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Walker, Texas Ranger

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
For the 19th century Texas Ranger captain, see Samuel Hamilton Walker. For the 2021 reboot, see Walker (TV series).

Walker, Texas Ranger
Genre
Created by
Starring
Theme music composer
Opening theme"Eyes of the Ranger"
(composed by Tirk Wilder; performed by Chuck Norris)
Composers
Country of originUnited States
Original languageEnglish
No. of seasons9
No. of episodes203 (not incl. TV movie)[1][2] (list of episodes)
Production
Executive producers
Producers
Camera setup
Running time43 minutes
Production companies
Original release
NetworkCBS
ReleaseApril 21, 1993 (1993-04-21) –
May 19, 2001 (2001-05-19)
Related
Sons of Thunder

Walker, Texas Ranger is an American action crime television series created by Leslie Greif and Paul Haggis. It was inspired by the film Lone Wolf McQuade, with both this series and that film starring Chuck Norris as a member of the Texas Ranger Division.[3] The show aired on CBS in the spring of 1993, with the first season consisting of three pilot episodes. Eight full seasons followed with new episodes airing from September 25, 1993, to May 19, 2001, and reruns continuing on CBS until July 28, 2001.[4] It has been broadcast in over 100 countries and spawned a 2005 television film entitled Trial by Fire. The film ended on a cliffhanger, which was never resolved. DVD sets of all seasons have been released (with the three pilots packaged with the first regular season). At various times since 1997, reruns of the show have aired, in syndication, on the USA Network and Action in Canada. Reruns are currently seen on CBS Action, WGN America, CMT, INSP, getTV, Pluto TV, Heroes & Icons, Grit, 10 Bold, Peacock TV, Up TV and Hulu.[5]

The series was noted for its moralistic style. The characters refrained from the use of drugs and participated in community service. Martial arts were displayed prominently as the primary tool of law enforcement and occasionally as a tool for Walker and company to reach out to the community.[6][7]

A reboot entitled Walker, starring Jared Padalecki, debuted on The CW in 2021, where it ran for four seasons.

Premise

[edit]

The show was initially developed by executive producer Allison Moore[8] and supervising producer J. Michael Straczynski when the series was still being produced by Cannon Television. While Straczynski had to depart to get his new series Babylon 5 on the air, executive producer David Moessinger remained to finish developing the series. The show is centered on Sergeant Cordell Walker (Norris), a Dallas–Fort Worth–based member of the Texas Rangers, a state-level bureau of investigation.[9] Walker was raised by his paternal uncle, an American Indian named Ray Firewalker (Floyd Red Crow Westerman, pilot episode, season 1; Apesanahkwat, season 2). The surname is, possibly, a nod to the 1986 Norris film, Firewalker. Cordell, prior to joining the Rangers, served in the Marines' elite Recon unit during the Vietnam War. Both Cordell and Uncle Ray share the values characteristic of Wild West sheriffs.[10]

His partner and best friend is James "Jimmy" Trivette (Clarence Gilyard), a former Dallas Cowboys player, "Go Long Trivette", who takes a more modern approach.[11] Walker's young partner grew up in Baltimore and used football as his ticket to college education. He was dropped from the team after he tore up his shoulder in a major game, which led to his career in the Rangers (often making references to watching the Lone Ranger and how C.D. Parker mentored him as a rookie officer). Trivette also works inside the office using computers and cellular phones to collate information of the people who have been taken into custody.

Walker also works closely with (and shares a mutual attraction to) Alexandra "Alex" Cahill (Sheree J. Wilson), a Tarrant County Assistant District Attorney, who on occasion puts up a frown[citation needed] if Walker does not obtain results in time. He also gets advice on cases from C.D. Parker (Gailard Sartain, pilot season; Noble Willingham, seasons 1–7), a veteran Ranger (later inducted into the Texas Rangers Hall of Fame) who worked with Walker (and is the only character on the show to address Walker by his first name Cordell on a regular basis) until retiring to operate a small restaurant and bar called "CD's Bar and Grill", a restaurant widely known in the series for its chili. In season 7, two rookie Texas Rangers, Sydney Cooke (Nia Peeples), and Francis Gage (Judson Mills), are assigned under Walker and Trivette's command.

The series was well known during its run for its product placement deal with Chrysler, especially its Dodge division. After Walker used a GMC Sierra during the first season, he switched to the Dodge Ram (which at the start of the second season was completely redesigned for 1994), which would be advertised during commercial breaks. Other members of the cast often used other Chrysler vehicles, while villains would drive vehicles from General Motors or Ford Motor Company. This was not unlike The Andy Griffith Show, which exclusively used Ford vehicles due to a sponsorship deal with Andy Griffith. Coincidentally, the show ended just as Dodge was getting ready to redesign the Ram again for the 2002 model year. However the 2006 Dodge Ram SRT-10 was used in the movie Trial by Fire, driven by Walker.

