Analyzing the Memorable Moments in Justin Hartley and Sofia Pernas' Onscreen Reunion on 'Tracker'

Breaking Down the Highlights From Justin Hartley and Wife Sofia Pernas Onscreen Tracker Reunion

Sofia Pernas as Billie and Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw. Ed Araquel/CBS

Justin Hartley and his wife Sofia Pernas reunited onscreen in an episode of his CBS series Tracker, evoking emotions in viewers despite the ups and downs between their characters.

In the new episode that aired on Sunday, March 24, Colter (played by Hartley) took on a new case involving a missing prize-winning horse named Argo. While gathering information from one of the owners to aid in his search for the kidnapper, Colter unexpectedly encountered his ex, Billie (played by Pernas).

Their reunion was the first time Colter and Billie had seen each other since she double-crossed him on a previous job. Colter wasted no time in sharing some information with Billie and referred to them as "old partners."

"I find it sweet, considering we only worked together once," Billie remarked. "When I saw this job, I thought it would be a quick and easy money deal. But then you showed up. It's going to be fun trying to beat you to the reward."

Colter and Billie are both eager to win the $250,000 reward, leading them to team up quickly. This marks the third project where Hartley and Pernas have collaborated on screen.

Hartley and Pernas first crossed paths while working on The Young and The Restless in 2015. It wasn't until they reconnected some years later that their romantic relationship blossomed, culminating in their marriage in 2021. Since then, the couple has acted together in Quantum Leap and now Tracker.

Hartley shared his excitement about working with Pernas in upcoming projects during an interview with E! News in February 2023. He mentioned the benefits of carpooling and how it is good for the environment, expressing his enthusiasm by saying, "It's amazing. It's good for the environment, too. You can carpool and everything, so it's wonderful. Absolutely we'll do that. For sure."

Read on for a breakdown of how Colter and Billie's paths crossed on the latest episode of Tracker:

The newest episode of Tracker airs on CBS Sunday at 8 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on Paramount+.

A Complicated History 

Breaking Down the Highlights From Justin Hartley and Wife Sofia Pernas Onscreen Tracker Reunion

Michael Courtney/CBS

After discovering that Billie was also working on the same case, the duo quickly found themselves searching for clues together. This led to Colter bringing up a past betrayal by Billie.

"You sold me out when you were supposed to be working with me," he accused Billie. However, she defended herself by saying, "I was working alongside you, not under you. And just so you know, I was the one who found us this job."

Colter claimed that Billie pleaded for his assistance and mentioned that she didn't know what she was doing until he taught her.

On the other hand, Billie viewed the situation in a contrasting manner. She joked that she probably got the reward money by luck and with Colter guiding her. She described it as a mix of sadness and sweetness in a traditional sense.

Colter confessed that he had trusted Billie, only to be double-crossed by her. When confronted, Billie seemed taken aback before stating, "It's been five years. Maybe it's time to let go."

Colter's friends, Velma (Abby McEnany) and Teddy (Robin Weigert), also chimed in about Billie. They tried to jog his memory about how Billie had betrayed him when they noticed his determination wavering.

The twosome pointed out that she left you with an empty briefcase and got you chased by thugs. They also mentioned that she screwed you out of the reward.

Bob (Eric Graise) was also taken aback by Colter and Billie's encounter, expressing, "I've heard a lot about you. You're the only person Colter has ever lost a reward to."

Unexpected Encounter

Colter and Billie both decided to work on the same case, which led them to follow the same leads. As a result, they found themselves constantly crossing paths and had to collaborate. During one of these encounters, the ex-couple engaged in some playful flirting.

Billie teased Colter for not clearing the room before entering the office. Colter, unfazed, confidently replied that he could recognize her perfume anywhere.

Impressed, Billie complimented Colter on how great he looked in his tuxedo.

