The premiere episode of Walker Season 4 “The Quiet” lives up to its name. And though the title refers to the silence of an Empty Nest, when one can be left alone with their darker thoughts, the episode itself serves more as a different type of quiet. “The Quiet before the storm.” It brings to mind those moments in movies before disaster strikes, when the ominous music plays, and the people are mostly blithely unaware and only a few see the warning signs of the impending doom. And the character that can see an oncoming storm and tries to mitigate the damage before disaster strikes is …
Cordell
The episode starts happily enough, with the birthday boy enjoying the morning with his now girlfriend, Geri. His only worries are being late, dodging carbs, and a battle with a behemoth steak. Even a case Captain James, Trey and he have been working on for weeks is no match for the titular Ranger’s prowess. This was a delightful scene where Jared showed off both his action and comedic chops. Everything is great until Cassie returns with the FBI asking for help to finally close the case she left months ago to help the FBI with. Though the case itself is wrapped up easily, the change of plans serves as a harbinger for things to come. A text from Det. Luna reignites what had become the cold case of The Jackal, which promises to be a long, dark, stormy journey. And now that he doesn’t have to leave town for his father’s birthday, August can now beg to go to a high school party. His departure this reminds Cordell of the impending quiet that may amplify the darkness he knows is coming. Luckily by his side he has …
Geri
Geri spends much of the episode trying to give Cordell the best birthday possible. Even when plans are forced to change around his Ranger schedule, she still strives to make it his dream come true. And with the help of the other Walkers, she succeeds. She is also still so attuned to his emotions that she sees the storm clouds roll in on Cordell’s mood. Odette is wonderful in the conversation Geri initiates about what is bothering Cordell that helps him. However, before he can tell Geri what he wants to say to her, they are interrupted by …
Trey
Another person who knows of that a storm is brewing is Trey. He has been working with Cordell for months on the reemergence of the Jackal. But now, with both Cordell and Kelly’s reactions, he has more of an idea how bad this investigation can get. Jeff was amazing as you can see him digest what Walker reveals to him. But he also has his own inner turmoil that bubbles to the surface with the return of Cassie. He fears he came on too strong at theCaptain’s wedding, and that’s why she didn’t call during the five months she was away. A quick conversation between the two puts this to rest, but also firmly establishes them as friends and nothing more. How he feels about that is left unanswered, but he will also back up …
Cassie
In a way, Cassie is the warning rain cloud before a larger storm. Her homecoming brings both joy and change. Her request derails Cordell’s plans for his birthday unintentionally, but that works out. Trey is the one more rocked by her return. He feels hurt by her lack of contact, and guilty for it as well. Wisely, she knows that a conversation is needed and follows through. But perhaps, the greatest turmoil is within as she considers her future? Ashley is wonderful as she shows Cassie debating whether to join the FBI or come back to the Rangers. A decision made more complicated by a discussion with …
Captain James
The one who is purposely kept in the dark about what is to come is Capt. James. And through an exquisitely lit and acted flashback the audience is shown exactly why. Coby shows a broken obsessed Ranger James to heartbreaking perfection. It also reveals why he doesn’t drink anymore in a powerful way. He is currently happy, with his current biggest struggles being meat sweats and how to keep Cassie as a Ranger. Walker, Trey, and Kelly are willing to do anything to keep it that way. But they’re not the only ones keeping secrets, so is …
Stella
The only one starting off the season in a bad place, Stella really stands in stark contrast to the rest. However, there is still this sense that things will get even worse. Violet deftly plays the trauma that Stella is feeling. But, the audience knowing that she lied and that Witt wasn’t working alone instills a sense of foreboding in the viewer.
Overall, this episode was incredible in both what it shows and the tempestuous future it hints at. There was humor and joy, but also fear and pain. There was action and also those deeply moving conversations. Like, many episodes of Walker, I feel sorry for all those that didn’t get to experience it.
And I can’t wait for the rest of the season!
(Brief unimportant continuity note, though. According to the file the Rangers had in her in 1.09, Geri’s birthday is March 24th. Which is not in the five months between June and November that the time jump covered. And before the wedding on June 16th, they weren’t a couple. So, it’s a continuity error.)
4.9 stars out of 5
Photos Courtesy of The CW. Screencaps by Raloria on LJ.
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