Reboots are a tricky thing in entertainment. First and foremost, you have to keep track of all the terms. There are reboots, revivals, remakes, sequels, adaptations, reimaginings, and so on. The CW’sWalkerlikely meets the criteria for a “reboot.” It follows the same character as the ’90s original, but played by a new actor with alternate continuity. IfChuck Norrishad returned to the role, thenWalkermay have been considered more of a revival.
Speaking of Chuck Norris, he’s made his views on the Jared Padalecki-led reboot clear. As iconic as Cordell Walker is, it can be difficult to imagine anyone other than Norris donning the badge. Also, if you partake in the endless Chuck Norris online memes, it’s apparent that the man is a superhuman who can destroy anything in his path. However, Norris gave Padalecki and the team his blessing when the series debuted in 2021. While that saved the crew from getting roundhouse kicked into oblivion, fans online aren’t so quick to embrace change. So why hasn’tWalkerlived up to the original in the eyes of diehard fans? Is it something specific to the show, or has it suffered the same fate as all reboots that inevitably can’t match their predecessors? Let’s take a look.
The Early Development of Walker and Chuck Norris' Blessing
Walker is The CW’s 2021 reboot of the ‘90s popular western Walker, Texas Ranger. The drama series was developed by Anna Fricke and stars Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker, the titular Texas Ranger. Alongside Padalecki stars Molly Hagan, Keegan Allen, Violet Brinson, and Kale Kulley. Jared Padalecki’s wife, Genevieve, also appears in the series as Walker’s wife, Emily.
The originalWalker, Texas Rangerran on CBS for nine seasons from 1993 to 2001. Chuck Norris embodied the titular role. He is also known for building the hospital where he was born, not wearing a watch because he decides what time it is, and owning a bearskin rug that’s actually a living bear who’s just too scared to move—at least per the online memes.
Walkerwas first announced to be in development in September 2019, withThe CW ordering a series pickupwith Jared Padalecki that October. While the show retained the leading role of Cordell Walker, several new supporting characters were introduced to replace those from the original. The series debuted well (by CW ratings standards) with 2.5 million total viewers. Today, the ratings average around 500k to 750k, though that’s still among The CW’s highest-rated programs. A prequel series titledWalker: Independencelaunched in 2022, though it only ran forone season before cancelation.
According toCinema Blend, in development, Padalecki addressed uncertain fans about his replacing Chuck Norris in the iconic role. The action star gave his blessing to the series, with Padalecki stating,
“He did have to give his blessing. He helped create the original version, and so he still co-owns it. He didn’t have any problem with it, thank goodness, because I don’t want to mess with Chuck Norris. But I’ve seen all the GIFs and memes and stuff. So, he did have to give his blessing… It’s a very, very different show, and ourWalker, Texas Rangeris a very different Walker than hisWalkerbut he did give his blessing.”
Since the rights to the original character still belonged to Norris, they needed his permission to reboot the role even though he was not involved with the new series. It’s a good thing they got permission, as the dinosaurs once looked the wrong way at Chuck, and we know what happened to them. So, was knowing that Norris was on board enough to please the fans? It’s not that simple.
Walker’s Critical and Audience Reviews
Audience reviews forWalkerpaint a divided picture. Many have praised the reimagined version and its heart and focus on family. Others are more critical, believing that the dramatic elements distract from the action of the original. The critics took a harsher view, with a 32% score on Rotten Tomatoes, highlighting the lack of action and plot shortcomings.
Best Jared Padalecki Performances, Ranked
Jared Padalecki is a charismatic actor who skyrocketed to stardom thanks to his enduring and memorable role as Sam Winchester in Supernatural.
There are a few schools of thought on the action criticism. It seems that viewers who went intoWalkerlooking for a new series unconnected to the original had a positive experience. Without comparing to what came before, audiences responded better to the more grounded dramatic storylines and family-friendly plotlines. However, those who wanted a direct sequel to the original were inevitably disappointed.
The 2020s represent a very different climate than the ’90s, anddoing the same show todaywould be exceedingly difficult. It’s not the same series because it’s not designed to be. Jared Padalecki’sWalkeris here to do something different for a new, modern audience. Viewers who pinned all their hopes on this series matching the original were setting themselves up for disappointment.
Padalecki’s leading role has received some blowback as well. Viewers accused him of trying too hard to distinguish himself from Sam Winchester and turning ina stilted performancewith choppy delivery as a result. In Padalecki’s defense, it’s hard to live up to the role originated by the man who counted to infinity twice.
The Curse of the Reboot vs. the Original
Walkerdoes have some problems, mainly awkward storylines and a lack of action. However, the show would likely be criticized even if Norris himself were back in the lead role. Reboots and revivals—whether they attempt to match the original or go in a new direction—will always be judged relative to what came before.
Story issues aside,Walkerjust isn’t the original. Yes, Norris gave his blessing, but that doesn’t change the fact that this isn’t the show with which viewers grew up. This isn’t a uniquelyWalkerproblem either, as every reboot suffers from the curse of comparison. Some are better quality than others, which can help their case. But in a matchup of original vs. reboot, audiences almost always defer to the original.
On its own,Walkeris a fairly serviceable family drama that the average TV watcher seems to enjoy. As a reboot, it falls short of some key qualities that diehardWalkerfans loved about Norris' first outing. But since Norris isn’t a part of the new show, he’ll at least have more free time to cook one-minute rice in 30 seconds.Walkeris streaming now on The CW app and Max, whileWalker, Texas Rangeris streaming on Pluto TV, The Roku Channel, and Peacock.
