It’s a good thing that Ackles will likely reprise his role as Russell in season 3, not only because he’s a joy to have around, but also because of what happened at the end of Tracker season 2. After Colter’s shocking revelation concerning his father’s death, it would only make sense for him to contact his brother (and sister, for that matter).
For those who need a refresher, Colter came face to face with his father’s killer, Otto Waldron, during the season 2 finale. However, learning the identity of Ashton Shaw’s murderer wasn’t the only shocking moment in the episode. Otto informed Colter that his mother, Mary Dove Shaw, had asked for his help, implying she had something to do with Ashton’s death.
Tracker season 3 premieres on Sunday, October 19, at 8 pm ET on CBS. Season 3 will reportedly contain 22 episodes (a record high for the show), and only Justin Hartley and Fiona Rene are expected to return as series regulars as Abby McEnany and Eric Graise are leaving. Heading into Tracker season 3, Colter has many questions that need to be answered. He should go to his brother for help (or to get any other information that Russell might be holding back from him). Only time will tell what role Ackles’s character will play in Tracker season 3, though. Enjoy ScreenRant’s primetime coverage? Click below to sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter (make sure to check “Network TV” in your preferences) and get the inside scoop from actors and showrunners on your favorite series.
A Cliffhanger Worth Obsessing Over
If you watched Tracker Season 2’s explosive finale, chances are you’re still catching your breath. From the emotional unraveling to the final twist, one thing is clear: Colter Shaw must meet with Russell. But why? What’s at stake? And how could this meeting shape Season 3—or even redefine the entire series? Let’s dive deep into everything this unexpected confrontation means and what we might see in the Tracker universe moving forward.
Why the Finale Changed Everything
Colter’s Evolution Through Season 2
Colter Shaw isn’t just a rugged loner chasing bounties anymore. Over two seasons, he’s evolved emotionally and psychologically. But in Season 2’s finale, he faced an unexpected force from his past—Russell. A name whispered earlier in the series, now looming large in the show’s mythology.
Russell’s Surprise Return
Let’s be real: when Russell appeared, jaws dropped. Not only did it reshape the narrative—it reframed Colter’s entire journey. Suddenly, this wasn’t just a story about finding people. It became a story about Colter finding himself.
Who Is Russell—And Why Does He Matter?
Colter’s Past Finally Catches Up
For much of Tracker, we’ve seen Colter outrun his past. But Russell? He’s not just a character—he’s a symbol. A reminder of trauma, guilt, and unfinished business. Whether he’s a former ally, a nemesis, or family, his presence forces Colter to stop running.
The Emotional Baggage
Russell represents what Colter fears most—truth. That raw, painful truth we all dodge until it’s staring us down. And now Colter has no choice but to meet it head-on.
The Symbolism Behind the Meeting
Closure or Chaos?
This isn’t just a meeting. It’s a crossroad. Think of it like this: Colter’s character arc has been a tightly wound spring. Russell? He’s the pressure that’s about to release it.
Is This Redemption?
Many fans speculate that Colter meeting Russell is the start of his redemption arc. He’s been solving others’ problems for two seasons—maybe it’s time to solve his own.
Theories About Russell’s Role
A Long-Lost Relative?
A popular fan theory suggests Russell could be Colter’s brother. That would explain the emotional weight behind their inevitable face-off—and why Colter looks like he’s seeing a ghost in the finale.
A Mentor Turned Enemy?
Others believe Russell once trained Colter or worked alongside his father. Imagine the betrayal if Russell had something to do with Colter’s family trauma.
How This Meeting Sets Up Season 3
New Stakes, Bigger Drama
Season 3 won’t just be about bounties and disappearances. It’ll be about identity, forgiveness, and healing—or destruction. Depending on how the Colter-Russell meeting goes, the entire tone of Tracker could shift.
A Shift in Focus
We’ve been chasing mysteries across the U.S., but now the story’s turning inward. It’s personal. Think Sherlock Holmes meets This Is Us—raw, intelligent, and emotional.
The Writing Genius Behind the Finale
Emotional Layering
The writers nailed it by planting Russell subtly throughout the series. When the reveal hit, it wasn’t random—it was inevitable. That’s masterful storytelling.
Building a Narrative Payoff
This meeting is the narrative payoff fans didn’t even know they needed. It’s been years in the making, and it will demand our attention in Season 3.
What Fans Are Saying Online
Reddit’s Going Wild
One Reddit user wrote, “That Russell twist was like dropping a match in gasoline. I NEED to know what happens next.” And honestly? Same.
Twitter Speculation
#TrackerFinale trended for hours. Theories flew. Emotions ran high. And the dominant consensus? Colter better meet Russell ASAP.
How the Scene Could Play Out
A Silent Standoff
Picture this: Colter walks into a dusty diner. Russell’s already there. No words—just tension. Maybe even tears. Sound dramatic? Good. That’s the vibe Tracker thrives on.
Emotional Confrontation
Colter may lash out. He may break down. Or he may finally forgive. That uncertainty is what makes this meeting electric.
What This Means for Colter’s Future
He Can’t Go Back
Whatever happens, Colter won’t be the same. The meeting with Russell will either destroy him—or rebuild him stronger.
A Shift From Lone Wolf to Leader?
Could this push Colter into a leadership role? Maybe helping others requires more than tracking skills. Maybe it demands emotional intelligence—and closure.
Tracker’s Shift From Procedural to Character-Driven
From Case-of-the-Week to Serialized Greatness
Tracker has flirted with deeper stories all along. Now, it’s diving headfirst. This Colter-Russell arc could define the show’s legacy.
Why Fans Love the Change
We’re not just here for chases—we’re here for heart. And Colter’s meeting with Russell? That’s all heart.
What This Means in the Larger TV Landscape
The Rise of Emotionally Intelligent Thrillers
From The Last of Us to True Detective, audiences crave complexity. Tracker is answering that call—and Colter’s meeting with Russell is proof.
Final Thoughts
The Tracker Season 2 finale was more than a twist—it was a trigger. A starting pistol. A call to emotional arms. Colter’s life has been a puzzle with one key piece missing. Now that Russell’s here, the picture is about to come into focus.
Fans are ready. The story is ready. And Colter? He has no choice. He must meet Russell.
