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.
The Rise of Jensen Ackles in ‘Tracker’
Jensen Ackles is no stranger to iconic roles. From the leather-jacketed Dean Winchester in Supernatural to the darkly complex Soldier Boy in The Boys, he brings a brooding charisma that sticks with audiences. Now, with his role expanding in CBS’s hit drama Tracker, fans are buzzing—and the showrunners might have a golden opportunity in front of them.
What kind of opportunity, you ask? One word: Western.
Why ‘Tracker’ Is Ready for a Western Twist
The Show’s Current Formula—And What’s Missing
Tracker, starring Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, follows a rugged loner who travels across America solving cases and finding missing people for reward money. While the premise works, it’s lacked the unique flavor that keeps viewers glued week after week.
That’s where Jensen Ackles comes in.
Enter Jensen Ackles—A Natural Fit for the Western Hero Archetype
Ackles has the look, grit, and emotional depth to play the kind of tortured anti-hero that defines great Westerns. Think Clint Eastwood in Unforgiven, or even Timothy Olyphant in Justified—characters who walk the line between justice and vengeance.
The Western Genre—More Than Just Cowboys
What Makes a Story “Western”?
Westerns are less about shootouts and more about moral ambiguity, loners with codes, and frontier justice. They’re atmospheric. Moody. And they thrive on character development—something Tracker could lean into with Ackles.
Modern Western Success Stories
Look at Yellowstone, 1883, or Outer Range. These shows don’t just recycle tropes—they reinvent them. Tracker could do the same, merging crime drama with frontier storytelling.
How Ackles’ Role Could Reinvent ‘Tracker’
Expand His Character’s Backstory
We know Ackles plays Colter Shaw’s estranged brother, Russell. That opens doors to deep family tension, shared trauma, and redemption arcs—classic Western storytelling tools.
Make Him a Rogue Ally or Reluctant Partner
Imagine if Russell becomes Colter’s wildcard partner. Sometimes helping, sometimes hindering—kind of like Doc Holliday to Wyatt Earp. That dynamic tension? Addictive.
The Visual & Tonal Shift Towards Western Grit
Embrace the American Landscape
Tracker already sends Colter across the country. Why not lean into dusty towns, mountain vistas, and sunset chases? Bring out the soul of the American frontier.
Use a Grittier Cinematic Style
Introduce wide-angle shots, long silences, and meaningful stares. Pull from Sergio Leone’s playbook. Let the silence say more than words.
Why Viewers Are Craving Western Vibes Again
Nostalgia Meets Modern Taste
There’s a yearning for authenticity right now. Westerns, with their raw emotion and timeless themes, scratch that itch. But people also want modern stakes. Tracker can balance both.
Antiheroes Are the New Heroes
Jensen Ackles excels at playing characters with messy morals. That fits right into the antihero Western mold, making the case even stronger for a genre blend.
Character Arcs That Scream Western Gold
The Brothers Shaw—A Tale of Redemption and Rivalry
Sibling dynamics in Westerns are legendary (Legends of the Fall, anyone?). Russell and Colter could evolve from resentful brothers to trusted partners, or go full Cain and Abel. Either way, it’s compelling.
A Tragic Past That Fuels the Present
Russell could be running from something—guilt, betrayal, or a past that haunts him. Give viewers layers to peel back each episode.
How This Strategy Could Expand the Fanbase
Pull in the ‘Yellowstone’ Crowd
Viewers of modern Westerns are looking for something fresh but familiar. Add Ackles with a darker edge and you’ve got a crossover hit.
Give Supernatural Fans a Reason to Stay
Ackles’ fanbase is loyal and vocal. Building his character out could bring in those fans and keep them engaged beyond one-off episodes.
Marketing the Western Shift
Tease It in the Trailer
Promos should highlight tense brotherly standoffs, mysterious pasts, and shadowy desert towns. Set the tone early.
Lean Into Iconography
Think dust clouds, revolvers, outlaw hats (even metaphorical ones), and acoustic guitar riffs in the soundtrack. All subtle nods to Western themes.
Case Studies—Shows That Made the Genre Leap
‘Justified’: Crime Drama with Western Soul
Raylan Givens wasn’t a cowboy—but he might as well have been. That blend of law enforcement and outlaw justice made it unforgettable.
‘Banshee’: Brutal, Brooding, Brilliant
Another example of how a lone protagonist and a morally gray tone can elevate a show from good to gripping.
Challenges Ahead (And How to Tackle Them)
Avoiding Clichés
No one wants a parody. The Western elements should be subtle, not campy. Focus on character depth and emotional resonance.
Keeping Hartley’s Colter Center Stage
This isn’t the Ackles Show—it’s about adding to the dynamic, not hijacking it. Their stories should complement, not compete.
The Payoff—Why It’s Worth the Risk
A well-executed Western infusion could give Tracker a distinct identity in the crowded procedural space. It’s bold. It’s character-driven. And with Ackles, it’s believable.
Final Thoughts—The Time Is Now
Jensen Ackles’ growing presence on Tracker is more than a casting coup—it’s an opportunity. The series has a solid foundation. Now it just needs a wild edge, a moral gray zone, and maybe even a ghost town showdown.
And if they play their cards right? Tracker could become the most addictive crime drama on TV—with spurs on.
Conclusion
The Western genre is making a quiet comeback, not through shootouts or horses, but through layered storytelling, moral complexity, and gritty aesthetics. With Jensen Ackles stepping up in Tracker, CBS has the perfect opportunity to ride this wave. All they need to do is tip their hat to the genre—and let the story ride off into greatness.
