Walker Review: Don’t Fence Me In (Season 1 Episode 4)

Walker Season 1 Episode 4, “Don’t Fence Me In,” sweetly showcases partnership, but falls flat in its attempt at justice representation.

Knowing a person’s favorite BBQ place is sacred business. That gesture is a hug one that solidifies the pair as truly compatible partners. 

Overall, it is encouraging to see Walker putting in such effort and care into his relationship with Micki. It isn’t just about learning her favorite things. It’s about knowing her so they have trust. 

Walker: I didn’t believe you. I trusted you. 

The distinction Walker makes between believing what Micki believes and trusting her is a really interesting one. In a time when there is a (completely valid and important) emphasis on believing women, it can become a give that the ultimate moral position is to simply believe. 

Here, the context is different. Micki isn’t sharing a personal experience, she’s working a hunch. 

So, Walker being willing to stand by her and trust her to work it out is the best thing to do. 

The chemistry between Jared Padalecki and Lindsey Morgan, who play Walker and Micki, is rather enigmatic.

Chemistry is certainly present; they vibe.

Morgan plays Micki with a serious edge. Though she is sarcastic and witty, banter isn’t what she brings to the table. For his part, Padalecki brings a tenderness and kindness to his role. 

As a result of these acting choices, the sincerity and gravity of the Texas Rangers’ partnership is enhanced. At the same time, the two can shoot the shit at the bar and it feels like the light-hearted banter-filled pairing we’re accustomed to on these types of shows. 

Walker and Micki grow stronger as the core relationship on the show, episode by episode. 

As noted at length on Walker Season 1 Episode 3, “Bobble Head,” to meet its apparent goals, the show needs to give Micki a rich background that shows her Mexican American culture. 

“Don’t Fence Me In,” does not move the series forward toward that goal. 

The content with Micki and Trey is absolutely adorable and they are a great couple. But, it is limited to the two of them and that doesn’t help to expand our understanding of Micki and a person with a culture. 

The over-emphasis on the Walker family isn’t helping. 

Frankly, Stella doesn’t need a love interest.

Her friendship with Isabel is plenty of story for the non-lead character. We hear about Isabel’s parent’s plight and about how Stella wants to regain her friend’s trust. 

The thing is, we don’t get to know Isabel at all. It is always all about Stella.

Stella as the hero in Isabel’s family situation is not the way to go.

What Walker still needs to learn is how to center the marginalized people of the story when it is about them. 

The series is still taking steps in the right direction. The case of the week flow is now on point. There is room for improvement, to be sure, but Walker is justifying that early season 2 pick up more and more with each episode. 

Target Practice 

• I wonder if the BBQ place is really a favorite of the cast? 
• The young man from the stables isn’t necessary, but my goodness he is striking!
• I prefer Abby the mushroom harvester over Abby the cook dancing in the kitchen any day. The “caught being cute” trope is overdone and awkward. 
• Does Trey have a 12-pack? Is that a thing?
• The Emily mystery is back and I am actually not too mad about it. 
• Micki’s drawing are really good! They should be on a Walker promo shirt. 
• Where is Micki’s family?
• More Larry James, please. Lots more Larry James!

What did you think of this episode of Walker? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Walker airs Thursdays at 8/7c on The CW.

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