Cordell Walker has a target on his back, but it took him and Cassie all too long to figure that out on Walker Season 3 Episode 11. 

Even if Walker wasn’t sure if Tommy was being paranoid or onto something, he should’ve protected his friend in case the threat was actually real. It feels like he dropped the ball on that one even after Tommy went to great lengths to reach out and warn him about what was happening. If it wasn’t for Tommy, Walker wouldn’t have even known what was going on. I’m glad he was there for his friend in the end, but it didn’t have to end this way. 

I appreciate how thorough his and Cassie’s investigation was, but it shouldn’t have taken them that long to verify that Tommy was right. It dragged down the episode, and the little action we did get at the end with Cassie’s high-speed chase also fell flat because it simply confirmed what the audience has known all along—Grey Flag is responsible. We didn’t get any more insight into the situation, nor did we figure out who is running the op and making this so personal to Cordell.

However, since it’s very clear that they are coming after his military unit, it means that the person was likely in Afghanistan alongside Cordell and his men. He needs to think back long and hard about his time there while also considering the “why.”

I’ll be quite frank, the storyline hasn’t been the most intriguing, likely because it’s been so hard to follow from the beginning. It’s also what took Cordell away from his family and kind of isolated him in his own world—it’s been all business all the time, but one of the strong suits of the series has been Cordell’s personal life particularly when it comes to navigating life with teen children.

The best part of the episode came in the final moments when Trey and the Captain linked up out of sight. Many fans have theorized that the Captain only got Trey fired to work a secret oforand I’m so happy that’s the case. It felt wildly out of character, but now we know he had to be so cold to Trey in order for it to be believable to everyone around him.

Trey spent much of the episode meeting with Andrew, a man from the V.A. who wanted to recruit him and his particular set of skills for a veteran organization. The whole thing was pretty suspicious, especially when Trey had to prove himself by figuring out some kind of puzzle and calling a secret hotline to prove himself. This just means that this organization is likely Grey Flag—and the Captain is thrilled that Trey got an “in” because it means that their master plan is working perfectly.

The only reason the Captian would ever icI guessr is to protect him. Meanwhile, Walker was keeping the Captain at arm’s length while he did his own digging. And my guess is that they are both looking into the same exact thing, with James getting them a leg up in this fight. 

It’ll be great when everything is laid out on the table and everyone is on the same page.

For a moment, I was nervous that James was the new Fenton and the mole within the organization, which would’ve been a terrible twist.

How do you think this will pan out? Who do you think is behind Grey Flag? And why are they targeting Cordell?

James’ personal life seems to be getting back on track as he agreed that moving in with his on-again-off-again love interest, Kelly, was a good idea. Happiness looks good on the Captain, and I hope he doesn’t mess it up once again with his commitment to work. The role takes a lot out of someone, but as Kelly mentioned, he’s changed, and they’ve both accepted that they are individuals first and foremost. 

Grey Flag seems rather dangerous, so I hope that James’ involvement with them doesn’t put Kelly in danger. In fact, I’m surprised Cordell isn’t more worried about his family considering the military organization knows so much about him. His loved ones might not be the target, but we’ve seen them leverage Cordell’s relationship with Liam once before—someone should really be looking out for them./ 

Back at the Walker ranch, tensions were still running high between Liam, Stella, and Bonham. Bonham’s anger, and more specifically, disappointment was valid as he felt blindsided by his own family, but there’s also only so much anyone can take, particularly Abeline, who understood both sides. 

Bonham’s constant state of angst wasn’t good for her, and though she knew that the kids weren’t in the right, she suggested that he takes the high road and turns the whole situation into a teachable moment. 

At the end of the day, egos were hurt and expectations shattered, but a heart-to-heart between Bonham and Liam revealed something even better—a modernized plan for the Walker ranch that would make past generations proud. Things may be changing, and the new generations may have different ideas, but they still need Bonham to show them the ropes. And they wanted him to be part of it if he simply listened to them. 

The storyline hasn’t hooked me, but I did, however, really enjoy Liam’s explanation for the new logo, which embraced the past, present, and future of the farm. 

It will be interesting to see what the writers do moving forward when it comes to the family business. Cordell doesn’t strike me as someone with a green thumb or who could live a slow-paced life since he’s all about the action, but it’s awesome that his children have found their place. 

What did you think of the episode? Are you enjoying Walker this season so far?

Walker Season 3 Episode 10 lasered in on Grey Flag–a storyline that’s been brewing for quite some time. 

The installment picked up the day after Cordell Walker received the package of energy drinks with a cryptic note addressed to the “war hero.” He immediately looped in Julia to help him solve the case, and I did not except for their team-up to become so Scooby-Doo. 

It didn’t take much for Julia to persuade Walker not to turn in the crate with the drinks over to the Rangers, suggesting that it’s entirely possible that there’s still a mole on the inside like Fenton. 

Walker has Ranger in his blood, so I didn’t expect him to take the bait. It felt wildly out of character. However, when Captain James brought him, Cassie, and Trey in on a Saturday and proceeded to chew them out about sifting through classified documents, Cordell realized that there might not be a benefit to looping in the Cap just yet. 

