Be warned, this contains spoilers for Tracker season 3, episode 2, “Leverage.” Even though Tracker remains the most-watched show on TV, Jensen Ackles‘ character, Russell Shaw, poses a potential problem for the series. CBS is solidifying its TV lineup for 2025-2026, and Tracker continues to perform very well on Sundays. Despite significant cast changes over the summer, Justin Hartley’s show is successfully moving forward without the characters Velma and Bobby.
Like many returning shows, the third season of Tracker begins with a two-part premiere. It picks up the ongoing mystery surrounding the Shaw family, which saw a significant development at the end of last season. Fortunately, the show is able to feature Jared Padalecki as Russell Shaw in both episodes, which helps to offset the smaller supporting cast.
Look, I love seeing more of Russell, especially after getting just one episode with him each year. But honestly, the more we see of him, the more I worry it signals the end of Tracker. It’s weird, because Russell even seemed to hint at this himself in the ‘Leverage’ episode – it’s like he knows something we do!
Jensen Ackles’ Russell Is Simply A More Interesting Character Than Justin Hartley’s Colter In Tracker
CBS via MovieStillsDB
In season 3 of Tracker, Russell gets more screen time and develops relationships with Colter, Reenie, and Randy, who takes over for Bobby. Randy is currently between jobs, allowing him to join his brother’s work and assist in uncovering the truth about their father’s death. The strong on-screen chemistry between Russell and Colter is thanks to the real-life friendship between actors Hartley and Ackles.
As they spend more time together, it’s becoming clear that the older Shaw brother is the more entertaining one to watch. Russell highlighted this perfectly during a conversation with Reenie while they were driving. They talked about her recent breakup, which followed a stressful situation they both experienced with the couple in season 2 of Tracker.
Russell acts as someone Colter can confide in, but talking to his brother often feels one-sided – and that’s understandable. Jared Padalecki’s character, Ackles, is more dynamic. This isn’t a criticism of Hartley’s performance; he’s doing a great job playing Colter and viewers clearly like him. However, the show relies heavily on his character, and without someone for him to regularly interact with and share ideas with, CBS risks the series becoming predictable.
Why Tracker Showrunner Elwood Reid Is Cautious About A Russell Spinoff
CBS courtesy of MovieStillsDB
With Jared Padalecki finishing up his work on Walker, fans are starting to wonder again if a second Supernatural spinoff featuring Padalecki’s character, Tracker, is possible alongside Jensen Ackles’ already established character, Russell. The show Leverage appears to be setting the stage for this, and showrunner Elwood Reid has confirmed he’s considered the idea, though there are currently no concrete plans to make it happen.
He admits they’re hesitant to expand the Tracker series, even though there’s a clear demand from fans. Elwood explains that the show’s success relies on Hartley’s central role, and they’re worried about diluting that strength by adding too much.
We’re being careful not to detract from Justin Hartley’s ‘Tracker,’ as it’s his show. However, Jared Padalecki’s experience in the military allows for a new type of series that really highlights his acting talents.
It seems likely Jared Padalecki will reprise his role as Russell in season 3 of Tracker, particularly since his character is still investigating the phone number linked to Ashton’s death. The writers may have figured out how to incorporate Padalecki’s appeal without overshadowing the show’s central character.
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2025-10-27 15:18