Russell’s Tracker Season 2 Role Gets Surprise Update Thanks to Another Jensen Ackles Show
A new update on Jensen Ackles’ new Amazon Prime Video show reveals details about Russell Shaw’s role in Tracker season 2. Jensen Ackles debuted as Russell Shaw, the older brother of Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw, in the penultimate episode of Tracker season 1. When Ackles appeared, he was trying to clear his character’s name, as he had previously pleaded guilty to murdering the head of the Shaw family, Ashton Shaw. However, since the brothers are also solving the show’s weekly case, there are still plenty of questions for them to answer in Tracker season 2.
Despite only being on the show for a short time, the former Supernatural actor was one of the most important members of the Tracker cast in season 1. As such, there’s interest in Russell’s involvement in season 2, especially since Ackles has been cast by Derek Haas in a new Amazon Prime Video series called Countdown. There’s speculation that the new streaming project will affect his involvement in season 2. Fortunately, the Tracker showrunners have confirmed that Ackles will be back. He’s back to film an episode, and new details from Countdown will provide more information about what to expect from Russell in Tracker season 2.
The showrunners of Tracker have revealed some details regarding what to expect from Ackles’ return as Russell in season 2. In July 2024, Jensen Ackles’ return to Tracker received a firm response from showrunner Elwood Reid, who confirmed that he would be back for season 2 in multiple episodes. While speaking at a panel during the Television Critics Association summer press tour, Reid said, “We’ve got him, he’s coming back.” His comments implied that it would be difficult to get Russell back, given Ackles’ busy schedule. Luckily, they were able to work out a schedule.
Ackles has been confirmed to appear in Tracker season 2, episode 2, giving Russell an early start on the upcoming season. This is a welcome change, as he didn’t appear until the end of season 1. At this point, Ackles has returned to the set of Tracker to film the aforementioned season 2. However, he’ll be making a few more trips to Canada to film the rest of the season. With their last time together, Russell and Colter are expected to bond even more as the brothers team up for a new mission.
In addition to his work on Tracker, Jensen Ackles will begin filming his new Amazon Prime Video series, Countdown, in September. The new project is being created by Haas, who previously helmed Dick Wolf’s One Chicago. Now, the writer will work with Ackles to bring the actor’s character Mark Meachum to life for the streaming project. Ackles will play an LAPD officer recruited to join a task force of undercover agents from various sides of law enforcement.
In addition to Countdown and Tracker, Ackles will star in an upcoming spinoff of The Boys called Vought Rising. The series will follow Ackles’ character Solider Boy, who he introduced in season 3 of The Boys, a Prime Original about a superhero team. While Ackles may be balancing all of his upcoming roles, Jensen Ackles’ Countdown filming update reveals new details about how the actor’s busy schedule will play out, and it bodes well for Tracker season 2.
The filming schedule for Countdown hints at new details about how Ackles might fit into the rest of Tracker season 2. Since Countdown is on Amazon, it’s likely to only be six to eight episodes, which is typical for a streaming series. As such, Ackles could return to Tracker season 2 at the end of the season, meaning Russell could be involved in the penultimate episode and finale of season 2. Ackles’ Russell Shaw made an impact at the end of Tracker season 1 when he appeared to set up the ending, making his presence at the end of the season promising. With Russell returning to Tracker, Ackles’ character could assist his brother in the investigations that arise. Russell could also provide Colter with valuable intelligence about what happened to their father, including more details about the man who was with Russell in the woods the night Ashton died. Given Russell’s important role in Tracker season 2, it’s promising that Ackles could return at the end of the season. Additionally, Ackles could set up or be involved in the ending of Tracker season 2, which could finally solve the Shaw family mystery.
