Ep 5. Friend of the Devil

Walker: Independence is a beloved crime drama series that follows the story of Cordell Walker, a widowed father of two who returns to his home in Austin, Texas after going undercover for two years. The show explores his life as a Texas Ranger as he works to solve crimes and reconcile with his family while dealing with the loss of his wife. In this episode, titled "Friend of the Devil," Cordell investigates the death of a college student while also attempting to navigate his complicated relationships with his family and colleagues.

The episode begins with Cordell and his partner, Micki Ramirez, responding to a call about a dead body on a college campus. The victim is identified as a young woman who Cordell recognizes as the sister of an old friend. As they begin to investigate, they uncover a seedy underworld of drug dealers and victims of sexual assault who may have ties to the victim's death.

Meanwhile, Cordell's daughter, Stella, is struggling to integrate into her new high school after being expelled from her previous one. She befriends a group of students who encourage her to skip class and party, leading to tension with her father who is fearful of her getting into trouble. His concerns are heightened when he discovers that one of her new friends has ties to the drug dealer they are investigating, leading him to question whether Stella is putting herself in danger.

Back at the Texas Ranger headquarters, Cordell's colleague, Captain Larry James, is dealing with his own personal crisis as he reveals to Cordell that he has been diagnosed with cancer. This news hits Cordell hard, as he looks up to Larry as a mentor and friend. The two discuss Larry's treatment options and how they will impact his ability to continue his work as a Texas Ranger.

As the investigation into the victim's death continues, Cordell and Micki realize that they may have been too quick to assume that the deceased was an innocent victim. They uncover evidence that suggests the victim may have been involved in a dangerous game of Russian roulette with her friends, leading them down a new avenue of investigation.

As the episode comes to a close, Cordell confronts his daughter about her behavior and her relationship with her new friend. He stresses the importance of making the right choices and the potential consequences of her actions, hoping to steer her back on the right path. The investigation also takes a surprising turn as the team discovers a connection between the drug dealer and one of Cordell's own colleagues, raising questions about who can be trusted and who may be playing both sides.

Overall, "Friend of the Devil" is a gripping and emotional episode that showcases the complexity of both the show's central characters and its plotlines. It's a must-watch for fans of the series and will leave viewers eagerly anticipating the next installment.