Episodes

[edit]
Main article: List of Walker, Texas Ranger episodes
SeasonEpisodesOriginally aired
First airedLast aired
14April 21, 1993May 1, 1993
224September 25, 1993 (1993-09-25)May 21, 1994 (1994-05-21)
325September 24, 1994 (1994-09-24)May 13, 1995 (1995-05-13)
426September 23, 1995 (1995-09-23)May 18, 1996 (1996-05-18)
527September 21, 1996 (1996-09-21)May 17, 1997 (1997-05-17)
625September 27, 1997 (1997-09-27)May 16, 1998 (1998-05-16)
723September 26, 1998 (1998-09-26)May 22, 1999 (1999-05-22)
825September 25, 1999 (1999-09-25)May 20, 2000 (2000-05-20)
924October 7, 2000 (2000-10-07)May 19, 2001 (2001-05-19)
Television filmOctober 16, 2005 (2005-10-16)

Cast and characters

[edit]
Main article: List of Walker, Texas Ranger characters
Name Portrayed by Occupation Seasons
Pilot 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Cordell Walker Chuck Norris Texas Ranger Main
James Trivette Clarence Gilyard Texas Ranger Main
Alexandra Cahill Sheree J. Wilson Assistant District Attorney Main
CD Parker Gailard Sartain Former Texas Ranger, and bar owner Main Does not appear
Noble Willingham Does not appear Main Does not appear
Raymond Firewalker Floyd Westerman Walker's uncle Main Does not appear
Apesanahkwat Does not appear Guest Does not appear
Trent Malloy Jimmy Wlcek Karate instructor, and private detective Does not appear Recurring Main Does not appear
Carlos Sandoval Marco Sanchez Police detective Does not appear Recurring Main Does not appear
Francis Gage Judson Mills Texas Ranger Does not appear Main
Sydney Cooke Nia Peeples Texas Ranger Does not appear Main

Main

[edit]
  • Chuck Norris as Texas Ranger Sergeant Cordell Walker, a former Marine and a modern-day Ranger who believes in the Code of the Old West. He is a decorated Vietnam vet and a martial arts expert. He is the show's main protagonist.
  • Clarence Gilyard as Texas Ranger Sergeant James "Jimmy" Trivette, Walker's partner and best friend. He is former professional football player for the Dallas Cowboys where he was a wide receiver.
  • Sheree J. Wilson as Tarrant County Assistant D.A. Alexandra "Alex" Cahill, whom Walker later dates for a few seasons and finally marries.
  • Noble Willingham (Gailard Sartain in the series pilot) as retired Texas Ranger Captain C.D. Parker, Walker's buddy and ex-partner who owns a bar-restaurant in Fort Worth, Texas, and is the only one to address Walker by his first name Cordell regularly. C.D. regularly assisted Walker and Trivette.
  • Floyd Westerman (Apesanahkwat in three season 2 guest appearances) as Walker's paternal uncle Ray Firewalker, also known as Uncle Ray. He raised Cordell after his parents – John and Elizabeth Firewalker – were murdered. Ray disappears at the end of the second season and is later revealed to have died during the Season 5 episode "Lucas".
  • Marco Sanchez as Detective Carlos Sandoval, a detective for Dallas PD, and the best friend of Trent Malloy. He often teams up with Walker and Trivette on cases. Sanchez recurs in seasons 4–5, and is part of the main cast in season 6.
  • Jimmy Wlcek as Trent Malloy, son of a pastor and former martial arts student of Walker. He is a black belt in Karate and runs both his own Dojo and Protection Agency. He also often teams up with Walker and Trivette on cases. Wlcek recurs in seasons 4–5, and is part of the main cast in season 6.
  • Nia Peeples as Texas Ranger Sydney "Syd" Cooke, a rookie Ranger who joins Walker in the series' seventh season.
  • Judson Mills as Texas Ranger Francis Gage, another rookie Ranger who joins Walker in the series' seventh season.

Supporting

[edit]
  • Cynthia Dorn as M.E. Mary Williams, a medical examiner in most of the murder cases that occurred on the show.
  • James Drury as Texas Ranger Captain Tom Price, Walker's and Trivette's supervisor. He only appears during the pilot season.
  • Vanessa Paul as Josie Martin, who runs a 'H.O.P.E.' center created by Alex after a near-death experience. One of Alex's bridesmaids at Alex and Walker's wedding.
  • Frank Salsedo as White Eagle, the spiritual leader of the Cherokee reservation Walker grew up on, who debuts during season 3.
  • Rod Taylor as Gordon Cahill, the once-estranged father of Alex, who is also an Attorney.
  • Eloy Casados as Sheriff Sam Coyote, the sheriff of the Cherokee reservation and a very good friend of Walker.
  • Peter Onorati as Sergeant Vincent Rosetti, a New York Police Sergeant with a strong New York accent, and who is a little arrogant.
  • Terry Kiser as Charlie Brooks, a clumsy and fast-talking informant for Walker and Trivette.
  • Robert Fuller as Ranger Wade Harper, a retired El Paso Texas Ranger who came on board to work for Walker and Trivette. Previously, Robert Fuller appeared another character – Cabe Wallace, a 19th-century Texas Ranger – in one episode.
  • Julia Nickson as Dr. Susan Lee, a geneticist who had been kidnapped three times throughout her appearances and the mother of Davey.
  • Wayne Pere as Victor LaRue, one of Walker's archenemies who repeatedly tried to rape Alex until he was shot dead in his final appearance, "Trial of LaRue".

