Jensen Ackles paid tribute to his iconic Supernatural character, Dean Winchester, during his debut on the CBS series Tracker. In the episode, Ackles played Russell, Colter’s estranged brother, who enlisted Colter’s help to find his missing former army buddy. Ackles subtly nodded to his Supernatural roots by patting a Chevrolet Impala, which was a key element in the show, creating excitement for fans of his earlier work.
The Impala, affectionately known as “Baby” on Supernatural, was a significant part of Dean Winchester’s character, passed down to him from his father and used in their monster hunting adventures. Ackles decided to take the car with him when Supernatural ended, with permission from the show’s producers. He also had a clause in his contract regarding the Impala, showing his attachment to the iconic vehicle and its role in his career.
After Supernatural, Ackles found continued success with guest roles on shows like Big Sky and The Boys. He reunited with former costar Jared Padalecki in 2022 when he directed an episode of Walker and made a cameo appearance. Additionally, Ackles was involved in The Winchesters, a Supernatural spinoff, as an executive producer and narrator. His transition from Supernatural to other projects has been well-received by fans and critics alike.
In Tracker, Ackles’ character Russell is gradually revealed to have issues with Colter, stemming from their father’s death. Throughout the first season, Colter hints at his belief that Russell played a role in their father’s demise. However, Russell claims that there was someone else involved, leading the brothers to investigate further into Special Forces missions and conspiracy theories. Ackles’ portrayal of Russell has elements reminiscent of Dean Winchester, adding depth to his character.
Fans of Ackles can expect to see more of him on Tracker, as it was confirmed that he will return for additional episodes in season two. The decision to cast Ackles in the role of Russell was based on his suitability for the character’s complex relationship with Colter. Ackles’ performance has been praised for his ability to go toe-to-toe with Colter and bring authenticity to the role. Tracker airs on CBS and streams on Paramount+.
Throughout his career post-Supernatural, Ackles has continued to impress audiences with his versatility and talent. From his memorable role as Dean Winchester to his current portrayal of Russell on Tracker, Ackles has shown a dedication to his craft and a passion for storytelling. As he navigates new projects and explores different characters, fans eagerly anticipate what the future holds for this talented actor.
