The return of Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw, the brother of Colter Shaw (played by Justin Hartley), was a major highlight in the final episodes of Tracker season 2. But if Tracker is truly going to grow in season 3, Ackles’s presence should be more than just a cameo – it should become a core part of the story.
A Family Relationship Full of Hurts
Russell Shaw is more than just a supporting character. He’s the key to understanding Colter on a deeper level. Throughout the first two seasons, viewers have witnessed dark flashbacks of the Shaw family – especially their toxic relationship with their father, Ashton Shaw. When Russell appears, viewers finally get to see the only living person who witnessed and experienced Colter’s past.
The brief interaction between the brothers in season 2 reveals a lot of unresolved issues: resentment, guilt, and lingering hurt. This isn’t a plot point that can be wrapped up in one episode. It’s a major storyline that needs to be explored in its entirety.
Jensen Ackles: Talent and Influence
Jensen Ackles’ appearance on Tracker is more than just “fan service.” The actor already has a huge fan base from Supernatural, The Boys, and more recently Big Sky. He brings screen charisma, acting chops, and a perfect contrast to Justin Hartley.
If CBS and the creative team want to expand the scope of Tracker, making Ackles a recurring or series regular in season 3 is a sound strategy. Not only does it add psychological depth, but it also opens up the possibility of a new hunting duo—two brothers investigating separate cases but with shared pasts.
What Do Viewers Want From Russell?
On forums like Reddit and Twitter/X, many viewers have expressed their desire to know more about Russell:
What happened to him after his family broke up?
How has he been living?
What is his relationship with his parents and brother really like?
Is he hiding something?
There are even rumors that Russell may be involved with the forces that are watching Colter — or that he himself is pulling the strings in some mysterious case. Either way, the potential for further development of this character is huge.
Will Season 3 Be the Turning Point?
Tracker has built Colter Shaw as a “lone wanderer,” but Season 3 is an opportunity to break that monolithic model. A regular inclusion of Russell could:
Add depth to Colter’s inner journey
Provide a character mirroring element between two children growing up in a dysfunctional family
Increase the drama through unresolved conflicts or secrets
Provide space for a potential Russell spinoff if needed
Conclusion: Don’t Let Russell Be Just a Name
If Tracker is going to go further, Russell Shaw can’t just be a flashback or a brief appearance. It’s time for the series to really invest in what it’s built: family legacy, loss, and the possibility of healing.
And if anyone can deliver all of that convincingly, it’s Jensen Ackles.
Tracker season 3 doesn’t just need Russell – it needs to give him a place in the story that’s rightfully his.
