Tracker’s New Episode Officially Confirms This New Spinoff Needs to Happen ASAP

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I’m really enjoying Tracker! It centers around Colter Shaw, this incredibly skilled survivalist who basically makes a living finding things – and people – that are lost. He travels everywhere in his Airstream trailer, taking on cases ranging from lost hikers to more serious situations like finding kidnapping victims. It’s cool to see how he uses his talents, and sometimes his brother Russell, played by Jensen Ackles from The Boys, even lends a hand.

Colter and Russell grew up learning the same survival skills, but they developed in very different ways, each adding their own unique talents. The latest episode of Tracker offered a glimpse of what a spin-off focused on Russell Shaw could be like, showcasing how their approaches differ – and it was fantastic.

Tracker’s EP ‘Threw In a Bunch of Teases’ for a Russell Shaw Spin-off

Colter is withdrawing to come to terms with the shocking revelations from the end of last season. He discovered the identity of his father’s killer, Otto, and learned a disturbing truth: his mother, Mary Dove Shaw, played a role in Ashton Shaw’s death. He’s struggling to understand why his mother would allow him to believe Russell was responsible, and this betrayal has left him deeply shaken by lies and guilt.

Russell reconnects with his brother and they have a meaningful conversation before teaming up on a new investigation. The episodes “The Process” and “Leverage” showed more of Russell’s personality and hinted at what his own series might be like. Russell agrees to help Colter with a case because he’s currently unemployed, and Colter discovers Russell was actually fired from his previous job as a private contractor.

By the end of the season, I realized Russell had really figured things out. He decided he wants to use his talents for good, just like Colter does. Honestly, watching him rescue that girl, reunite that family, and shut down that awful operation… it was genuinely moving. You could feel how much it meant to him. He even started looking up to Colter, asking him for advice and admiring his whole team. It’s clear his brother inspired him, and he wants to be just like Colter, which honestly sets up a fantastic opportunity for Russell to get his own show – I’m already excited!

The executive producer and showrunner of Tracker, Elwood Reid, has publicly expressed interest in having Jensen Ackles join a potential spin-off series. In an interview with Us Weekly, Reid revealed he’s been subtly hinting at a spin-off centered around Russell, hoping fans would pick up on the clues in the show’s upcoming episodes. He also highlighted the strong chemistry between Ackles and Justin Hartley, noting how well they play off each other.

I’ve really been enjoying seeing more of Russell’s story unfold. These episodes didn’t just move things forward, they really showed us who he is as a person – we’re seeing layers we hadn’t seen before. At first, it felt like Jensen Ackles’ character was looking up to Colter, letting him take the lead and enjoying the ride. He was fun, skilled, and definitely charming, relying on Colter’s expertise. But with these two episodes focused on Russell, we got to see a different side – he’s like an older brother or a really good friend, and it was great to see that connection.

After twenty years, Russell has finally come to terms with Mary’s deception. She asked him to leave and allowed Colter to think he was responsible for their father’s death and the family’s abandonment. It was difficult, but he moved on. Now, Colter is determined to learn the truth about his family, and Russell is there to help him. Russell is supportive of Colter, immediately forgiving him for believing their mother’s version of events. He’s even willing to act as a go-between for Colter and Mary until Colter feels ready to speak with her directly.

Russell remains charming and playful around Reenie, but he also shows a more genuine and supportive side. He offers to be a friend and someone she can confide in about the difficult experience she had last season. Seeing this softer side of Russell proves he’s a complex and well-developed character, just like Colter, making him a perfect romantic lead.

Colter and Russell Do Things Differently in Tracker’s Two-Part Premiere

Early episodes of Tracker were engaging because Russell and Colter worked on different parts of the case independently. This highlighted their unique investigative styles and showed how Russell’s personality differed from Colter’s. According to showrunner Elwood Reid, the contrast between the two actors – Jensen Ackles and Justin Hartley – made for compelling viewing. Reid explained, “They each bring something different to the table, and watching them interact is really fascinating.”

Colter tends to be careful and thoughtful, while Russell prefers a more direct, forceful method. This difference was clear when they met their client, Cal Rodgers, at the home of his missing wife, Lisa. Russell immediately tried to find a hidden key, but ended up breaking a window to get inside. Colter, in contrast, calmly pulled out his lock picks. It was a small moment, but it highlighted how differently the brothers approached things.

Colter and Russell discovered Lisa’s boyfriend’s apartment had been robbed – his safe was empty, with cash and a gun missing. Colter spotted security cameras and tried calling Randy to investigate who was responsible. Russell, wanting to show off his tech skills, volunteered to get the footage himself. Although Randy, the building’s security expert, could have easily hacked the system and sent the video to Colter, Russell instead resorted to force – he choked the security guard and stole the footage. Russell is likely going to need legal representation after this.

In the latest developments of the case, Colter and Russell divide their efforts to pursue different leads. Colter interviews Lisa, discovering she was threatened into stealing a briefcase. While attempting to recover the briefcase himself, he realizes he’s being watched and suspects the observer is connected to the mysterious ‘Process’. Meanwhile, Russell heads to a set of coordinates, noticing a blue car tailing them. He deliberately provokes the other driver into a crash, then captures and questions him to gather information at a secure location.

The Shaw brothers are both talented, but their backgrounds have made them distinct individuals who balance each other well. Even if Russell had a show like Tracker, where he helps others, it would still feel fresh because of his unique personality and how he handles things. Colter is more intense and focused, while Russell is more laid-back and uses humor. They’d probably take on different kinds of cases too, since Russell has a different network of contacts than Colter.

The Biggest Hurdle Will Be Jensen Ackles’ Busy Schedule

Elwood Reid would love to have Jensen Ackles appear on Tracker more frequently. Before the start of season three with a two-part premiere, Ackles had only been in one episode per season. However, it wasn’t due to a lack of effort. Ackles shared during a Supernatural convention tour hosted by Creation Entertainment that they tried to bring him back for an appearance towards the end of season two, but scheduling conflicts prevented it.

Jared Padalecki is currently working with Prime Video on several projects. He recently finished filming the action series Countdown and the final season of The Boys, and also began work on the prequel series Vought Rising. In between these commitments, he found time to film two episodes of Tracker.

Reid joked that Jensen Ackles is hard to get on board with projects, but he’s always eager to work with him whenever possible. He frequently checks in with Ackles about his availability, but Ackles is currently busy filming a spin-off of The Boys. However, with recent disappointing news, Ackles’ schedule might become free once he finishes filming Vought Rising.

Reid explained that he included hints of a potential spin-off in the scripts, hoping viewers and the network would notice. He’s particularly enjoyed writing for Jensen Ackles for many years. Ackles joined the show as a main cast member starting in the third season, playing the role of the new Sheriff. A spin-off focusing on his character, Russell Shaw, would highlight Ackles’ talents and offer fans more of the world they enjoy in Tracker.

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2025-10-27 04:10