Notable guest stars

[edit]
Actor Character Episode title Year
Marshall R. Teague Orson Wade "One Riot, One Ranger" 1993
Harper Ridland "Payback" 1994
Randy Shrader "Codename: Dragonfly" 1996
Rudd Kilgore "Last of a Breed: Part 1"
"Last of a Breed: Part 2" 		1997
Lieutenant Tracton "Fight or Die" 1999
Emile Lavocat/Milos "Moon" Lavocat "The Final Showdown" 2001
Leon Rippy Dewey Baker "Borderline" 1993
Vince Pike "Days Past" 1997
Chastian "The Final Show/Down" 2001
Richard Norton Rollins "Storm Warning" 1993
Mercenary #1 "Standoff" 1995
Simms "Team Cherokee: Part 2" 1999
Tom Munger "Fight or Die"
Thug (uncredited) "Wedding Bells: Part 1" 2000
Frank Scanlon "The Avenging Angel"
Jonas Graves/ 'flashbacks', Long-Haired Desperado "The Final Showdown: Part 1"
"The Final Showdown: Part 2" 		2001
Luis Guzmán Gomez "Storm Warning" 1993
Patrick St. Esprit Quint "Crime Wave Dave" 1993
Brad Furnell "The Juggernaut" 1996
Jack Garrett "The Fighting McLains" 1997
Lester Rawlins "A Matter of Principle" 1997
Darby "Unsafe Speed" 2001
Judith Hoag Lainie Flanders "Family Matters" 1993
Brian Thompson Leo Cale
M. C. Gainey Tingley "She'll Do to Ride the River With"
Craig "The Bachelor Party" 2000
Sam J. Jones Tommy Williams/Samuel Bodine "Unfinished Business" 1993
Mick Stanley "Devil's Turf" 1997
Mary Elizabeth McGlynn Merilee Summers "Right Man Wrong Time" 1994
Giovanni Ribisi Tony Kingston "Something in the Shadows: Part 1"
"Something in the Shadows: Part 2"
Tom Virtue Peter Needham
Jeff Kober Kurt Nypo
Russell Stafford "99th Ranger" 1997
Tobey Maguire Duane Parsons "The Prodigal Son" 1994
Danica McKellar Laurie Maston "Stolen Lullaby"
Ray Wise Garrett Carlson
Carli Coleman Georgia Douglas "Silk Dreams"
James Morrison Ned Travis "Mustangs"
August Schellenberg Billy Gray Wolf "Rainbow Warrior"
"On Sacred Ground" 1995
Doris Roberts Elaine Portugal "The Big Bingo Bamboozle"
Wayne Pere Victor LaRue "Cowboy"
"The Return of LaRue" 1996
"Trial of LaRue" 1997
Cuadroza "Last of a Breed: Part 1"
"Last of a Breed: Part 2"
Tim Thomerson Mitchell Bolton "War Zone" 1995
Dirk Benedict Blair "Case Closed"
Robin Sachs Philippe Brouchard "Standoff"
Andrew Divoff Carlos Darius "Deep Cover" 1995
Rudy Mendoza "Everyday Heroes" 1998
Alberto Cardoza "Winds of Change" 2000
Alex Cord Larry Curtis "The Guardians" 1995
William Smith Silas Quint "Final Justice"
Marshall Colt Lt. Lee Corbin (his last acting role) "Whitewater: Part 1"
Carlos Machado Himself "Rodeo" 1996
Officer No. 1 "Sons of Thunder" 1997
Orderly "Forgotten People"
Rodgers "Fight or Die" 1999
William Lucking Capt. Shankley "Break In" 1996
Anthony Zerbe Joey Galloway "Break In"
Clifton Collins Jr. Fito "El Coyote: Part 1"
"El Coyote: Part 2"
Issabela Camil Juanita Ortiz "El Coyote: Part 1"
"El Coyote: Part 2"
Robert Englund Lyle Eckert "Deadline"
Richard Chaves Special Agent Samuel Mills
Keith Szarabajka Hendricks "Redemption"
Burt Young Jack Belmont "Lucky"
"Small Blessings" 1997
Max Martini Luke "A Silent Cry" 1996
Rod Taylor Gordon Cahill "Redemption"
"Texas vs. Cahill" 1997
"Wedding Bells: Part 1"
"Wedding Bells: Part 2" 		2000
Terry Kiser Charlie Brooks "Mayday"
"Last Hope"
"Iceman" 		1997
Maxwell 'Iceman' Kronert "Iceman"
Mila Kunis Pepper "Last Hope"
Tammy Lauren Roberta "Bobby" Hunt "99th Ranger"
"A Father's Image"
Tonea Stewart Judge Loretta Paxton "Trial of LaRue"
Principal Rivers "Rise to the Occasion" 1999
Mako Dr. Henry Lee "Heart of the Dragon" 1997
Edward Song "Black Dragons" 2000
Kyla Pratt Kyla Jarvis "The Neighborhood" 1997
Dan Lauria Salvatore Matacio "A Father's Image"
John Amos Pastor Roscoe Jones "Sons of Thunder"
Tess Harper Katie Malloy "Sons of Thunder"
Marco Sanchez Detective Carlos Sandoval "Sons of Thunder"-"Team Cherokee: Part 2" 1997-1999
Sam Brazos "Paradise Trail" 1998
James Wlcek Trent Malloy "Sons of Thunder"-"Team Cherokee: Part 2" 1997-1999
Brother John Mason "Paradise Trail" 1998
James Pickens Jr. Staff Sergeant Luther Parrish "The Fighting Mclains" 1997
Stephen Quadros Corporal John Wesley 'JW' Mclain
Haley Joel Osment Lucas Simms "Lucas: Part 1"
"Lucas: Part 2"
