Walker Review: Duke (Season 1 Episode 5)
Walker Season 1 Episode 5, “Duke,” is an over-the-top romp into undercover police work.
Right around the time Micki hops on the mechanical bull to prove herself to the criminal gang, it becomes clear that this episode is best enjoyed when leaning into the melodrama.
If you don’t take it all too seriously, you can hang on for a record breaking ride.
Once again, the strongest aspect of the episode is the partnership between Walker and Micki. They work really well together, not just as back-up during gunfire, but as emotionally rich support for each other.
Micki’s boyfriend is showing up in big ways for his leading lady, but it falls a little flat in comparison to Walker’s more tender version of it.
“Duke” is more focused on how Micki can support Walker than the other way around. It is a nice shift from Walker Season 1 Episode 4, “Don’t Fence Me In,” where Walker is trying to get to know Micki.
Micki’s gesture to grab Walker’s hand when she realizes how impossible it must be for Walker to have to let down his son is a nice, and potentially romantic, moment.
To pause on that question of romance, it is really enjoyable to watch a show that isn’t hitting you over the head with which couple they want you to ship.
This is one benefit of the focus on Walker’s family rather than his love life.
Yes, there is still a drastic imbalance between how much of Micki’s culture and background is showcased and how much of Walker’s is. But, the liberty it provides in allowing us to get to know Walker as a complete person, not just a heroic leading man, is beneficial.
The new supporting characters that arrive on screen to explain to us how there are people who see Walker as a shady guy are unnecessary. No one really believes Walker is anything but a genuine person attempting to do a good job.
There’s no need to try to make us think he might be a bad guy.
At the same time, it is all in good fun.
The fake out “fall into a pool,” sequence is both predictable and ridiculous. And that is not a bad thing!
For a procedural hybrid show like Walker, this type of playing with different stories and styles is a benefit.
It needs to be said that Micki fits seamlessly into any world that she tries to enter. Her smart thinking at the bar saves the day and it also lets us know that she is not to be underestimated.
That half-up half-down ponytail means business!
It is not totally clear why there is so much attention being paid to Trey and Stella. There is an overt emphasis on family, and Trey is clearly Micki’s family.
But, still. It would make more sense and be much better if the show dug into Micki’s family, rather than insist on digging into her, admittedly very hot, boyfriend.
Target Practice
- Who doesn’t love a good double cross? Get it Twyla!
- Even though Walker makes things right with his kids, there is still a huge lack of communication!! Just explain what’s happening, Walker!
- I am going to need flashbacks to that bull-riding scene in future episodes, for gay reasons.
- An episode without Abby is just a little bit sad.
- The music continues to be on key.
- The Duke transformation is so cheesy, and yet, yee-haw it hits the spot.
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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Janelle Ureta
Janelle Ureta is equal parts Veronica Mars, Raven Reyes, and Rebecca Bunch, but she aspires to add some Tammy Taylor to the mix. An attorney turned teacher, Janelle believes in the power of a well-told story. She is currently exploring how to tell short stories, 140 characters or less, on twitter. She loves to talk about TV, and right now she can't shut up about Timeless, Dear White People, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The 100, or Younger.