Tracker showrunner Elwood Reid has revealed the meaning behind season 3’s shocking Jensen Ackles premiere twist, teasing how it will shape the future for brothers Russell (Ackles) and Colter (Justin Hartley). The new season sees Russell finally reunite with Colter, who uncovers the truth about their father’s death—a secret their mother, Mary Dove (Wendy Crewson), had kept hidden for years.
Season 2 ended with the revelation that Otto Waldron accidentally killed Ashton (Lee Tergesen) during a confrontation, following Mary’s request to investigate why her husband had become increasingly paranoid. In season 3, Colter finally shares the truth with Russell, who had long blamed him for their father’s death. Their reconciliation sets the stage for the season’s central drama.
Speaking with TVLine, Reid explained how the premiere twist centers on Russell’s reaction to the revelation and how it affects his bond with Colter. “I think the short answer is no [Russell and Mary weren’t in contact the whole time] — not really. Maybe a ‘Hey, I’m in Canada’-type check-in, but nothing deeper. Russell has a different understanding of what went on in that family before Ashton’s death, and that comes out in their conversation. He was the older brother, the protector, and he saw things Colter didn’t. But his mom lied to him, too. This season is about airing out that poison — the lies that infected the whole family, especially their relationship with Mary. We’ll eventually get a scene with Mom that gives more context, but right now, both brothers are still trying to figure out how much of her story they can actually believe.”
Reid added that Russell’s protective instincts are now weighed against the damage those lies have caused Colter. “Yeah, absolutely. He thought he was protecting his brother and went along with the easy lie Mary offered, but now he’s seen the damage it’s done to Colter. Russell’s probably spent years wishing Colter would move on, but he knows that’s not going to happen. Colter’s stuck, and Russell’s instinct — once again — is to reach in and help.”
The showrunner also highlighted the tension between the two brothers. “They’re both alpha males who talk around their feelings, but there’s real guilt there for Russell. He’s the kind of guy who puts the past in the past and moves forward. Colter can’t do that, and that dynamic is what makes their scenes so interesting.”
Although Colter and Russell have worked together before, their relationship has been strained due to the lingering blame surrounding their father’s death. Now that the truth is out, Reid suggests that old wounds are finally starting to heal.
Season 3, episode 2 continues Russell’s story, exploring how the revelation about Mary’s lies will influence his development. But Reid notes that even with newfound closeness, the brothers still struggle to express their feelings directly—a dynamic that has defined their relationship throughout the series and will likely evolve as the season progresses.
With the premiere setting the tone, Tracker’s third season promises to delve deeper into the Shaw family’s complicated past. Reid hints that the series will continue to explore these tensions, giving viewers a chance to see important moments unfold between the siblings and their mother, as the family works through the long-buried pain together.