unlike his sister, he doesn’t want to cause a stir. In other words, a time bomb." (Trivia: Originally called Arlo, the name of one of the Padalecki's dogs.)
• Matt Barr as Hoyt Rawlins - Cordell's best friend is described as a "Hill Country's Han Solo" and a "Lonestar lothario' who finds himself facing off with his friend on the opposite side of the law.
• Odette Anabel as Geri Broussard - A bartender who shares a history and friendship with Walker and his late wife, Emily. However, Geri hasn’t seen Walker in a long time and his return to Austin after being undercover for eleven months will bring her back into his orbit.

• Walker Season 1 was released for DVD in October 2021

Supernatural Connections

• Richard Speight directed 1.17 Dig

Season 1 Episodes

Title	Director	Writer	Air Date	Synopsis
1.01 Walker Pilot	Jessica Yu	Anna Fricke	January 21, 2021	Following his wife's death, Texas Ranger Cordell Walker return home after two years undercover, and struggles to reconnect with his children, while also dealing with balancing his job, with a new boss and a new partner.
1.02 Back in the Saddle	Steve Robin	Anna Fricke	January 28, 2021	While Walker tries to recertify as a Ranger, Micki investigates a suspicious fire.
1.03 Bobble Head	Randy Zisk	Seamus Kevin Fahey	February 4, 2021	Walker's life gets more complicated when his childhood best friend, Hoyt Rawlins, returns to town and people who are close have different speculations about why he returned.
1.04 Don’t Fence Me In	John T. Kretchmer	April Fitzsimmons	February 11, 2021	While Cordell and Micki investigate a murder, Stella starts her community service. Both Abby and Cordell have secrets revealed.
1.05 Duke	Steve Robin	Bret VandenBos & Brandon Willer	February 18, 2021	When his past unexpectedly collides with his present life, Walker is forced to resume his undercover identity to keep his family safe. Micki gets caught up in Walker's old case. August threatens to blow his father's cover.
1.06 Bar None	Amyn Kaderali	Casey Fisher & Paula Sabbaga	March 11, 2021	When Geri decides to sell the bar, it throws Walker for a loop. Micki is shocked when her mother drops in unexpectedly and Liam and Captain James start to look into Emily's murder and ask for assistance from Hoyt. Stella and August want to go camping to honor the one year of their mother's passing.
1.07 Tracks	Bola Ogun	Casey Fisher & Paula Sabbaga	March 18, 2021	Captain James and Liam follow up on a tip regarding Emily’s murder and get some answers as they take a secret trip to Mexico. Trey escorts Stella, August and the girls soccer team to an away game but when things take a dangerous turn Trey, Walker and Micki have to team up to save the kids. Micki learns some shocking news.
1.08 Fine is a Four Letter Word	Stacey K. Black	Katherine Alyse	April 8, 2021	A tornado touches down in Austin and all hands on deck to keep the kids and community safe. Walker, Micki and Trey rush to the school where the kids are at the school dance. Walker's parents stop at a store for supplies where old memories resurface and the two are forced to discuss their marriage. Liam and Bret get trapped in elevator and Liam has a heart to heart talk.
1.09 Rule No. 17	Steve Robin	Bret VandenBos & Brandon Willer	April 15, 2021	Walker and Captain James investigate a high stakes poker game where one of the players may have information on Emily’s killer. The night takes a turn when Geri shows up to join the game. Micki takes August and Stella on an unusual adventure.
1.10 Encore	Stacey K. Black	Blythe Ann Johnson	May 6, 2021	With the Sidestep now in their name, Walker, Stella, and August put their stamp on the place. Liam turns to Bonham for advice on a career move, while Micki and Trey work through the aftermath of his injuries after the hurricane. Stella confronts Clint about Trevor and his response prompts Stella to make a dangerous decision that will leave a permanent mark on the Walker family.
1.11 Freedom	Alex Pillai	Geri Carillo	May 13, 2021	Walker and Geri are both unsure of their feelings for each other after their kiss and things get very complicated when Hoyt comes home from prison. However, the welcome home party is interrupted when Micki and Walker get word that Clint West is on the run.
1.12 A Tale of Two Families	Steve Robin	Teleplay by : Seamus Kevin Fahey & Anna Fricke; Story by : Seamus Kevin Fahey	May 20, 2021	The show flashes back to the days right before and after Emily’s death and how the entire Walker family dealt with the sudden tragic loss.
1.13 Defend the Ranch	Alex Pillai	Teleplay by : Seamus Kevin Fahey & Anna Fricke; Story by : Seamus Kevin Fahey	June 10, 2021	Walker’s past comes back with a vengeance and it threatens the very thing he loves the most – his family.
1.14 Mehar's Jacket	Diana Valentine	Casey Fisher	June 17, 2021	Micki’s real mother, Mercedes tries to make amends with Micki. Walker steps in to help and lands in a heap of trouble. Meanwhile, August suffers from PTSD after what happened at the Ranch.
1.15 Four Stones in Hand	Tessa Blake	Paula Sabbaga	June 24, 2021	Walker and Micki investigate a bomb threat at the school that targeted Liam and Stan. Abeline and Bonham plan a vow renewal, and Trey’s mother comes for a visit.
1.16 Bad Apples	Joel Novoa	Aaron Carew	July 15, 2021	Captain James leads Micki and the team into a drug bust with a dirty cop, Officer Campbell at the center. However, after Campbell is inexplicably set free, the cop targets the Captain’s son, DJ in retaliation. Walker gives Trey advice on his future.
1.17 Dig	Richard Speight Jr.	Seamus Kevin Fahey & Anna Fricke	July 22, 2021	Walker and Micki investigate a bomb threat at the school that targeted Liam and Stan. Abeline and Bonham plan a vow renewal, and Trey’s mother comes for a visit.
1.18 Drive	Steve Robin	Seamus Kevin Fahey & Anna Fricke	August 12, 2021	Walker’s world is shattered when he finds out family friend Stan Morrison killed his wife.

External links

• First preview video
• Season 1 promo photos
• Jared promo from Winchester to Walker
• Jared shares backstory to new series Bleeding Cool
• ‘Walker’ Showrunner Previews Upcoming ‘Family Soap’ Starring Jared Padalecki by Variety
• Preview of the Pilot script
• ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Reboot Starring Jared Padalecki in the Works by Deadline
• ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Reboot Starring Jared Padalecki in Development by Variety
• Supernatural's Jared Padalecki to Be the New Walker, Texas Range by Empire
• ‘Supernatural’ star Jared Padalecki talks ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ reboot NY Daily News
• Jared Padalecki Reinvents a Lone Star State Icon with Garden and Gun
• The ATX Television Festival featured a "Walker Music Showcase" on June 20 hosted by Lindsey Morgan and Odette Annable, and will have live performances from Erika Wennestrom, Kalu and Mobley.