The writers came out swinging with a solid opener introducing the season's theme and villain while also keeping track of multiple characters we love.
Like all intros, that made the episode move along quickly so you can't glance away or you'll miss out.
---
I was frankly amused by the highly choreographed makeout scene of the first couple minutes, which made me flinch at first (disliking his newest girlfriend) but then made me laugh.
The comedy timing of a man interrupted and frustrated was incredibly well done by Jared Padalecki. He does have over two decades of practice, after all, and this was just plain cute. And he was just plain hot
---
Next up, the show's patented use of Texas Things--this time a love of big steaks--to have them plan one of Walker's items on his bucket list for his birthday party. (We get to infer Cordell's birthday from the titlecard as being in mid-November)
Later, of course, even in giving him just One Thing, plans go-awry-then-get-saved with his parents pulling together a homegrown party instead.
Kudos to the subtle diversity in including both Liam and Ben over the family table time in the morning. Ben is now a fully integrated part of the family.
This show doesn't do "knock you over the head and force feed you diversity." This show sets the bar higher by accepting the challenge of serving nuanced, consistent, persistent moments along the way.
---
Cut next to Cordell on the job, with broad humor reflecting back to Trey jumping into a rustler's truck but this time more realistic and bumpy. Very, very bumpy.
There's the self-deprecating humor of Cordell trying to figure the next bit out. But he comes out on top, of course, our hero making a great stunt slide and take down of the bad guy.
Loved the shot.
There is a thin line between making the lead look less than intelligent versus heroic and this walked it.
(Later the writers make fun of themselves, even, mentioning television reboots and Hawk Shadow--now exploring feelings and family more, like this show versus Norris's one)
---
A major story line is Cassie returning from a case with the FBI, some tension as she starts to explore going elsewhere and the sad line of "everyone leaves." (Cordell's face here--chef's kiss)
I'm hoping the show doesn't lose Ashley Reyes to other roles, because she is perfect in this one. I'm glad, however, that they pivoted and didn't make her character romantically involved with Trey (Jeff Pierre can have chemistry with air, but can't we have a show without all the romantic complications sometime?)
We catch a little braggadocio and swagger as Cass tells other Rangers about the take down, complete with helicopter wash. We see her considering which life path might make more impact.
Great scene where the Captain (Coby Bell) tells her she can have an impact with the Rangers, as well.
---
Indeed, Coby Bell had more than one major scene in this opener.
It was absolute gut-wrenching pathos at the end as we find out what the Jackal case did to Larry last time and we see Cordell start down that awful "Quiet" path.
Both Bell and Padalecki rocked the ending tone, which sets us up for the new plot.
That these cast members have amazing range--humor, action, drama--just underscores how lucky CW was to ever get this show and how I wish they did more to promote it.
---
Finally, special shout out to the music department.
The needle drops are excellent and always add to the series, but this episode was especially "wow."
Like all intros, that made the episode move along quickly so you can't glance away or you'll miss out.
---
I was frankly amused by the highly choreographed makeout scene of the first couple minutes, which made me flinch at first (disliking his newest girlfriend) but then made me laugh.
The comedy timing of a man interrupted and frustrated was incredibly well done by Jared Padalecki. He does have over two decades of practice, after all, and this was just plain cute. And he was just plain hot
---
Next up, the show's patented use of Texas Things--this time a love of big steaks--to have them plan one of Walker's items on his bucket list for his birthday party. (We get to infer Cordell's birthday from the titlecard as being in mid-November)
Later, of course, even in giving him just One Thing, plans go-awry-then-get-saved with his parents pulling together a homegrown party instead.
Kudos to the subtle diversity in including both Liam and Ben over the family table time in the morning. Ben is now a fully integrated part of the family.
This show doesn't do "knock you over the head and force feed you diversity." This show sets the bar higher by accepting the challenge of serving nuanced, consistent, persistent moments along the way.
---
Cut next to Cordell on the job, with broad humor reflecting back to Trey jumping into a rustler's truck but this time more realistic and bumpy. Very, very bumpy.
There's the self-deprecating humor of Cordell trying to figure the next bit out. But he comes out on top, of course, our hero making a great stunt slide and take down of the bad guy.
Loved the shot.
There is a thin line between making the lead look less than intelligent versus heroic and this walked it.
(Later the writers make fun of themselves, even, mentioning television reboots and Hawk Shadow--now exploring feelings and family more, like this show versus Norris's one)
---
A major story line is Cassie returning from a case with the FBI, some tension as she starts to explore going elsewhere and the sad line of "everyone leaves." (Cordell's face here--chef's kiss)
I'm hoping the show doesn't lose Ashley Reyes to other roles, because she is perfect in this one. I'm glad, however, that they pivoted and didn't make her character romantically involved with Trey (Jeff Pierre can have chemistry with air, but can't we have a show without all the romantic complications sometime?)
We catch a little braggadocio and swagger as Cass tells other Rangers about the take down, complete with helicopter wash. We see her considering which life path might make more impact.
Great scene where the Captain (Coby Bell) tells her she can have an impact with the Rangers, as well.
---
Indeed, Coby Bell had more than one major scene in this opener.
It was absolute gut-wrenching pathos at the end as we find out what the Jackal case did to Larry last time and we see Cordell start down that awful "Quiet" path.
Both Bell and Padalecki rocked the ending tone, which sets us up for the new plot.
That these cast members have amazing range--humor, action, drama--just underscores how lucky CW was to ever get this show and how I wish they did more to promote it.
---
Finally, special shout out to the music department.
The needle drops are excellent and always add to the series, but this episode was especially "wow."
