A new Tracker update regarding Jensen Ackles' status on the show makes me so relieved about its future. The series premiered after the Super Bowl in early 2024 and found immediate success. After just four episodes, Tracker was renewed for a second season. Tracker season 2 is now on the horizon, with CBS officially confirming that the show will return on October 27, 2024. There are many things I am excited about in the show's upcoming season, and I've been hoping for the return of all my favorite Tracker characters from season 1. Ackles' Russell Shaw is undoubtedly one of them.
The series cunningly outlined who Colter Shaw is and how he operates in season 1. Justin Hartley makes for a caring and skillful protagonist, and watching him navigate complex situations on-screen is enjoyable. Rather than resorting to violence, Colter often reasoned out of situations. While it falls within the procedural category, one of the best things about the show is that, despite its grave narratives, its formula always equals a happy ending. Still, certain characters must return to complete the narrative in Tracker season 2.
Justin Hartley Confirmed That Jensen Ackles Will Return To Tracker Season 2
Jensen Ackles Portrays Colter Shaw's Elder Brother Russell Shaw
Much to my relief and excitement, Jensen Ackles' Tracker return got a definitive response. Tracker showrunner Elwood Reid recently confirmed Ackles would return while speaking at the Summer Television Critics Association 2024 Press Tour, saying:
We got him, he’s coming back. We’re having fun with that, it’s a great story.
The "we got him" comment speaks volumes about the recent discussions concerning whether the Supernatural star would return as Colter's brother. Jensen Ackles will lead a new series by One Chicago franchise creator Derek Haas called Countdown for Prime Video. While it's excellent news Ackles will take the lead, I couldn't help but wonder how that would affect his ability to return to his Russell Shaw post. This announcement from the Tracker showrunner put the whole thing to rest. All I have left is excitement about how Ackles will factor into Tracker season 2.
Why Jensen Ackles Is Crucial To Tracker Season 2
Russell Shaw Was A Hit In Tracker Season 1
Jensen Ackles is crucial to the Tracker season 2 storyline. He impacted the show's reception even more than its narrative. Ackles made a splash as Russell Shaw in Tracker season 1, episode 12, "Off the Books." According to IMDb, it's the top-rated Tracker episode, rated 8.4 out of 10 stars. After attempting to contact his younger brother throughout the season, Russell sought out Colter to help him find a missing friend in "Off the Books." Due to their shared upbringing and skills, the brothers worked efficiently on-screen, and the actors had fantastic chemistry.
As such, Jensen Ackles must return in season 2 because I need to see the brothers on-screen together again, and I know I'm not alone in that. Ackles' chemistry with Hartley is more vital to the show's life than how Ackles' character factors into the narrative. Ackles appeared in season 1, while Colter still believed that he was the one who killed Colter's father in Tracker. However, Russell claimed it wasn't him after the brothers' reunion (which unfolded over beers by the fire so perfectly that I wish I could have been there).
By the end of the episode, I think Colter believed him. The way that Russell is cheerily worked into the storyline in the following episode is evidence of that. Russell contacts Colter's go-to legal professional, Reenie Green, from Argentina. Reenie and Colter exchange happy banter about Russell, and I doubt showrunners would lay that out if he were going to end up as the murderer of the Shaw family patriarch. After much consideration, I don't believe they would have cast Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw if the character was villainous in nature.
How Russell Will Influence Tracker Season 2's Story
Russell Can Join Colter In His Investigations
Russell will likely investigate with Colter in Tracker season 2, influencing how he operates. It's a given that Russell will somehow help Colter on the job. It would be even better if he provided more information about their father's death. I would think that Russell isn't withholding information from his brother, but maybe he will have new details to unveil once he has confirmed that he's earned his brother's trust. One of the things that Russell told his brother to gain his trust was that there was someone else in the woods the night Ashton Shaw was killed.
I'd like to hear more about what Russell saw in season 2. I want to know his impression of the situation. Russell needs to explain why he was standing on top of the cliff that night and why he never tried to contact Colter to clear his name. Jensen Ackles' Tracker character also said that the Shaw family matriarch told him to leave after having just turned 18 following Ashton Shaw's death. Russell owes Colter an explanation of what was said when he decided to go and why he never reached out.
I'm very excited that Jensen Ackles is returning. It was great to see Justin Hartley and the Supernatural star on-screen together in season 1. With more episodes in season 2, I'm glad he will be back to fill out the narrative. Russell is elemental to the show's positive reception now that Ackles has developed the character. With the Russell character established, it would be impossible to recast him as anyone other than Jensen Ackles. Tracker season 2 could even reunite all the Shaw siblings, and with Ackles returning, all kinds of enthralling ensembles are on the table.