Mackenzie Phillips Ellen Simms
Gwen Verdon Maisie Whitman "Forgotten People" 1997
"Mind Games" 1999
Robert Fuller Ranger Cabe Wallace "Last of a Breed: Part 2" 1997
"The Final Show/Down" 2001
Ranger Wade Harper "A Matter of Principle" 2000
"The Final Show/Down" 2001
David Gallagher Chad Morgan "Brainchild" 1997
Paul Gleason Dr. Harold Payton
Randolph Mantooth James Lee Crown "Rainbow's End"
Mitch Pileggi Paul Grady "Money Talks" 1998
"Rowdy" Roddy Piper Cody "The Crusader" Conway "The Crusader"
Linda Purl Barbara Conway
Marty Ingels Murray
Randy Tallman Dr. Aaron Markham
Dr. Pratt "Vision Quest" 2000
Paul Winfield Pastor Roscoe Jones "The Soul of Winter" 1998
Collin Raye Himself
Danny Trejo Joe Lopez "Circle of Life" 1998
Jose Rodriguez "Rise to the Occasion" 1999
Kerry Rossall Bad Guy "Test of Faith" 1998
Mace "Brothers in Arms" 1999
Joe Martin "Rise to the Occasion"
Tobin Bell Karl Storm "The Wedding: Part 1"
"The Wedding: Part 2"		 1998
RuPaul Bob "Royal Heist"
Dean Norris Deke Powell "War Cry"
Mike Connors Judge Arthur McSpadden "Code of the West"
Amanda Fuller Katie McSpadden
Camilla Belle Cindy Morgan
Downtown Julie Brown Cassandra "The Children of Halloween"
Erik Dellums David "Lucifer" Thompson
Lila McCann Kelly Wyman "Eyes of a Ranger"
Michael Peterson Himself
Lee Majors Sheriff Bell "On the Border"
Michael Fishman Snake "Lost Boys" 1999
Deion Sanders Himself "Special Witness"
"Rise to the Occasion"
Gary Busey Donovan Riggs "Special Witness"
James Remar Keith Bolt "The Principal"
Judy Herrera Rachel Falcon "Team Cherokee: Part 1"
"Team Cherokee: Part 2"
Michael Greyeyes Brian Falcon
Robert Mirabal Tall Bear
John Schneider Jacob Crossland "Jacob's Ladder"
Lane Smith Reverend Thornton Powers "Power Angels"
Dwight Schultz Lloyd Allen "Safe House"
Rex Linn Leland Stahl/Lester Stahl "Way of the Warrior"
Frank Stallone B.J. Ronson "Tall Cotton"
Frank Bishop "Saturday Night" 2001
Peggy and Patsy Lynn Themselves "The Lynn Sisters" 1999
Erik Estrada Brock
Joe Penny Sonny Tantero "Suspicious Minds"
Barry Corbin Ben Crowder "Widowmaker"
Ty Murray Himself
Randy Savage Whitelaw Lundren "Fight or Die"
Frank Shamrock Dirk 'The Hammer' Savage
Steven Bauer Lorenzo Cabral "Rise to the Occasion"
Scott Weinger Bradley Roberts "Full Recovery"
Marla Adams Betsy Harper "A Matter of Principle" 2000
"The Final Showdown" 2001
Tammy Townsend Erika Carter "Justice Delayed" 2000
"The Final Showdown" 2001
David Keith Cliff Eagleton "The Day of Cleansing"[12] 2000
Sammo Hung Sammo Law
Deron McBee Luke Warley "Black Dragons"
Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa Master Ko
Byron Mann P.K. Song
Tzi Ma General Nimh "The General's Return"
Barbara Mandrell Nicole Foley "Showdown at Casa Diablo: Part 1"
Christopher B. Duncan Defense Attorney Lime "The Bachelor Party"
Joan Jett Dierdre Harris "Wedding Bells: Part 1"
Mark Cuban Groomsmen "Wedding Bells: Part 1"
"Wedding Bells: Part 2"
Tom Bosley Minister
Ernest Borgnine Eddie Ryan "The Avenging Angel"
Michael Ironside Nolan "The Chairman" Pierce "Winds of Change"
"Lazarus"
"Turning Point"
"Retribution"
T. J. Thyne Wallace 'The Wizard' Slausen
Jeffrey Dean Morgan Jake Horbart "Child of Hope"
Dionne Warwick Dionne Berry "Faith"
Mark Kiely Dwight Burner
Lee Arenberg Lester Squigman
Gerry Becker Dr. Michaels
Hulk Hogan Boomer Knight "Division Street" 2001
Francis Capra Ace
Laura Bailey Roberta Bishop "Saturday Night"
Brett Cullen Pete Drayton "Justice for All"
Lawrence LeJohn Moten
Jonathan Adams Lyle Nugent
Beau Billingslea Tom Jakes
Nick Chinlund Theodore McNeely "6 Hours"
Mercedes McNab Heather Preston
Daniel Hugh Kelly Tim Preston
Josh Holloway Ben Wiley "Medieval Crimes"
Howard "California Flash" Jackson Himself "Legends"
Joe Lewis Himself
Bill "Superfoot" Wallace Himself
Don "the Dragon" Wilson Himself
Steve "Sting" Borden Grangus "Unsafe Speed"
Carlos Bernard Raoul 'Skull' Hidalgo "Without a Sound"
Lloyd Battista Dr. Clark
Peter Woodward Victor Drake "Blood Diamonds"
Ryan Bittle Harley "Reel Rangers"
Mitchel Musso Josh Whitley "Trial by Fire" 2005
Selena Gomez Julie

