A cast update for Tracker season 2 confirms that Jensen Ackles will be back in a recurring role. Ackles played Russell Shaw, the older brother to Justin Hartley's Colter Shaw, in an episode of season 1. Although the guest appearance left the door open for Ackles to return, the actor's recently announced lead role in the Prime Video show Countdown made the extent of his involvement a question mark for Tracker season 2.
While speaking at a panel during the Television Critics’ Association’s summer press tour, per TheWrap, showrunner Elwood Reid confirmed that Ackles will be back for Tracker season 2 for more than one episode. Read the comment below:
“We got him, he’s coming back. We’re having fun with that, it’s a great story.”
Ackles' Character Is One Part Of Tracker's Complicated Family History
The Brothers Have An Uneasy Reunion.
Ackles made his first appearance as part of the Tracker cast in episode 12, titled "Off the Books." Though their interactions are cordial enough, there is some obvious tension because of the strange family history that Colter and Russell share. Flashbacks in the CBS series reveal Colter's unusual upbringing. His dad, Ashton (played by Lee Tergesen), took his wife and kids to live in a compound and exhibited extreme paranoia. That is immediately brought up when the two brothers meet up.
One night in 2003, with their mother not at home, Colter's father took off running thanks to his paranoia, and Russell followed after Ashton. Colter would find Ashton dead an hour later, apparently pushed by Russell. Since then, Russell has attempted to connect with Colter, but their mother, Mary (played by Wendy Crewson), doesn't seem to be in favor of the brothers being in contact.
Despite this complicated history, Russell and Colter do get along. After working together on a case, Russell says goodbye. It's a bit abrupt, though he promises to find his younger brother. He even suggests that he'll help Colter to move beyond his nomad ways. After the chaotic Tracker season 1 finale, and with this latest update, it sounds like the older brother is keeping his promise after all.
