We now know that Jensen Ackles is for sure returning to Tracker for the show’s third season, and in the midst of all the recent cast shakeups, it’s exciting to hear some good news. Ever since his first appearance near the end of Season 1, Russell Shaw has been one of the CBS drama’s breakout characters. With each new season, Ackles’ return is highly anticipated, and there’s no doubt that Russell will make Colter Shaw’s (Justin Hartley) life a bit more interesting when he returns. The only thing is, if Tracker is going to make the most of Ackles’ fan-favorite character, he needs to be around for more than a single one-and-done appearance.
A Show on the Brink of Greatness
“Tracker” has proven itself to be one of the most addictive crime procedurals on television. Its unique storytelling, compelling lead in Colter Shaw (played by Justin Hartley), and strong guest arcs have pulled in loyal fans across the country. But as Season 3 looms, there’s one character that could make—or break—it: Jensen Ackles’ Russell Shaw.
Season 2 introduced us to Russell, Colter’s estranged brother, bringing instant intrigue, history, and raw emotion to the show. But let’s be real: Season 2 dropped the ball with Russell. And if “Tracker” Season 3 wants to hit its stride, it can’t afford to make the same mistake again. Let’s break down what went wrong—and how Season 3 can fix it.
What Went Wrong With Russell Shaw in Season 2?
Introducing Russell: A Promising Setup That Fizzled
When Russell Shaw burst onto the scene, fans were hyped. Why wouldn’t they be? Jensen Ackles is TV royalty. He brings intensity, charm, and a fan base ready to follow him anywhere. But after all the build-up, what did we get? A storyline that barely scratched the surface.
The Screen Time Problem
Despite the emotional weight behind Colter and Russell’s relationship, Russell barely featured in more than a few episodes. His arc felt rushed, underdeveloped, and too passive, especially given how powerful their shared past could be.
A Static Character Arc
Another problem? Russell didn’t grow. He arrived with trauma, distrust, and attitude—and left with… more of the same. That’s not compelling television. Fans want to see change, redemption, conflict, evolution. Not a placeholder character.
Wasted Talent Alert
Let’s not ignore the elephant in the room. You don’t cast Jensen Ackles just to bench him. This guy can carry entire seasons (see: “Supernatural”). If he’s not front and center, that’s a misstep. Period.
Why Russell Shaw Deserves More in Season 3
A Complex Backstory That Screams “Character Development”
We know Russell has history—with Colter, with their father, with trauma. That’s gold for storytelling. There’s deep emotional potential here: betrayal, forgiveness, family loyalty, and the trauma of survival. Season 3 must dive in.
Room for Redemption
Redemption arcs are TV catnip. Everyone loves a good comeback story. Russell doesn’t need to be perfect—he just needs to struggle and strive. Let’s see him earn Colter’s trust. That tension? That’s drama gold.
A Mirror to Colter’s Journey
Russell is the perfect counterpoint to Colter. Where Colter follows a moral compass, Russell operates in the grey. Putting them together more often—on the same case, in emotional standoffs—creates the perfect storm for character-driven conflict.
The Mistake “Tracker” Can’t Repeat
Marginalizing Russell Again
Here’s the bottom line: don’t treat Russell like a side character. If Season 3 brings him back (and it absolutely should), he needs to be part of the core. Not just in flashbacks. Not just for emotional closure. But in the action. On the job. In the thick of it.
One-Dimensional Writing Won’t Cut It
Let’s say it louder for the writers in the back: Russell needs layers. Not just a grudge against Colter. Not just daddy issues. Give him wins and losses. Show him wrong. Let him be heroic—and flawed. That’s what keeps viewers coming back.
How “Tracker” Can Fix It
Make Russell a Series Regular
It’s bold, sure. But if “Tracker” wants to stand out, it needs a strong secondary lead. Make Russell a series regular. Give him cases, give him dilemmas, give him purpose. Let his story evolve next to Colter’s.
Build an Emotional Arc
We don’t want melodrama—but we do want emotion. Brother vs. Brother can be gripping when it’s written with nuance. Let their shared past bleed into their present conflicts. Explore grief, guilt, and forgiveness with care.
Lean Into Jensen’s Strengths
Ackles shines when he’s allowed to play both heart and grit. Don’t limit him to stoic stares. Let him charm. Let him rage. Let him break down. This is the role that could show a new side of him—if the script allows.
Storylines That Could Elevate Russell in Season 3
A Case from Russell’s Past
Give Russell a personal case—something that hits home. Maybe someone he couldn’t save. Maybe an old mistake resurfaces. It’ll drive the season and give his character real weight.
A Betrayal Twist
What if Russell betrays Colter—again? Or almost does? The tension would be off the charts. But only if it’s done with emotional truth, not shock value.
Becoming the Antihero
Let’s flirt with the idea of Russell becoming an antihero—one who works off the books, walks moral tightropes, and challenges Colter at every turn.
What Fans Are Saying
The Fandom Wants More
Go online and it’s clear: Fans love Jensen Ackles. But they’re not blind. They saw how wasted his arc was in Season 2. If Season 3 does the same, fans may bail—and that’s bad news for any series hoping to survive.
The Ratings Potential
Adding Ackles as a main cast member? That’s a ratings magnet. People will tune in for him. Especially if the story is worth the hype.
What’s At Stake for “Tracker”
Avoiding the Procedural Plateau
Many procedurals suffer the same fate: they become formulaic. Adding Russell into the main fold gives “Tracker” an emotional core that keeps it fresh.
Becoming More Than a Procedural
Colter’s cases are compelling. But Colter vs. Russell? That’s character drama. That’s what elevates a good show into a great one.
Conclusion: The Future Rests on Russell Shaw
“Tracker” has all the ingredients for a breakout third season—but only if it doesn’t waste what it already has. Jensen Ackles is a powerhouse, and Russell Shaw is a character begging to be explored. The writers owe it to the fans—and the story—to get this right. So here’s the final word: Don’t sideline Russell. Spotlight him. Let him shine. And Season 3 might just be unforgettable.
