Jensen Ackles paid tribute to his Supernatural character, Dean Winchester, in his debut on Tracker. Ackles played the role of Russell, an estranged brother who teams up with his sibling, Colter, to track down a missing army buddy exhibiting paranoid behavior. The episode featured a subtle Easter egg for Supernatural fans as Russell patted a Chevrolet Impala, reminiscent of Dean Winchester’s beloved car “Baby.” The Impala was a significant part of Supernatural, aiding the Winchesters in their monster hunting activities over the years. Ackles took the car with him when Supernatural ended, fulfilling a long-time wish to drive home in it.
After Supernatural, Ackles continued his successful career with guest roles in shows like Big Sky and The Boys. He also reunited with his former costar Jared Padalecki on the show Walker, where Ackles directed and made a cameo appearance. Additionally, he served as an executive producer and narrator on the Supernatural spinoff series The Winchesters. Ackles is now expected to have a significant role on CBS’s Tracker, where he plays Russell, Colter’s brother. Throughout the first season, the show explored the brothers’ complicated relationship, with hints of Dean Winchester’s undertones in Ackles’ performance as Russell.
On Tracker, viewers slowly learned about Colter’s issues with Russell and their father’s death. Despite their strained relationship, Colter agreed to help Russell track down the truth behind their father’s demise. As the investigation unfolds, the brothers delve into Special Forces missions, off-the-books programs, and conspiracy theories. Russell’s character on the show contains elements reminiscent of Dean Winchester, adding another layer of intrigue for fans. Hartley confirmed that Ackles will return for more episodes in season 2, solidifying his role as a crucial part of the series.
Justin Hartley, who stars as Colter on Tracker, praised Ackles’ performance as Russell, describing him as a “juggernaut” that brings depth and authenticity to the character. Hartley highlighted the importance of Ackles in the role, as he goes toe-to-toe with Colter in various ways. Fans can catch Ackles on Tracker airing on CBS Sundays at 9 p.m. ET, with new episodes streaming the next day on Paramount+. Ackles’ portrayal of Russell has garnered attention and praise from viewers and critics alike, setting the stage for his continued involvement in the show’s upcoming seasons. The crossover of Ackles’ iconic characters from Supernatural to Tracker adds another layer of excitement for fans as they witness his evolution as an actor.
