Walker, Texas Ranger
THE FINAL SEASON (6-DVD Set)
Paramount DVD
Correct me if I'm wrong on what I'm about to say. Where NBC is now...at the bottom of the big networks where shows come and go without being noticed for the most part...that's where CBS was about 10 years ago. They didn't have NFL Football on their stations, and that led to a lost time period for the network. During that time, a few shows emerged that seemed to hold their limited audience. EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND was probably the most prominent show to come up during this period. Ted Danson's BECKER also scored somewhat. And then there was WALKER, TEXAS RANGER.
The premise was simple enough. Chuck Norris was a Ranger in Texas who solved Texas crimes in a "wild west" sort of format. The show had some action and violence to it, but always had that twist of humor in it to keep it as "family oriented television". In many ways, this show was similar in scope to numerous shows that have aired on CBS and other networks over the years. Shows like PAX's DOC or IN THE HEAT OF THE NIGHT with Carol O'Connor both have the same type of storylines that end with a message and happiness.
The problem these shows have is that they generally run out of good, creative ideas after 4 or 5 years of a series. Without question, this is what happened to Walker, Texas Ranger at the end of it's run. While he was still policing with the "frontier's code", the whole premise of most of these episodes is just plain dumb. The season opens with Walker and company breaking up a baby kidnapping ring. As the season progresses, they end up taking on ruthless wrestling promoters, a computer hacking assassin, thieves that hijack an ambulance, gangs, and even a kidnapper who threatens to kill his victim live on the Internet. It's really pretty reaching, especially when compared to the work they did in the first few seasons of the show. For a show that was once pretty gritty and "common man" in scope, this misses the boat on most levels.
Article comments
1 - Temple Stark
This show made such an impact on me I don't EVER remember it being on network TV. I see it on repeats wherever the heck I see it before I flick through.
I think I have a visceral reaction to how stupid Chuck Norris looks; I keep on thinking he's going to break out the exercise machine. In fact his infomercials HAVE ruined him in my eyes, since I'd never seen him in anything prior to the Yankomator.
Are there any extras to the DVD set?
2 - RJ
Chuck Norris is GOD. All who oppose him must fall to their knees.
3 - Marilyn
I was so glad to see Walker, Texas Ranger. I always liked that show. The bad guys were obvious and were put away.
4 - Ashley Davila
i think the show was awseome.
i dont know why they took it off.
my favorite episode was when Judson Mills's character became deaf and Nia Peeples's character told him how she felt>
5 - Ermingoda Belinda Gold
Walker Texas Ranger was a great show. It showed young people that doing good was rewarded, and doing wrong was punished.
The show had many good points, unlike the Reality Shows, Survivor Shows, ridiculous sitcoms and the unnecessary violence in childrens programs and lots of other programs that they show on TV today.
Chuck Norris may not have been a top notch actor in some peoples' view, but he did have a great message for young people and was a good role model.
By the way, for you people who haven't tried it, his exercise machine is great and works. I own one and use it every day.