Reception

[edit]

Nielsen ratings

[edit]

The show was quite successful in the ratings throughout its run, ranking among the Top 25 shows from 1995 until 1999, and ranking in the Top 20 in both the 1995–1996 and 1998–1999 seasons.[citation needed] (1993–1994) 11.7 rating, No. 41 (1994–1995) 11.2 rating, No. 41 (1995–1996) 12.3 rating, No. 18 (1996–1997) 11.0 rating, No. 24 (1997–1998) 14.4 million viewers, No. 21 (1998–1999) 14.4 million viewers, No. 15 (1999–2000) 12.2 million viewers, No. 34 (2000–2002) 

10.3 million viewers, No. 62

Critical reception

[edit]

In October 1993, Ken Tucker of Entertainment Weekly gave the series a C+.[13]

Critic "Average Joe" Queenan thoroughly roasted the series, particularly over targeting a wider audience than suited for its late-night timeslot. He called the show "...so corny and predictable that it appears to be in slow-motion even when it's not...With plotlines that were old when George Burns was young, acting that makes William Shatner seem like Marlon Brando, and dialogue that could stop The Dukes of Hazzard dead in its tracks...Most episodes of the series are completely unwatchable -- although, to the producers' credit, many are scripted so that Chuck Norris doesn't need to talk much...While Norris indeed has a number of successful and well-received screen projects under his belt, here is the first and only time I recall that he was trusted with performing his own theme music. He is no Roy Orbison...I'm not sure they're even using a DP on this show; it seems that they just mount a camera on a tripod and tell Chuck to start kicking people's faces in for a solid hour, which he seems more than willing to do."[14]

Recognition

[edit]

On December 2, 2010, Rick Perry the 47th Governor of Texas named the Norris brothers Honorary Texas Ranger Captains for their work on the series. In his speech he said that "together, they helped elevate our Texas Rangers to truly mythical status."[15]

Home media

[edit]

Paramount Home Entertainment and CBS Home Entertainment have both released all seasons on DVD in Region 1.[16] The Complete 1st Season contains the three pilot episodes and the first full season being labeled as just the first season. This has confused some fans, as the episodes are wrongly numbered. Seasons 1–6 have been released in regions 2–4.

