I'm disappointed Jensen Ackles likely won't have a bigger role in the upcoming season of Tracker, especially after his storyline was promised to continue. After the Tracker season 1 finale, a reunion between the Shaw brothers was one of the things that I thought needed to happen in Tracker season 2. Jensen Ackles portrays the elder brother, Russell Shaw, and Justin Hartley portrays the younger, Colter Shaw. The actors had on-screen chemistry that made them believable as brothers, just one of the reasons it would have been great to see Jensen Ackles return to the show in a larger role.
In Tracker season 1, Russell Shaw was likable from when Jensen Ackles appeared on-screen, but he was one of the more suspicious of the Tracker characters before that. I thought it was essential to the show's narrative that they chose to wait to feature Jensen's character until the penultimate episode in season 1, episode 12, "Off the Books." Once Ackles worked alongside the reward seeker, it was clear he was probably someone Colter could trust heading into Tracker season 2. It will definitely affect the balance of the show if Ackles can't make an appearance.
Tracker Season 2's Story Would Be Great For More Of Jensen Ackles' Russell
Russell Shaw Is A Central Character In Colter's Narrative
It looked like Russell would be one of Colter's greatest allies in Tracker season 2, making it even more disappointing that Ackles may not be able to return. Hartley had promised that key characters from Tracker season 1 would be welcomed back to the show, including Colter's family and Ackles' Russell. Hartley said that characters like family friend Lizzy Hawking (Jennifer Morrison) and Colter's siblings were "definitely coming back" in Tracker season 2. I think it's essential that all of them do since they help tell Colter's story even though he operates alone.
While it will be crucial to see Hartley reunite with his This Is Us co-star Jennifer Morrison as the mystery continues to unravel surrounding the mysterious death of Ashton Shaw, Colter reuniting with his brother was just as crucial to the Tracker season 2 story. More of Jensen Ackles' Russell would be great for season 2 because season 1's ending set up Tracker season 2 to continue to unravel the mystery of Colter's father. There was possibly no one better equipped to assist the rewardist than his brother, who had potentially been falsely accused of their father's murder.
Why Jensen Ackles Probably Won't Have A Big Role In Tracker Season 2
The Russell Shaw Actor Will Star In A New Show
Ackles may not be able to join the Tracker cast in any capacity because he will headline a new drama series called Countdown on Amazon Prime Video. The drama comes from Derek Haas, writer and producer of Chicago Fire, Chicago PD, Chicago Med, FBI, and FBI: International.Countdown will be the first series to come out of a deal that Haas signed with the streaming giant following his exit from Wolf Entertainment. In Countdown, Ackles will portray LAPD officer Mark Meachum, who will work as part of a secret task force of undercover agents from all branches of the government.
It makes sense that Jensen Ackles didn't prioritize keeping his schedule clear for Tracker season 2. Ackles was a guest star in the series, but he's proven himself to be main character material. It's definitive of Colter's lifestyle that he works independently, and that can't change for anyone, even his brother. While it's possible Reenie Green will join the team in Tracker season 2, Colter will likely remain the lone wolf he was established as in Tracker season 1. That said, Ackles was the yin to Hartley's yang, and I hope he returns for at least one Tracker episode.