Personally, I think this is a huge mistake. And I said Cordell took the bait purposefully because I think it’s all part of Julia’s master plan. I think she’s been recruited by and is working for Grey Flag, which would explain why she has all this information about them and the organization’s “regrouping and restrategizing.” I hate to think that an investigative reporter got burned, but the timing of her arrival in Cordell’s life is just too suspect and convenient. 

She gave just enough to get Cordell to turn to her and open up to her, but she’s allowing him to feel like he’s taking the lead on everything. It’s definitely a tactic. 

Think about it—she’s the closest that anyone has ever been able to get to him. They’ve built up a friendship and trust based on shared trauma, so she’s the perfect Trojan horse for whoever is behind Grey Flag and setting his/her sights on Cordell as the next target.

The possibility that Julia is just a good friend trying to help Cordell—and hoping to get a good story out of it—remains a possibility. I’ll give her the benefit of the doubt until I no longer can.

She made him realize that whoever is targeting him must be someone he was once close to as they’ve been able to tap into a personal memory. Cordell hated the idea that one of his military buddies, who he referred to as “brothers,” could be behind everything, but it made sense as they were the only ones who were in on the inside joke involving the energy drinks.

A quick search revealed that two of the remaining three were killed—one in a car accident and another after he suffered a heart attack.

That left Tommy Adams, who Cordell eventually agreed fit the Grey Flag profile to a T, as the lone wolf.

They were able to track down Tommy without so much as lifting a finger—through one of Julia’s sources (it’s shady, okay!)—and instead of waiting for backup, Julia decided to just walk on over to the abandoned house and start asking questions. It was either incredibly bold of her or she knew that Tommy wasn’t a threat because she actually knows who is behind Grey Flag.

Walker — “Blinded By the Light” — Image Number: WLK310b_0252r — Pictured (L-R): Ashley Reyes as Cassie Perez and Jared Padalecki as Cordell Walker — Photo: Rebecca Brenneman/The CW — © 2023 The CW Network, LLC. All Rights Reserved.

Either way, Tommy was a dead end as he informed Cordell that he sent the package as a warning. He’s been laying low because someone is coming for everyone in their unit, which makes Tommy and Cordell the last living members and the next targets. 

Of course, this doesn’t bring us any closer to solving the mystery, but it is an intriguing development that definitely piqued my interest. 

Why is this personal? And what does Grey Flag still want from Cordell?

After everything, it seemed as though he finally decided to come clean to Captain James and Cassie following Trey’s DPS hearing, but they got sidetracked by the verdict. While everyone was convinced they were going to let Trey off with a slap on the wrist, the unanimous decision was to relieve him of his duties as a Ranger. 

And honestly, it was bizarre. I understand why Captain James was upset because he felt disrespected after vouching for Trey, but his anger was more pointed at Cassie and Walker, his friends, for lying to him. But Trey’s “insubordinate” situations were so minor. The first time, he followed orders from his superior in the field, while the second time, he left desk duty to help put a stop to an ATM heist that was getting out of control. Surely, that was more important than paperwork. 

The truth is, it felt completely blown out of proportion, and it didn’t feel in character for Captain James to turn his back on Trey and inform him that he was on his own. Why didn’t he fight for Trey? Why didn’t he pull some strings? 

Cordell and Cassie have done way worse—those two never follow orders, and it’s never been an issue. 

I’m truly disappointed with this turn of events, especially since Trey gave up his career at the high school for this. Is he trying to leave the show? What’s going on?

To be fair, Captain James seemed equally as shocked, and I’m wondering if maybe the decision has something to do with the possibility of there being a mole on the inside who wants Trey out so that Cordell has fewer allies. 

Which reminds me—Julia also tried to drive a wedge between Cordell and James by instilling a bit of doubt in the Ranger, and that didn’t sit well with me. Cordell even called her out on it, so I’m hoping he’s being super cautious and not overly trusting. 

Cordell’s been dealing with so much, he hasn’t really had time to pay attention to his family, especially Bonham and Abeline. 

Bonham called a family meeting so that they could all get on the same page, but he was stood up by both of his sons. Cordell didn’t show up because of his pressing matters with work, while Liam decided to skip so that he could flesh out the horse charity a bit more before talking to his father. I get where Liam is coming from as he seems very passionate about starting this business with Stella but has only gotten pushback from Bonham. It’s not really encouraging to hear that your father has zero faith in you or your ability to take over the family business. 

Liam also suggested that he and Stella team up as partners officially—on paper. It’s a big step for Stella, so I hope she’s not getting in over her head. 

Abeline and Bonham had a few disagreements as she was upset after finding out that Bonham asked Walker and his family to move out of the farmhouse. She’s such a family-oriented person, so I don’t know why he thought it was a good idea. 

