'Tracker' Episode Pays Tribute to Jensen Ackles' Iconic Role as Dean Winchester in 'Supernatural'

How 'Tracker' Featured a Subtle Nod to Guest Star Jensen Ackles' Role as Dean on 'Supernatural'

Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw in ‘Tracker.’ Sergei Bachlakov/CBS

Jensen Ackles honored his beloved Supernatural character, Dean Winchester, in his first appearance on Tracker.

In the episode that aired on Sunday, May 12, on CBS, Justin Hartley's character Colter was reunited with his estranged brother, Russell (played by Ackles). Together, they teamed up to find Russell's former army friend who had gone missing after displaying signs of paranoia for weeks.

When Colter picked up his older brother at a motel, Russell hopped into the passenger’s seat after giving a playful pat on a Chevrolet Impala parked next to Colter’s pickup truck.

Fans of Ackles’ work will recognize this as a subtle Easter egg. Before landing the role of Russell, Ackles gained fame as Dean on The CW’s popular show Supernatural. In the series, Ackles starred alongside Jared Padalecki, who played Sam Winchester, Dean's brother, from 2005 to 2020.

The Impala, lovingly called "Baby" on the show, was given to Dean by his father, John Winchester. Throughout cross country journeys, car accidents, and thrilling chase scenes, this iconic vehicle played a crucial role in assisting the Winchesters during their monster hunting endeavors.

Ackles made a decision to bring the car with him when Supernatural concluded. He shared in an interview with Digital Spy in September 2020 that he had been eyeing something since the beginning of the show. After years of pleading, he finally received permission to take home the Impala.

In that same month, Ackles shared on Michael Rosenbaum's "Inside of You" podcast that he had a clause added to his contract regarding the Impala. He had been talking about it for two years, and it was finally included in his contract for the last season. This was because Padalecki was offered the car's double to take home.

After Supernatural, Ackles continued to have success with guest roles on projects like Big Sky and The Boys. In 2022, he reunited with Padalecki, who is 41 years old, when he directed an episode and made a cameo appearance on his former costar's show Walker. Additionally, Ackles served as an executive producer and narrator on The Winchesters, a Supernatural spinoff series that aired from 2022 to 2023.

How 'Tracker' Featured a Subtle Nod to Guest Star Jensen Ackles' Role as Dean on 'Supernatural'

Courtesy of Jensen Ackles/Instagram

Ackles is set to play a significant role in the upcoming CBS show Tracker. Viewers gradually learned about Colter's issues with Russell before his debut. Throughout the first season, Colter hinted that he had a strained relationship with Russell because he believed his older brother was responsible for their father's death.

During a recent episode, Russell shared his side of the story by revealing that there was another person in the woods the night their father passed away. Although they didn't fully reconcile, Colter agreed to assist Russell in their investigation, which involved delving into Special Forces missions, secretive off-the-books programs, and conspiracy theories. Many of Russell's scenes had subtle undertones reminiscent of Dean Winchester.

Fans hoping to see more of Ackles down the road are in luck. Hartley confirmed earlier this month that Ackles is “gonna come back” for more episodes in season 2.

Tracker Hints at Justin Hartley and Jensen Ackles Tense Brother Dynamic 4

"When it came to choosing the actor for the role of Russell Shaw, I knew we needed someone strong and convincing. We needed a powerhouse who could hold his own against Colter, whether in a positive or negative way, and someone who could truly embody the role of his brother," shared the actor with Collider. "That's why I immediately thought of Jensen Ackles. I believed he would be the perfect fit for the character."

Tracker airs on CBS Sundays at 9 p.m. ET. New episodes stream the next day on Paramount+.

Editor's P/S:

Jensen Ackles' appearance on 'Tracker' was a nostalgic treat for fans of his iconic role as Dean Winchester in 'Supernatural.' The subtle homage to the Impala, a beloved symbol of Ackles' character, evoked memories of the show's enduring legacy. Ackles' decision to bring the car with him after 'Supernatural' ended reflects his deep connection to the role and the special place it holds in his heart.

The article highlights Ackles' continued success post-'Supernatural,' including his guest roles and his involvement in 'Walker' and 'The Winchesters.' His upcoming role in 'Tracker' promises to showcase his versatility and his ability to bring depth and nuance to his characters. The positive reception to Ackles' portrayal of Russell Shaw suggests that he is well-suited for the role and that fans can expect more engaging performances from him in the future.