We’ve noted before that Tracker should attempt a Western-themed episode, considering all the states throughout the modern American West that Colter has visited, but the show could also take a few cues from classic TV Westerns when bringing Russell back for more. Many shows of the TV Western era often brought in secondary protagonists to either join the leading man or headline their own side stories that recur throughout. ABC’s Cheyenne employed these tactics, as did Maverick. While we’re not suggesting that Russell Shaw ever replace Colter on Tracker (that would defeat the purpose), we are saying that bringing him back in a recurring capacity could (and should) lead to him being a more permanent fixture on the series.
Just as Jensen Ackles appeared as a “special guest star” in the Season 2 finale of Big Sky before being promoted to a series regular for Season 3, so too could Russell become a bigger part of the Tracker narrative. Again, we love that Colter Shaw is a lone wolf type of surivalist/rewardist. Watching him travel solo around the country to solve cases that law enforcement couldn’t is the main draw of the show, and if something isn’t broken, we certainly don’t want to try and fix it. However, bringing Russell in, at least in a part-time capacity, would allow Colter to bounce his ideas off more than just random officers and detectives in the field. It would also open bigger doors to bigger mysteries that perhaps he wouldn’t know about if not for his brother’s influence. After all, we all need help sometimes, and that goes for Colter Shaw as well.
Is ‘Tracker’ About to Get a Wild West Makeover?
Imagine blending the grit of a modern action drama with the timeless swagger of a Western. Now picture Jensen Ackles—known for his rugged charm and bad-boy charisma—taking center stage in Tracker. Sounds like a recipe for gold, right?
As Tracker gears up to amplify Ackles’ presence in future episodes, fans are wondering: Could this be the moment the series embraces a Western formula? Let’s ride into the possibilities.
Why Jensen Ackles Is the Perfect Fit for a Western-Tinged ‘Tracker’
Ackles Has the Cowboy Charisma
Whether he’s wearing a leather jacket in Supernatural or a sheriff’s badge in Walker, Jensen Ackles just fits the archetype of a modern cowboy. That mix of stoicism, edge, and quiet strength? It’s pure Western.
The Tracker Character Already Leans Western
Colter Shaw (played by Justin Hartley) is essentially a bounty hunter—tracking people down across vast, desolate American landscapes. Isn’t that exactly what Western heroes used to do, just with horses instead of trucks?
What the Western Formula Could Bring to ‘Tracker’
Stronger Episodic Storytelling
Westerns thrive on episodic adventures—each story is a self-contained moral tale. Tracker already follows a case-of-the-week format, so why not deepen that with classic Western-style justice?
Moral Gray Areas and Lone Heroes
Classic Westerns aren’t about good vs. evil—they’re about survival, hard choices, and justice that doesn’t always come from a courtroom. Ackles could be the perfect foil to Shaw, bringing complexity to the story.
More Rugged Locations and Gritty Tone
Think dust-covered backroads, old mining towns, desert heat. Western settings add grit and realism—something Tracker could lean into for dramatic depth.
Jensen Ackles Could Reinvent the Series’ Identity
Bringing a Fanbase with Him
Ackles isn’t just an actor—he’s a fandom magnet. Giving him a larger role can pull in his loyal base from Supernatural, The Boys, and Walker.
Fresh Dynamic with Justin Hartley
A little friendly rivalry or reluctant partnership between Ackles and Hartley’s characters could electrify the screen. Think Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid—only modernized.
The Antihero Archetype
Westerns thrive on antiheroes—flawed, morally complex men trying to do the right thing their own way. Ackles can bring that nuance and depth in spades.
How ‘Tracker’ Can Embrace the Western Vibe Without Losing Its Core
Keep the Tech, Add the Grit
Sure, Tracker uses GPS, cell towers, and satellite data—but imagine layering that with dusty saloons, old diners, and rugged small towns. It’s not about going full 1880s; it’s about atmosphere.
Build On Themes of Justice and Redemption
Western stories are often about finding or reclaiming lost morality. With Ackles’ character, they could explore darker, deeper themes—especially if he’s got a haunted past.
Expand the Mythology
Introduce legendary trackers, outlaw-style villains, or even ghost towns with hidden secrets. Westerns are perfect for folklore and myth-building, and Tracker has the space to grow.
The Business Angle—Why This Pivot Makes Sense
Westerns Are Trending Again
Thanks to shows like Yellowstone, 1883, and Outer Range, Western-style storytelling is back in pop culture. Viewers are hungry for grit, heart, and rugged heroes.
It Sets ‘Tracker’ Apart
Procedural dramas are everywhere. By leaning into the Western aesthetic, Tracker could carve out a unique identity—and stand out from the crowd.
Merchandise, Spin-offs, and Longevity
Cowboy-themed shows sell. From boots and jackets to fan conventions, a Western-themed Tracker could open the door to massive franchise potential.
Fan Reactions & Online Buzz
Social Media Is Already Excited
When Ackles showed up, Twitter (now X) and Reddit lit up. Fans love seeing him in gritty roles. Give him a cowboy hat and watch the internet explode.
Ackles + Hartley = Dream Duo
It’s a perfect pairing—Hartley’s clean-cut, methodical style mixed with Ackles’ rough-around-the-edges vibe. It’s the classic Western pairing in a modern jacket.
Calls for Western Tone Are Already There
Fan theories and YouTube videos are already imagining a Tracker + Western mashup. The audience is craving it—they just need the show to deliver.
Potential Storylines with Ackles in a Bigger Role
The Ghost of an Old Case
Ackles’ character could be a former tracker who botched a job—and now seeks redemption by teaming up with Shaw.
A Rival Tracker With His Own Code
Imagine a rogue tracker, working the same cases—but playing by his own rules. Conflict? Absolutely. Chemistry? You bet.
Protecting a Small Town
A classic Western twist: Shaw and Ackles’ character must protect a vulnerable town from a criminal syndicate. Old-school justice, modern setting.
Conclusion: The Future of ‘Tracker’ Looks Rugged—and That’s a Good Thing
Bringing Jensen Ackles into a bigger role could be the game-changing move Tracker needs. With his Western-ready charisma, the show has a rare opportunity to evolve—not by changing its core, but by enhancing it with a gritty, emotionally rich, and visually rugged aesthetic. So saddle up. If Tracker leans into its Western soul, it might just ride its way into TV legend.
