Jensen Ackles brought his typical masculine charisma to the popular TV series Tracker, and it looks like his upcoming show is the perfect follow-up to his portrayal of Russell Shaw. In Tracker, he plays the formerly estranged brother of series lead Colter Shaw (played by Justin Hartley). Russell Shaw has popped up in a few Tracker episodes, assisting Colter with the tracking down of criminals while also revealing aspects of their family's troubled past.
This character resonated deeply with audiences, thanks to the fervent fanbase Ackles has built up from his time on Supernatural, and now The Boys. Audiences are certainly debating a potential Tracker spinoff following Russell and his interesting life, but the Tracker showrunners have confirmed no spinoff is in the plans as of now. However, Ackles' lead role in Amazon Prime's upcoming show Countdown seems like it might be the perfect spiritual spinoff to his role in Tracker.
Jensen Ackles Headlines Countdown on Amazon
He Plays LAPD Officer Mark Meachum
In Amazon Prime's Countdown, Ackles stars as LAPD officer Mark Meachum, who joins a secret task force comprised of undercover agents from every branch of law enforcement after a murder in broad daylight requires an elite response. Through the investigation, the group unravels a conspiracy, and they realize they have to work cohesively and against the clock in order to thwart a plot that may kill millions.
Ackles will be in good company, too. Derek Haas, a veteran of network TV with the One Chicago universe, is running the show, which brings a steady presence. The Countdown cast has also added a few great pieces to act alongside Ackles, including Jessica Camacho, Eric Dane, and Bogdan Yasinski. Like Tracker, it's a strong ensemble cast built around a thrilling premise, but it's Ackles' character, in particular, that is reminiscent of the CBS show.
Countdown Is A Great Option In Lieu Of A Russell Shaw Tracker Spinoff
His Characters Have A Few Shared Similarities
Ackles' characters in both Tracker and Countdown share several similarities, notably in their backgrounds and roles within the shows. Both Mark Meachum in Countdown and Russell Shaw in Tracker have military experience and are trained to effectively handle any possible high-stakes scenario. Both Meachum and Shaw are brutish but intelligent, and such a combination of these traits allows them to conduct their investigation with poise, utilizing their strength and fighting prowess when necessary. They're also natural-born leaders, able to take control of any situation and strategize.
Historically, Jensen Ackles has excelled at playing ultra-competent characters with very specific and impressive skill sets, whether it's playing the hunter Dean Winchester in Supernatural, Soldier Boy in The Boys, or Russell Shaw in Tracker. Even so, those characters' down-to-earth grit is tempered by Ackles' natural charisma and charm. While not much is known about the personality of Mark Meachum yet, the description of his background strongly indicates it will be another such role for Ackles, which is a great follow-up to Tracker even if Russell Shaw never gets his own spinoff.
