Warning! This article contains spoilers for Tracker season 2, episode 2, "Ontological Shock."A love triangle is building between Colter (Justin Hartley), Reenie (Fiona Rene), and Russell (Jensen Ackles) in CBS' Tracker, but it feels out of place as season 2 hits its stride. Hartley's action/drama procedural was the most-watched network TV show of the 2023-2024 cycle, dethroning NCIS as the most popular series on television. The Tracker characters drive the series forward, all charismatic in their own right, and many of them a part of Colter Shaw's team. Tracker season 2 continues building the complex relationships between the characters, including a love triangle between Reenie Green and the Shaw brothers.
The mystery of who killed Colter's father in Tracker drives the show forward, but small moments between the characters make it worth watching. Reenie and Colter have fantastic chemistry in season 1, but the show complicates the chemistry evolving in season 2 with another potential romance for Reenie. The dynamic is teased in the penultimate episode of Tracker season 1 when Russell surfaces, with the elder Shaw brother being interested in the lawyer. Still, if a genuine romance develops, Russell and Reenie's relationship will face challenges from an unnecessary love triangle in Tracker season 2.
Tracker Season 2, Episode 2 Establishes A New Love Triangle
Something Is Brewing Between Colter, Reenie, And Russell
Tracker season 2 returns Russell Shaw and makes up for Reenie and Colter's disappointing Tracker romance. Reenie calls Russell to find Colter after he goes missing, looking for a lost person. Colter is jealous that Reenie and Russell are in contact despite it being for his benefit. At the end of the episode, Russell confesses that he finally has a date with Reenie, which Colter dismisses without his support. The follow-up to season 1's "Off the Books" officially establishes a love triangle between the Tracker characters since Colter doesn't want to be with Reenie but is clearly uncomfortable about her being with Russell.
The unofficial origin of the love triangle is the penultimate episode of Tracker season 1, when Ackles first appears as Russell Shaw. The elder Shaw brother comes seeking his younger brother's help, and as they investigate, they find themselves in jail. Reenie showing up to help out Colter and Russell is the first time all three characters interact, and the moment begins to paint the complexities of the complicated romance dynamic that is building in season 2. In season 1, the flirty Russell is openly romantically interested in the lawyer, but Colter still doesn't approve in Tracker season 2.
Colter's Jealousy Over Reenie & Russell's Budding Romance Doesn't Make Sense
Colter Makes It Clear He Doesn't Want A Relationship With Reenie – Or Anyone
The love triangle between the brothers makes little sense. Colter has plenty of love interests in Tracker, so his being uncomfortable with Reenie going on a date with Russell is somewhat controlling, unless the rewardist has genuine feelings for Reenie that he's not ready to acknowledge yet. He could express that even if that were the case, but Colter claims there is nothing between them. Yet, Colter contradicts himself, saying she is "off limits." Moreover, ahead of Tracker season 2, Justin Hartley addressed Colter and Reenie's potential romance, saying that Colter being in a relationship didn't make sense as his behavior, while heroic, was often reckless and wouldn't be fair to a partner.
However, Colter has plenty of options in Tracker. Reenie is established as Colter's longtime friend in the Tracker pilot, but Reenie is contentious about Colter leaving her after an intimate night together. Tracker season 1 introduces Billie Matalon (Sofia Pernas), a fellow rewardist and another former love interest of Colter. Season 2, episode 1 also introduced an old flame in the form of Camille, so his jealousy appears a bit unfair. While it's true that Colter asks Reenie to join him in the Tracker season 1 finale, and she turns him down, she initially seemed to be the one who had caught some feelings and been hurt in the past.
Reenie Is Better Off With Russell Than Colter In Tracker Season 2
Russell Just Gets Reenie
The truth is that Reenie is better off with Russell than Colter. From the moment Russell meets Reenie in "Off the Books," he is intrigued by Reenie and pays her compliments to her face and behind her back without being pushy about it. Russell adores Reenie, calling her "thorough" and "impressive" after their initial meeting. Russell wants a chance with Reenie, and she seems to like him, too, as the pair have excellent chemistry and witty banter. The apparent spark between Reenie and Russell questions whether a love triangle is necessary for Tracker after season 2, episode 2.
There's no reason Reenie and Russell shouldn't continue their relationship in Tracker season 2. While there is some investment in seeing Reenie and Colter end up together, it is mainly because their chemistry is so great, but Reenie and Russell have that, too. Colter shows he doesn't want to be with Reenie, or anyone, really, and Russell clarifies that he does. The only conflict is what Reenie wants and whether she can have that. A twist suggesting Reenie wants to be with Colter could make the love triangle more interesting, albeit disappointing, since Reenie and Russell would make a great pair.