On May 12, 2015, CBS DVD released Walker, Texas Ranger – The Complete Collection on DVD in Region 1.[17]

DVD name
Eps
Release dates
Region 1
Region 2
Region 4
The Complete 1st Season[18] 26 June 13, 2006 October 2, 2006 October 12, 2006
The Complete 2nd Season 24 January 23, 2007 March 8, 2007 April 12, 2007
The Complete 3rd Season 26 June 12, 2007 December 4, 2007 January 10, 2008
The Complete 4th Season 26 February 19. 2008 May 28, 2008 July 31, 2008
The Complete 5th Season 25 July 1, 2008 October 21, 2008 October 2, 2008
The Complete 6th Season 23 January 13, 2009 February 19, 2009 March 5, 2009
The Complete 7th Season 25 March 9, 2010 N/A March 3, 2011[19]
The Complete Final Season 24 June 14, 2005 N/A March 3, 2011[20]
Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire 1 N/A January 2, 2007 March 5, 2014[21]

As of December 2023, the entire series is available digitally in the US, available on both iTunes and Vudu, either as separate seasons or in a complete series set.,[22] as well as Google TV (and by extension YouTube TV) which are only sold as separate seasons. Unlike the DVD releases the seasons in the digital releases are correctly numbered.

Spin-offs and merchandise

[edit]

Television films

[edit]
Main article: Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire

CBS broadcast the television film Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire, produced by Paramount Network Television (now CBS Studios), on October 16, 2005. Chuck Norris, Sheree J. Wilson and Judson Mills reprised their roles, and Clarence Gilyard shot a cameo for the film but was not featured due to the filming's conflict with a long-planned family vacation. To fill the void, Judson Mills, who was not in the original script, returned to reprise the role of Francis Gage. Nia Peeples, who played the role of Sydney Cooke for seasons 7 and 8, was also not featured in Walker's return to prime-time television. The explanation given was that producers decided not to follow much of the original Walker Texas Ranger series, as to give the film a fresh look. Even the show's original opening credits with the theme "Eyes of a Ranger" performed by Chuck Norris, was absent from the TV movie.

Although the return of Walker Texas Ranger did not garner the ratings CBS had hoped for, indications were that CBS was green-lighting future Walker Texas Ranger "movie of the week" projects. But as of spring 2006, both CBS and the Norris camp have been silent as to the future of the franchise, leaving many to wonder if it will return. Trial by Fire ended with Sheree J. Wilson's character the victim of a courthouse shooting, leaving many viewers to believe that there would be a follow-up movie.[23]

When they announced their fall 2006 prime-time schedule, CBS said that they would no longer be producing "Sunday Night Movie of the Week" projects, which severely impaired any hopes of Walker's return to television in the foreseeable future. On May 15, 2007, CBS announced its fall line-up, but this did not include the return of the "Sunday Night Movie of the Week".[citation needed] In June 2018, cast members Clarence Gilyard and Sheree J. Wilson expressed interest in reprising their roles in a potential revival of the series, particularly to address the cliffhanger at the end of the post-series film.[24]

Spin-off

[edit]
Main article: Sons of Thunder (TV series)

Most episodes were based on true stories. A short-lived series, Sons of Thunder, featured recurring character Carlos Sandoval, who resigns from his post with the Dallas police and teams up with childhood friend Trent Malloy (a protégé of Walker's), to start a private investigation firm.[25]

Reboot

[edit]
Main article: Walker (TV series)

In September 2019, it was announced that a reboot of the series titled Walker was in development at CBS Television Studios from writer Anna Fricke, with Texas native Jared Padalecki attached to star. Fricke and Padalecki are also set to executive produce the project alongside Dan Lin and Lindsey Libertore from their production company Rideback, as well as Dan Spilo of Industry Entertainment. The CW, home of Padalecki's long-running series Supernatural, emerged as a leading contender to air the series in addition to CBS, which aired the original series. Like the original, the reboot, in which Walker would get a female partner, will explore morality, family, and rediscovering our lost common ground. The logline reads:

"At the center of the series is Cordell Walker (Padalecki), a man finding his way back to his family while investigating crime in the state's most elite unit. Our broken widower and father of two returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years for a high profile case – only to discover that there's even more work to be done at home. In a nod to the original series, Walker and his new partner — one of the only women in Texas Rangers' history — are the modern day heroes our world needs, following their own moral code to fight for what's right, regardless of the rules."[26]

In October, it was announced that Walker would air on The CW.[27] On January 14, 2020, it was announced that The CW had issued the reboot with a series order.[28]

In February 2020, it was announced that Lindsey Morgan, Keegan Allen, Mitch Pileggi, Molly Hagan and Coby Bell were cast as Micki, Walker's female partner, Liam Walker, Walker's younger brother, Bonham Walker, Walker's father, Abeline Walker, Walker's mother and Captain Larry James, a Texas Ranger Captain.[29][30][31][32][33] In March 2020, Jeff Pierre, Violet Brinson and Kale Culley were cast as Trey Barnett, an Army medic and Micki's boyfriend and Stella and August, Walker's teenage kids.[34][35]

It premiered on January 21, 2021.[36][37]

A prequel series titled Walker: Independence premiered on October 6, 2022.[38]

Novels

[edit]

Three Walker, Texas Ranger books, written by James Reasoner, were published by Berkley Publishing Group in 1999. The books are now out of print.

