'Supernatural' to 'Walker': The CW targets SPN fans to create interest in Jared Padelecki's new show and look
Bye Bye Kansas and hello Texas! If you are crying into your pillow because 'Supernatural' is ending, The CW has you sorted. They have debuted 'Supernatural' star Jared Padelecki's new look for the upcoming reboot of the long-running series 'Walker, Texas Ranger'. The new show will start airing on The CW from January 21 onward. The original series is synonymous with its lead Chuck Norris. Could Jared Padelecki turn his Walker into a similar cultural icon -- his 15 years on 'Supernatural' show that he is certainly up for the task.
In the teaser for 'Walker', Padalecki debuts a shorter, darker and, more groomed haircut than his wild mane on 'Supernatural'. Regardless of which side of the fence of public opinion you fall on when it comes to Padelecki's signature locks, you can't deny that the new look makes him look years younger. Also, unlike his clean-shaven look on 'Supernatural', Padalecki is sporting some light beard fuzz that thankfully doesn't obscure his jaw-line but also roughs him up to play a Texas Ranger as Cordell Walker.
The CW is cashing in on the strong fan interest in Supernatural's finale to attract attention to the new show, hoping to see fans follow Padelecki from 'Supernatural' to 'Walker'. The teaser hints as much with Padelecki saying "This January, I'll be going from the Winchester family to the Walker family. But the family I would most like to come along [with me] is you, my CW family. Can't wait for you to join me in Texas." Padalecki himself is a Texas-native, who was born in San Antonio and now lives in Austin with his wife and one-time 'Supernatural' co-star, Genevieve. So sinking into the role of a Texas Ranger isn't going to be too much of a stretch for him. Genevieve will also be playing Walker's deceased wife, Emily, on the show.
The CW's Walker has Cordell Walker (Paelecki) as the central character who is a widower and father of two with his own moral code, who returns home to Austin after being undercover for two years. After years of devoting himself to his duty, he discovers there's harder work to be done at home. He'll attempt to reconnect with his creative and thoughtful son (Kale Culley) and his headstrong, somewhat rebellious teenaged daughter (Violet Brinson). He will also navigate clashes with his family – from an ADA brother (Keegan Allen) who stepped in during Walker's absence, his perceptive mother (Molly Hagen) and his traditional rancher father (Mitch Pileggi). Walker's former colleague is now his Ranger Captain, (Coby Bell). Walker finds unexpected common ground with his new partner, played by Lindsey Morgan, who is one of the first women in Texas Rangers' history. But there is also an underlying mystery driving the plot -- the circumstances surrounding his wife's death are just not adding up. Could 'Walker' be the next long-running show for The CW after 'Supernatural'? Only time will tell but a lot will depend on the immediate momentum built by the SPN fandom supporting Padalecki on his next TV adventure come January.