Initial thoughts:
Good:
- The Austin vibe. I liked the locations, the golden-toned hues, the Texas of it all.
- Micki Ramirez, I love how tiny she is and yet clearly very tough. And her boyfriend? Yummmmmm. She better not kick him to the curb.
- Complex family dynamic. There was a LOT going on. Means there will be plenty of story to tell.
- Straightforward Case of the Week (COTW). I imagine there is a lot going on, a little surprised it's as far north as Austin but I'll handwave that away.
- Walker dragging his friend out to two step. Saw some real charm there and want to see the full dancing in the future.
The "Meh":
- It's a pilot. There was a ton of data dump. Some cliché to some of the characters.
- Walker being an asshole. It's clearly a plot point. He's going to get better. We're just watching him wrestle with the choices he's made. And clearly he's made some bad choices in the past year. I don't want a 'sensitive' Texas Ranger, but he's gotta stop being a jerk to those that don't deserve it. Save being a jerk for those that do.
- They wife's murder mystery. I like Gen P. in the role but I'm not feeling it yet. (Note, I think I can easily get there but I'm not there yet),
On the Fence:
- The Captain. I'm already convinced he's the bad guy. Am I supposed to feel that way?
Nope:
- Walker's initial choices about the return, going out drinking with kids at home he has to connect with. I do NOT want his daughter being the one to pull him out of his funk but his parents seem too far grounded for him to be as irresponsible as he was at the beginning. In short, I need to understand WHY he's making unlikeable choices or he needs to stop it.
Bottom Line; It's a pilot. I think it's got a lot of potential. I'm definitely going to continue to watch. I want to LIKE Walker more -- and I suspect I will. I saw some elements of fun, charm, and sincerity beneath the rough.