And elsewhere, Cassie and Kevin had a really great first date where they got to know each other on a deeper level. All of that went out the window the very next day when he overstepped the boundaries she put in place to keep her personal and professional life separate, and while his intentions were in the right place, it was all the proof she needed to know that she cannot date someone she also has to work with. Some might say Cassie overreacted and ran from a good thing, but it’s definitely problematic to have your boyfriend, who wields a lot of power in his position at the mayor’s office, fixing your problems for you. Kevin either needs to respect Cassie’s request, or they really can’t be involved romantically. 

What did you think of the episode? Do you think Trey will get reinstated? 

Who do you think is behind Grey Flag? And should we trust Julia?

Walker Season 3 Episode 9 proved that Cordell continues to walk on shaky ground. 

After being summoned by the Mayor, who plans to honor Cordell, Julia, Trey, and Cassie for their bravery, the Texas Ranger and Julie were forced to confront what happened to them in captivity. 

Reliving the worst moments wasn’t exactly something either of them wanted to do, but reuniting for the first time since the incident helped them work through the trauma. 

Cordell hasn’t exactly been interested in talking through what happened to him in that cell with many people, including Liam, but it somehow bonded him and Julia. They may remind each other of pain, but they are also capable of helping each other work through it. 

It was nice to see them catch up and talk openly about their feelings in a therapeutic way. Though, I can’t help but think it’s not a coincidence that Walker received a message from his kidnappers shortly after reconnecting with Julia. Is she in on it? I want to believe her because I want her to be an ally for Walker—a friend that he can lean on, but it’s really suspicious. 

Then again, maybe the kidnappers were simply waiting for the right moment to make their move, coming out from the shadows to continue messing with Walker’s mind. If they were following him, they would’ve seen that he was with Julia and figured that the best time to strike when all the trauma was still fresh in his mind. 

Either way, it’s not really over—and it’s going to force Walker to confront his biggest fears. He’s been burying it all and pretending that everything is okay, but they pose a real threat to him and his family once again. 

How will they handle this unexpected delivery?

Cordell’s productive chat with Julia was cut short when duty called, but unfortunately, the case of the week fell kind of flat and didn’t really add anything to the overall plot. Why were we supposed to care about an amateur hacker who was targeting ATM machines to give away free money? It was very clear that while he thought his actions were for the greater good, when money is at stake, it brings out the very worst of humanity. It wasn’t long before fights began breaking out, people were turning on each other, and everyone turned green with greed. Order is necessary for a society to function—that’s my takeaway from the episode. 

And on the plus side, Trey Barnett proved he was useful and that hiring him wasn’t a bad idea when he cracked the mystery of the hacker. They thought he was a domestic terrorist, but they had it all wrong, and without Trey’s due diligence, they likely wouldn’t have figured it out in time. Unfortunately, based on the promo, it doesn’t seem like the Captain is going to be impressed. Trey has been on desk duty for disobeying direct orders, and once again, I’m going to emphasize how unfair it is that the Captain took out his frustrations on Trey when it was really Cassie who gave him the order that he followed. And it’s Cassie and Walker that he should be mad at. It’s already hard being the new guy, why is Cap acting this way?

There were some sweet moments between Auggie and Mawline and again Auggie and Colton. Auggie is simply trying to make amends for all the chaos that he caused. While mostly everyone forgave him, Bonham sure knows how to hold a grudge. It was one of those “I’m disappointed in you” grudges too, which sting so much worse. Eventually, Auggie decided to pay off his debt with a grand gesture—carving a new queen for Abeline’s chess set and spending time with her. It was a move that really pleased Bonham, proving that he does have a soft spot. 

Unfortunately, the sweet moment was quickly ruined when Liam informed him that he got a permit to open a horse rescue equipped with a full mental health center without consulting with Bonham. I know Liam is lost right now, and he thought he was doing the right thing, but he didn’t seem to look at it from the big-picture perspective. A larger operation means more work, which will place more stress on Bonham and Abeline. And they’re trying to avoid stress. 

Liam’s heart was in the right place, and I think it could work if he just went about it the right way, but unfortunately, it wasn’t his best idea, followed by his lawyer-ish speech while trying to secure the feed. Liam really thought he did something when in reality, all he did was piss off the man who Bonham has been in business with for years. Liam is trying to find himself, sure, but he’d be better off just sitting back and learning the ropes before trying to change everything and implement his own style. 

As for Colton, he got a letter from his grandmother and it was really bugging him. Auggie suggested that he write back to begin the process of forgiving her and only visit when he’s ready, and it seems like Stella agrees with the advice. I love that she was supportive of Auggie rehabilitating his relationship with his family, even after everything that went down. 

Geri’s presence has been sorely missed, but I’m kind of glad she’s away while Walker deals with the aftermath of the kidnapping. I hope he doesn’t fall into a romantic relationship with Julia in the meantime because they’d only be united by their trauma. And he owes it Geri to give their relationship an actual try. 

What did you think of the episode? Are you enjoying this season of Walker? I think the personal developments for all the characters are strong, but I do wish they worked on the cases of the week to make them a bit more compelling and connected to the story.