Jensen Ackles’ highly anticipated return to Tracker in season 2 has not only reignited excitement around the series—it’s also drawn attention to a difficult truth about Justin Hartley’s character, Colter Shaw. While the show began as a solo vehicle for Hartley, Ackles’ performance as Russell Shaw is proving to be a game-changer, and perhaps even a scene-stealer.
Debuting in early 2024, Tracker introduced viewers to Colter Shaw, a rugged lone-wolf survivalist and "rewardist" who uses his skills to track down missing people and fugitives. The show delves into Colter’s complicated past, particularly the mysterious death of his father—a traumatic event that shaped his childhood and his relationship with his estranged older brother, Russell.
Jensen Ackles first appeared as Russell in the penultimate episode of season 1, shaking up the narrative. His character’s entrance brought a twist: while Colter suspected Russell of their father’s death, Russell ultimately cleared his name and began to mend ties with his younger brother. Their storyline carried into season 2, adding emotional weight—and a bit more chemistry—to the show.
A Brotherhood Built on Screen and Off
What makes the renewed brotherly bond in Tracker so compelling is the real-life friendship between Ackles and Hartley. The two actors have known each other for over 20 years, both having starred in iconic CW shows—Ackles as Dean Winchester in Supernatural and Hartley as Oliver Queen in Smallville. Despite their long-standing friendship, Tracker marks their first on-screen collaboration, and it shows.
The dynamic between Colter and Russell adds a new dimension to the show. In season 2, episode 2, titled "Ontological Shock," Russell steps up in a big way. When Colter goes missing during an investigation at a Department of Defense site, Reenie (played by Fiona Rene) reaches out to Russell for help. Drawing on his military background and expertise from his time with the Horizon Group, Russell locates and rescues Colter with a level of efficiency that’s hard to ignore.
It’s a thrilling sequence that not only showcases Russell’s skills but also subtly repositions him as an equal—if not superior—player in the world of Tracker.
The Charisma Contrast: Colter vs. Russell
While Colter Shaw remains the heart of the series, Russell’s reappearance exposes a glaring contrast in charisma. Colter is defined by stoic seriousness and survivalist grit, a reflection of his intense upbringing and trauma. Russell, however, brings a certain levity and magnetism to the screen without compromising his own credibility as a rewardist.
Ackles’ portrayal of Russell is effortlessly engaging. Whether it’s his dry humor, confident demeanor, or electric presence, he injects an energy that Colter often lacks. That’s not to say Hartley isn’t compelling in his own right—his performance grounds the show—but the addition of Ackles brings balance and a fresh dynamic that’s hard to ignore.
This was especially evident in season 1, episode 12, “Off the Books,” which became the highest-rated episode of the series. It’s no coincidence that Ackles’ debut helped propel the show to new heights. His limited screen time left a lasting impression, and viewers clearly wanted more.
Could Russell Steal the Spotlight?
Russell Shaw’s increasing presence in season 2 suggests that Tracker’s creative team is aware of the magnetic force Ackles brings to the series. Showrunner Elwood Reid confirmed that Ackles will appear in multiple episodes this season, further fueling speculation that Russell could eventually lead his own storyline—or even a spinoff.
And it’s not just fan service. Ackles’ schedule is packed with upcoming film and television projects, signaling that his star power is only rising. That makes his role in Tracker even more valuable and potentially crucial for the show’s longevity.
Still, Hartley’s Colter Shaw isn’t beyond redemption. The character’s mysterious past, survivalist training, and emotional wounds offer plenty of narrative ground to explore. By leaning into Colter’s quirks and the more eccentric elements of his backstory, the writers could deepen his character and give him the complexity that Russell naturally exudes.
A Franchise in the Making?
If Tracker continues to explore the dynamic between the Shaw brothers, the show could be on the cusp of expanding its universe. There’s room for a darker, more action-driven storyline centered around Russell—perhaps one that delves into black-ops missions and covert government operations. A Russell Shaw spinoff wouldn’t just satisfy fans of Ackles—it would give the franchise a new direction to explore.
In the meantime, the addition of Russell is making Tracker more layered and unpredictable. With Jensen Ackles in the mix, season 2 is shaping up to be far more than a continuation—it’s a reinvention.
The only question now is whether Colter Shaw can keep up.