  • Walker, Texas Ranger (1998, ISBN 0-425-16815-8)
  • Hell's Half Acre (1999, ISBN 0-425-16972-3)
  • Siege on the Belle (1999, ISBN 0-425-17112-4)

In other media

[edit]

The show has garnered a particular cult appreciation among Conan O'Brien fans, from one of his most popular segments called the "Walker Texas Ranger Lever". He explained since NBC had recently purchased Universal, he could now show clips from Walker Texas Ranger without having to pay any money. The joke was that he would pull a giant red lever, causing a random and comically awkward scene to play. Random scenes included Walker jumping out of a plane and punching a woman in the face, or being shot in the back while proposing, or Haley Joel Osment playing a boy who is first meeting the rest of Walker's friends, and suddenly interjects "Walker told me I have AIDS". Conan would go on to riff at the bizarre nature of the scene out of context. He did this primarily on Late Night with Conan O'Brien, which prompted the show's star, Chuck Norris in character as Walker, to make a surprise guest appearance by acting out a skit in parody of the action scenes from Walker, Texas Ranger.

Companies

[edit]

The series began with Cannon Television, but after Cannon folded, CBS assumed production responsibilities and is currently the full owner for this series.[39] Other companies as listed below have also been involved with the series production and/or distribution.

Production companies
Amadea Film Productions TBD
Cannon Television (1993)
Columbia Broadcasting System (CBS) TBD
Columbia Pictures Television (1993–2001)
Columbia TriStar Television (2001)
The Ruddy-Greif Company (1993–2001)
Top Kick Productions (1993–1998)
Norris Brothers Entertainment (1998–2005)
CBS Productions (1995–2001)
CBS Entertainment Productions (1993–1995)
CBS Broadcast International (1993–2008)
Distributors
Columbia TriStar Television Distribution (1997–2001)
Columbia TriStar Domestic Television (2001–2002)
Mediaset, Canale 5 (1996) - Italy, TV (First TV)
Mediaset, Italia 1 (1997-2003) - Italy, TV (First TV)
Mediaset, Rete 4 (2002-2013) - Italy, TV (Reply)
Duel TV (2003-2006) - Italy, TV (Reply)
FX (2006-2011) - Italy, TV (Reply)
AXN (2009–present) - Italy, TV (Reply)
Mediaset, Iris (2015–present) - Italy, TV (Reply)
Paramount Home Entertainment (2006-TBD), Germany, DVD
Paramount Home Entertainment (2008, US, DVD, season 5)
Sony Pictures Television (2002–2019, US only)
CBS Television Distribution (2008–present, DVDs and international; US and worldwide since 2019)
TF1 2004, France, TV
TV2 (2000–2006), Hungary, TV
UFA Film- und Fernseh GmbH 1993, Germany, all media

