He’s back! After much anticipation, Tracker returned for its third season, bringing Jensen Ackles back as Russell Shaw, Colter’s (Justin Hartley) brash older brother. Fans have missed the brotherly dynamic, as Russell hasn’t been seen since Season 2, Episode 2, “Ontological Shock.”
Russell is also central to the overarching storyline surrounding the death of their father, Ashton (Lee Tergesen). With Colter uncovering shocking details about his father’s murder—including who was behind it—it makes perfect sense for Russell to reappear. His return in Tracker Season 3, Episode 1, “The Process,” delivered everything fans hoped for and more.
Bar Brawls, Forgiveness, and Family Drama in ‘Tracker’
The episode kicks off with an epic bar brawl. Colter, trying to enjoy a quiet drink, confronts a man treating a waitress horribly. Fists fly, and one lands squarely—and accidentally—on Russell’s jaw, who arrives just in time. True to form, Russell isn’t upset; he simply offers Colter pointers on fighting technique and helps finish off the rest of the patrons.
Colter has been off the grid for three weeks following Season 2’s finale. Naturally, Reenie (Fiona Rene) contacted the one person who could find him: Russell. Their reunion is bittersweet. While Colter is glad to see a familiar face, he also has bad news to share. Russell’s shocked expression reveals he was unaware of Otto (Alex Fernandez) and that their mother Mary (Wendy Crewson) had asked for his help.
Given their estrangement, Russell is surprisingly forgiving of Mary, noting that their father’s mental state was worse than Colter realized before his death. “He saw things I never saw,” Russell tells his brother. Colter also shares Otto’s revelation: Mary had planned to leave Ashton and take the kids, which he didn’t take well. The day she ran off, Mary was genuinely scared, and Otto explained that when he confronted Ashton, the situation turned physical—ultimately leading to Ashton throwing Otto over a cliff.
The brothers’ heart-to-heart culminates with Colter apologizing to Russell for suspecting him of involvement in their father’s death. Apology accepted, they put the past behind them. Russell’s willingness to forgive Mary may stem from similarities in temperament: he can pack things away and move on, something Colter struggles with. “I’m not built like that,” Colter admits.
Knowing Colter will dig into the past anyway, Russell offers to help him unravel the family mystery. Otto also warned that government agents were harassing the family that summer, contributing to Ashton’s paranoia. With Russell back in the picture, Colter has an ally in piecing together what really happened.
A Case About “The Process” Puts the Brothers in Danger
Family talk is important, but Colter needs to get back to work. Russell, “between jobs,” has the time to help his brother. The case involves a missing woman and her teenage daughter amid a custody battle. The father suspects the mother’s new boyfriend, who turns out to be running a crypto scam.
As usual, Colter’s calm, empathetic approach contrasts with Russell’s rule-breaking tendencies. When a client reveals the locks were changed, Russell simply smashes the window to gain entry. His charm—or occasional violence—helps them gather the information they need, showcasing the perfect mix of Colter’s finesse and Russell’s audacity.
By the episode’s end, they capture the man responsible for the abduction, only to discover he is a victim of a larger scheme known as “The Process.” His sister has also been taken, forced into the plan if he wanted her alive. After receiving a cryptic, disappearing message on their phones, the brothers realize the danger is far from over.
Russell initially wants to move on with a steak and beer, but Colter senses someone else is in peril—and he’s right. Reenie later calls to report the man’s sister was found dead, followed by a chilling message to Russell and Colter: “You have interrupted the process, and there will be consequences.” Clearly, Colter will once again be sidetracked by a case that threatens to consume him, while his family issues are put on hold.
Can We Have Trackers, Plural, Please?
Russell’s return highlights the undeniable chemistry between him and Colter. Their dynamic has an odd-couple, buddy-cop vibe, bringing comedic relief that’s been missing from the show. Colter, usually a lone wolf due to trust issues, finally reconnects with the one person he should have trusted all along: his older brother.
While Tracker has centered on Colter’s solitary nomadic lifestyle, Russell’s presence opens up the possibility of a duo of trackers. Ackles is busy with The Boys prequel Vought Rising, but with his series Countdown canceled, there may be room for more appearances. Even small doses of Russell add delightful tension, humor, and camaraderie to Colter’s world.
Based on the new case about “The Process,” Russell is expected to appear in at least a few more episodes, much to fans’ delight. Stream Tracker now on Paramount+.