I hope Jensen Ackles' new role doesn't thwart this promising ensemble for Tracker season 2. The Supernatural star portrayed the elder brother of Colter Shaw, the series protagonist and a self-proclaimed "rewardist," in Tracker season 1. After being mentioned throughout the season in connection to the death of their father, I was thrilled when Ackles finally made his Tracker debut in episode 12. He sought help from his younger brother to find a missing friend, and I think he regained his brother's trust in the process. It was initially believed that Russell was responsible for the death of Ashton Shaw.
As Russell began to make amends with his brother, it looked like the series was setting up a possible ensemble situation for Tracker season 2. I know the show's basis is that Colter Shaw operates alone, but I could swear they were formulating an in-person team that Colter could occasionally work with in the upcoming season. They established this with small yet pronounced moments in season 1, and now I'm worried that it was all for naught. While I would still watch Tracker without Jensen Ackles, the show is indeed better with him in it.
Jensen Ackles' Countdown Role May Thwart A Promising Ensemble In Tracker Season 2
The Supernatural Star Scored A Leading Role In Countdown On Prime Video
Though Ackles is confirmed to have a recurring role in Tracker season 2, he may not appear enough to have an ensemble presence. His new role in the Prime Video series Countdown could limit his appearances. The new series comes from the mind of One Chicago creator Derek Haas, and it's his first production on a contract with Amazon since leaving Wolf Entertainment. It will center on Ackles as LAPD officer Mark Meachum, who will head a secret task force of undercover agents. I suppose the series will resemble Haas' other work, which includes Chicago Fire and FBI: International.
I'm happy for Ackles that he scored a leading role in what will likely be a well-produced police procedural. Still, I can't say that I find it more exciting than the promise of him returning to Tracker for season 2. Tracker dethroned NCIS as the most-watched non-sports television show in the 2023-2024 season, so I don't think it was out of the question that the Dean Winchester actor may have prioritized availability for a more prominent role in Tracker over other gigs that came his way.
How Reenie And The Shaw Brothers Were Set Up As An Ensemble In Tracker Season 1
There Was Unlimited Potential Between Fiona Rene, Justin Hartley, and Jensen Ackles
I'm mostly disappointed an ensemble might not take shape between Reenie, Colter, and Russell in Tracker season 2. I thought that Tracker season 1 created the perfect way for Reenie Green to join the Tracker season 2 team, and it looked like Russell would have a solid connection to Colter and the former lawyer. I think it started when the three met in episode 12. Russell flirted a lot with Reenie, and there was even the potential for a love triangle between Reenie and the two brothers, although I don't think it would have worked out.
After the Tracker season 1 ending, I pointed out this love triangle and that Russell's remote involvement in the season 1 finale signaled that he was being incorporated into the group. While the love triangle was an interesting element, I also thought a bond between the characters could be for professional purposes in season 2. Colter and his brother worked synchronously with Reenie, and their skill sets complemented one another beautifully. Ultimately, I would be disappointed if they did not work together at least once in Tracker season 2.
