Tracker has become one of the most-watched shows on CBS in a relatively short time. Based on Jeffery Deaver’s novel, The Never Game, the action drama that premiered in February 2024 tells the story of the lone-wolf survivalist Colter Shaw, who tracks down missing persons for rewards.
The series recently returned with its second season, which continues the journey of Colter while he struggles with personal issues. The backstory of Colter’s family is one of the highlights of the show, particularly his relationship with estranged elder brother Russell Shaw.
After years of not being in touch, Russell and Colter team up on a couple of cases and try to uncover the truth about their father’s mysterious death. Well-known television actor Jensen Ackles plays Russell in Tracker seasons 1 and 2.
Jensen Ackles stars as Russell Shaw in Tracker
Jensen Ackles has a recurring role as Russell in Tracker . The actor has been a part of the television industry for several years now and is recognized for playing Dean Winchester in The CW's popular horror fantasy drama Supernatural.
Jensen started his career as a child model and ventured into acting at 18. He made his TV debut with guest roles on shows such as Mr. Rhodes and Cybill, and his breakthrough was a starring performance as Eric Brady on NBC’s long-running soap opera, Days of Our Lives.
His role in Days of Our Lives earned him a Soap Opera Digest Award and three Daytime Emmy nominations. After leaving the soap in 2000, Ackles appeared in Blonde, a TV film about Marilyn Monroe. He later joined the Fox sci-fi series Dark Angel as the fan favorite identical twins, Ben and Alec.
Jensen entered Supernatural as Dean Winchester in 2005. The show ran for 15 seasons and became the longest-running sci-fi series in the US. Meanwhile, he also appeared in films including the indie project Ten Inch Hero, and the slasher flick, My Bloody Valentine 3D.
In 2020, Jensen's portrayal of Soldier Boy in Prime Video’s hit superhero satirical series The Boys fetched further fame. Jensen's Solider Boy was one of the most powerful Supes in the show and he is set to reprise the character as a protagonist in the spin-off series, Vought Rising.
Russell’s Journey in Tracker
On Tracker, Jensen Ackles is first seen as Russell in season 1, episode 12. In the episode titled Off the Books, Russell finally comes face to face with Colter after trying to contact him for months, and stirs up past tension over their father’s death.
While Colter believes that his older brother pushed their father off a cliff, Russell claims he did not kill the latter, Instead, Russell recalls seeing a stranger in the woods the fateful night, adding that their mom told him to leave and stay quiet about what happened.
Although Colter does not fully trust him, they work together to find Russell’s missing friend, Doug. As they investigate, details about Russell’s past and his dangerous job in off-the-books security emerge. Russell’s story takes a darker turn when he admits his team was involved in rituals pertaining to curses. Ultimately, the brothers rescue Doug from a heavily guarded cabin after a dramatic fight.
Russell returns in Ontological Shock, the second episode of Tracker season 2. He returns to save Colter, being held at a Department of Defense black site while investigating UFOs.
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The episode shows how their bond is tested again, when Colter learns about a secret box consisting of their father’s belongings, being held by their sister. Russell behaves strangely when the box is mentioned and brushes off its importance, suggesting he knows more than he is letting out.
Tracker season 2 will be back on February 16, 2025 after a mid-season break.
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