Reluctant Partnership

Breaking Down the Highlights From Justin Hartley and Wife Sofia Pernas Onscreen Tracker Reunion

Ed Araquel/CBS

Despite their history, Billie suggested that she and Colter work together instead of slowing each other down.

"I spent a lot of time and energy thinking about our next move, maybe more than I'd like to admit," she mentioned. "In my opinion, we should work together and move forward quickly. I just found a job in Austin that caught my attention. It offers good money and no room for sentimentality."

Colter wasn't fully convinced of the idea because he didn't "trust" Billie. However, it didn't take long for Billie to persuade him to give their partnership a chance.

“We were good together,” she recalled while asking for a truce.

Growing Closer Than Expected

Breaking Down the Highlights From Justin Hartley and Wife Sofia Pernas Onscreen Tracker Reunion

Michael Courtney/CBS

As the situation progressed, Colter and Billie effortlessly fell back into working together as a team. Billie then caught Colter off guard by proposing that they grab dinner together once they figure out the mystery of Argo's disappearance.

"I see right through your plan," Colter responded with a smirk. "You're trying to sweet talk me into doing all the work."

Billie confessed that she enjoyed the thought of letting Colter take charge and rediscovering their bond after the case was solved.

The two grew even closer after being led to an abandoned farm during the search for Argo. It turned out to be a trap set by the real kidnapper, who trapped Colter and Billie in a burning barn. Their trust in each other was crucial for their survival.

"Thanks for the help earlier," Colter said to Billie once they were out of danger. "I appreciate you not letting me fall."

Billie responded, "Do you really think I would have let that happen? I guess I can see why you would think that. But it was your own fault. You were acting so superior, I had to show you I was on your level."

Leaving the Door Open for Betrayal

The emotionally intense moment occurred in Colter's car as he was tending to Billie's wounds. In a rare display of honesty, Colter admitted that he had always believed Billie was out of his league. The conversation almost led to a kiss between Colter and Billie, but their intimate moment was abruptly interrupted by a phone call.

Colter and Billie split up for the final part of the case. Colter went to get the horse, while Billie got the trailer ready to take the animal back home. Before they went their separate ways, Colter seemed worried that Billie might betray him at the last minute.

Billie didn't do much to ease those concerns when she asked, "We had a good time working together, didn't we? I really mean it, right?"

Colter and Billie found themselves trapped by Argo’s kidnapper, leaving no opportunity for betrayal. During a phone conversation, Billie directly asked Colter if he would have betrayed her.

"I considered it, but ultimately decided not to," Colter replied. Billie admitted, "I also had thoughts about it."

Potential Hope for the Future

Breaking Down the Highlights From Justin Hartley and Wife Sofia Pernas Onscreen Tracker Reunion

Argo’s kidnapper turned out to be one of his owners, which meant Colter and Billie were unable to claim the reward due to frozen assets. Billie thought it was a complete waste of time, but Colter had a different perspective on the situation.

He said he wasn't sure if it was a waste of time. He also mentioned that he had fun working with her. Colter then tried to bring up the dinner that Billie had promised to have with him. However, Billie had already moved on to her next case.

“Rain check? I’m late for that job in Austin,” she told Colter. In response, he left her with some parting words, adding, “Good luck with that and I will see you when I see you, Billie.”

Editor's P/S:

The onscreen reunion of Justin Hartley and Sofia Pernas as former lovers in the latest episode of "Tracker" evokes a rollercoaster of emotions, mirroring the complexities of their characters' relationship. While their past betrayal and lingering mistrust create tension, the episode also hints at a potential reconciliation. The playful flirting and unexpected moments of vulnerability suggest a connection that may transcend their rocky history.

Moreover, the episode delves into the theme of trust and forgiveness. Despite Billie's previous actions, Colter shows signs of wavering, considering the possibility of reconciliation. This exploration adds depth to the characters and provides insight into the complexities of human relationships. The episode leaves viewers with questions about the future of Colter and Billie's relationship, hinting at the possibility of a redemption arc or a more bittersweet conclusion.