While Russell Shaw started as a suspected murderer in Tracker, I'm convinced Jensen Ackles' character is innocent for one critical reason. The Supernatural star portrays Colter Shaw's older brother in Justin Hartley's hit CBS series. Hartley portrays protagonist Colter Shaw, who makes his living on the road finding missing people in return for reward money. The self-proclaimed "rewardist" has a complicated past, which involved Colter growing up with the impression that his older brother, Russell, killed their father. That said, Russell attempted to clear his name in a memorable Tracker season 1 episode.
Jensen Ackles officially appeared as Russell Shaw in Tracker season 1, episode 12, "Off the Books." In the second-to-last episode of season 1, Russell sought his younger brother out for help locating a missing friend and told his side of the story. When Russell asked Colter directly if he believed him about what he said about not killing their dad, Colter didn't answer directly, but his actions in Tracker season 1 spoke louder than his words. There are telling moments that set the scene for Tracker season 2 and how Colter will interact with Ackles' character.
Colter's Actions Suggest He No Longer Suspects Russell Of Killing Their Father After Tracker Season 1
Justin Hartley's Character Began To Trust Russell Shaw
Colter's actions in Tracker season 1 suggest he trusts his brother. When Russell appeared in "Off the Books," the brothers worked together to find Russell's missing friend. That Colter even took the job suggested he was opening up to Russell. Then, there were moments on the job where Colter had to trust his brother to guard his life. At one point, while they were investigating, Colter and Russell were held at gunpoint, and the siblings had to fight together to survive to see another day. It's an epic scene because Colter and his brother fight instinctively together after years apart.
While Colter and Russell's chemistry in "Off the Books" is reason enough to believe the brothers are on good terms, there is even more evidence in episode 13, "The Storm." When Colter met with his family friend Lizzy Hawking, and she revealed details about Colter's past, he implied that he suspected his mother and was starting to trust Russell. He said, "She had me believe that my brother was behind my father's death, kept us apart." The dialogue was intentionally cryptic, but Colter implied he didn't believe his mother anymore, suggesting he does believe Russell.
Jensen Ackles' Tracker Casting & Show Future Indicate Russell Won't Be A Villain
Tracker Could Cast A More Villainous Actor Than Jensen Ackles
Jensen Ackles' casting also suggests that his Tracker character isn't villainous in nature. While Ackles has played a few villains in his time, he saves the day in his most iconic and well-known role as Dean Winchester. The same will be true for his upcoming role in the new Prime Video series Countdown, which will feature Ackles as the lead. The actor will portray LAPD officer Mark Mechum, who is recruited into a secret task force of undercover agents who will work together to save the city. That said, I admit that Jensen Ackles doesn't play a straightforward protagonist.
Jensen Ackles' Tracker season 2 return was confirmed in July 2024. Tracker show runner Elwood Reid confirmed that Ackles would return to his post as Russell Shaw during a panel discussion at the TCA Summer Press Tour, saying, "We got him, he's coming back. We're having fun with that, it's a great story." While the comment doesn't outright suggest that Colter doesn't suspect Russell of murder in Tracker season 2, I believe that Ackles wouldn't receive so much screen time or be "having fun" if they were only going to explore grave narratives in the upcoming season.
If Jensen Ackles' Character Didn't Kill Ashton Shaw, These Characters Might Have
Colter's Mother Mary Dove Shaw Is Hiding Something
If Russell Shaw did exonerate himself of his father's murder indeed, then the blame gets pointed at other characters. Assuming Russell is innocent, I have four theories about who killed Colter's father in Tracker. Based on how the story was set up in Tracker season 1, the evidence points to Colter's mother, Lizzy's father, or someone associated with the University of California Berkeley's science department or the United States Government. Colter's mother, Mary Dove Shaw, had a motive established for murder in episode 13, "The Storm," and she's one of the most suspicious characters so far.
When Colter's family friend Lizzy Hawking appeared in episode 13, she revealed her mother and Ashton Shaw had been having an affair before his death. Mary Dove is deceitful, and she could have wanted her husband dead for having that affair. That said, Ashton Shaw was also associated with top-secret projects with the United States Government, serving as Head of Project for a redacted government project. There are plenty of people beyond Russell who would have wanted the Shaw family patriarch dead, including Lizzy's father, if he ever found out about the affair.
What I Expect From Russell Shaw In Tracker Season 2 (Since He's Probably Innocent)
Russell Will Help Colter With More Investigations In Tracker Season 2
Since Russell will appear in Tracker season 2, there is a lot to anticipate from his character. I suspect that Russell and Colter will work together in season 2 after how well they worked together in "Off the Books." Russell and Colter worked synchronously while investigating the disappearance of Russell's friend. Reviving the chemistry is an obvious choice for season 2. Russell could have another friend go missing since it was implied he is involved in dangerous work in season 1. Colter could also seek his brother out for help in a turn of events.
I expect Russell, Colter, and Reenie to come together in season 2. The bond between the three central characters is yet another reason I believe Russell is innocent. In "The Storm," Colter and Reenie chatted about Russell after resolving the case. Reenie noted that she and Russell had established a line of communication, saying he sent her "a selfie of him at a bar on the beach in Argentina," asking if she wanted to join him for dinner in Buenos Aires. The comment makes Colter smile; he isn't alarmed like when Russell contacted Reenie at the beginning of the series.
I suspect Russell is innocent because Colter believes that, but that doesn't mean the tracker didn't get the wrong impression. However, I see no reason for Russell to have killed Ashton Shaw. Instead, he was a convenient scapegoat for someone with a more significant motive, like Mary Dove or the United States government. While Russell appeared dismissive of his father in flashbacks – even angry – that's understandable for a young person who faced grueling expectations and physical challenges at the hands of his father. I hope the brothers can reconnect and solve the mystery together in Tracker season 2.