See also

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References

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  1. ^ Elder, Robert K (April 26, 2007). "Pop Cultural Timeline: Chuck Norris 'Facts'". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 2, 2011.
  2. ^ Farhi, Paul (January 2, 2006). "Tough Love: Norris Fans Board the Chuck Wagon". Washington Post. Retrieved January 3, 2011.
  3. ^ Berkow, Ira (May 12, 1993). "AT DINNER WITH: Chuck Norris; When That 97-Pound Weakling Grows Up". The New York Times. Retrieved August 8, 2010.
  4. ^ "TV Listings for - July 28, 2001". TV Tango. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  5. ^ https://www.hulu.com/series/49ef3c27-9a9f-4f42-9e1b-74c0b9407bd9
  6. ^ Weinstein, Steve (March 17, 1996). "Chuck Norris Proves To CBS He's a 'Competitive Guy'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 23, 2010.
  7. ^ Du Brow, Rick (May 14, 1994). "Walker Marks a Year of Fighting Injustice on CBS: Television: Despite controversy over TV violence, Chuck Norris' action series beat the competition in its time slot and helps the network ensure its top spot". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved December 29, 2010.
  8. ^ "IMDb".
  9. ^ King, Susan (April 18, 1993). "At Home on a New Range : CHUCK NORRIS: KARATE CHAMP TURNED SERIES STAR?". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  10. ^ Smith, Steven Cole (April 21, 1993). "Lone Wolf Rides Again". Chicago Tribune. (Original: Fort Worth Star-Telegram). Retrieved October 27, 2010.
  11. ^ Jicha, Tom (April 21, 1993). "Chuck Norris Plays Dirty In Tv Debut". Sun Sentinel. Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Archived from the original on July 7, 2012. Retrieved January 1, 2011.
  12. ^ "The Day of Cleansing" is the conclusion of a crossover with Martial Law where Walker teams with Sammo Law to recapture a hatemongering former military officer who escapes custody after they caught him in the Martial Law episode "Honor Among Strangers".
  13. ^ Tucker, Ken (October 22, 1993). "TV Show Review: 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Review". Entertainment Weekly. No. 193. Archived from the original on April 25, 2009. Retrieved July 14, 2013.
  14. ^ TV Guide: Touched by a Ranger
  15. ^ Grissom, Brandi (December 2, 2010). "Chuck Norris, Texas Ranger". The Texas Tribune. Retrieved March 4, 2021.
  16. ^ "Walker, Texas Ranger DVD news: Announcement for Walker, Texas Ranger - The Complete 7th Season - TVShowsOnDVD.com". Tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2016. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  17. ^ "Walker, Texas Ranger DVD news: Announcement for Walker, Texas Ranger - The Complete Collection - TVShowsOnDVD.com". Tvshowsondvd.com. Archived from the original on March 4, 2016. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  18. ^ This season DVD set is made up of the episodes from the pilot season in addition to the episodes of the first regular season, which has also been referred to as Season 2
  19. ^ "Buy Walker, Texas Ranger - The 7th Season (5 Disc Set) on DVD-Video from EzyDVD.com.au". Ezydvd.com.au. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  20. ^ "Buy Walker, Texas Ranger - The Final Season (6 Disc Set) on DVD-Video from EzyDVD.com.au". Ezydvd.com.au. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  21. ^ "JB Hi-Fi - Australia's Largest Home Entertainment Retailer". Jbhifionline.com.au. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  22. ^ Walker, Texas Ranger: The Complete Series (Bundle)
  23. ^ "Breaking News - Chuck Norris Returns to CBS for "Walker, Texas Ranger: Trial by Fire," a New Television Movie to Be Broadcast OcT. 16 on the CBS Television Network". Thefutoncritic.com. Retrieved May 27, 2016.
  24. ^ "Exclusive: 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Cast Weighs In on the Chances of a Reboot". LifeZette. June 5, 2018.
  25. ^ Johnson, Steve (March 5, 1999). "STANDING IN PLACE FROM CHUCK NORRIS, ANOTHER MARTIAL ARTS BEAT-'EM-UP". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved December 15, 2010.
  26. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (September 23, 2019). "'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot Starring Jared Padalecki In the Works". Deadline Hollywood. Archived from the original on September 23, 2019. Retrieved September 23, 2019.
  27. ^ Andreeva, Nellie (October 11, 2019). "'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot Starring Jared Padalecki Lands At The CW". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved December 17, 2019.
  28. ^ Swift, Andy (January 14, 2020). "Jared Padalecki's Walker, Texas Ranger Reboot Ordered to Series at The CW". TV Line. Retrieved January 15, 2020.
  29. ^ Petski, Denise (February 7, 2020). "'Daisy Jones & The Six' Casts Sam Claflin; 'The 100's Lindsey Morgan Joins 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  30. ^ Otterson, Joe (February 19, 2020). "Keegan Allen Boards 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot at CW (EXCLUSIVE)". Variety. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  31. ^ Petski, Denise (February 21, 2020). "Mitch Pileggi To Co-Star In The CW's 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  32. ^ Petski, Denise (February 27, 2020). "Molly Hagan To Co-Star In The CW's 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  33. ^ Petski, Denise (February 28, 2020). "Coby Bell To Co-Star In The CW's 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  34. ^ Petski, Denise (March 4, 2020). "Jeff Pierre Joins the CW's 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  35. ^ Petski, Denise (March 4, 2020). "Violet Brinson & Kale Culley Join the CW's 'Walker, Texas Ranger' Reboot". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved March 8, 2020.
  36. ^ Ausiello, Michael (May 14, 2020). "The CW Delays New Season Until 2021: Superman & Lois to Follow Flash, Walker Fills Winchester Void, Supergirl Delayed". TVLine. Retrieved May 14, 2020.
  37. ^ Ausiello, Michael (October 29, 2020). "The CW Sets Delayed Premiere Dates for Flash, Superman & Lois, Riverdale, Charmed, Batwoman and More". TVLine. Retrieved October 29, 2020.
  38. ^ "The CW Network Announces Its Seven-Night Primetime Schedule for 2022-2023" (Press release). The CW. May 19, 2022. Retrieved May 19, 2022 – via The Futon Critic.
  39. ^ Chuck Norris Sues CBS & Sony TV For $30M Over ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Profits deadline.com, Retrieved on 25 September 2019
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