Cordell Walker is a veteran Texas Ranger who protects Dallas from the bad guys and believes in dealing with them the old-fashioned way: fighting them. He also works on instincts from his childhood, when he lived on an Indian Reservation with his Uncle Ray after his parents' deaths. James Trivette, a former player for the Dallas Cowboys, is his partner and uses the modern approach to crime-solving, such as computers and cellular phones, not believing in Walker's methods. Both are helped by Walker's mentor and former partner, retired Ranger C.D. Parker, who owns a bar and grill, is specialized in western cuisine and country/western themes, and gives Walker advice on some cases. All of them work for Assistant District Attorney Alex Cahill, a beautiful, strong, and brilliant Texas lady who makes sure that Walker and Trivette don't break the rules for catching the bad guys.