Based on the novel The Never Game by Jeffrey Dever, Tracker stars Hartley as Colter Shaw, a mysterious survivalist who earns private bounties by assisting law enforcement and citizens in locating missing people. Ackles is set to appear in the first series’ penultimate episode as Colter’s estranged brother Russell.
Hartley announced the news in a video on his official Instagram in which he explains that Russell Shaw has been cast, before revealing Ackles behind him playing an animated round of arcade game Galaga. The caption reads, “Thank you all for watching @trackercbs! We’ve got 4 more episodes coming your way before we start season 2. Wanted to share some fun news for all of you #tracker fans out there. Have fun.” Hartley also serves as an executive producer for the series.
Having previously only appeared in flashback sequences, played by Mathew Nelson-Mahood, the episode titled ‘Off the Books’ will mark the present-day character’s first onscreen appearance and Ackles’ debut.
The synopsis of the episode is as follows: “Colter is forced to team up with his estranged brother, Russell, who enlists his help to track down a former army buddy who’s gone missing after several weeks of paranoid behaviour. The investigation takes the brothers into the world of Special Forces missions, shady off-the-books programs and conspiracy theories, all while they contend with their family’s past.”
The brother’s relationship has been contentious thus far with Colter dodging Russell’s calls so a reunion has been greatly anticipated.
Best known for his 15-season run as Dean Winchester on the CW’s Supernatural, Ackles has most recently appeared as fan favourite Soldier Boy in The Boys and Gen V in addition to his role as Beau Arlen in season three of ABC’s Big Sky. A seasoned television performer, Ackles has a reputation for bringing his A-game to already well established shows and providing stand out performances. With his years of action TV experience and off screen chemistry with fellow Smallville cast member Hartley, there is no doubt this will be an episode for the books.
Ackles’ appearance is set to air on 12th May and Tracker has already been renewed for a second season.
Words by Camille Murray
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