Justin Hartley Discusses Colter and Russell Apology with Jensen Ackles

The third season of Tracker kicks off with a compelling six-minute scene featuring brothers Colter Shaw, portrayed by Justin Hartley, and Russell, played by Jensen Ackles. This premiere showcases their emotional dynamic while they engage in a heartfelt conversation inside an Airstream before transitioning to their case-of-the-week format.

Hartley’s Insights on the Brooding Atmosphere

During a recent interview, Justin Hartley expressed his admiration for the nuanced storytelling of the series. He believes such moments enrich the action sequences typical of Tracker. Hartley described the Airstream scene as “really heartfelt,” emphasizing the natural chemistry between the two lead actors.

Creative Direction from Elwood Reid

Showrunner Elwood Reid, who penned the episode, noted that the confined setting of the Airstream generally feels claustrophobic. However, he felt confident that the chemistry between Hartley and Ackles would make the scene engaging. Reid mentioned that earlier scripts suggested the scene might be too prolonged, yet ultimately, the two actors delivered a compelling performance.

The Apology Between Brothers

A pivotal moment in the episode is Colter’s heartfelt apology to Russell regarding their complicated family history. This apology comes after a discussion about their father’s tragic death. Colter expresses regret for believing their mother’s narrative, which suggested Russell was involved in their father’s demise.

• Key Characters:
  • Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley)
  • Russell Shaw (Jensen Ackles)
  • Otto (Alex Fernandez)
  • Their mother (Wendy Crewson)

Hartley described the moment as significant, emphasizing that it illustrates the complicated nature of family dynamics. Both actors approached this emotional exchange with maturity, avoiding overly dramatic gestures while still conveying depth.

Season’s Developing Storylines

This season aims to uncover more about the family’s troubled past. Reid hinted at exploring the factors leading to their father’s erratic behavior and their mother’s potential secrets. Intriguingly, Russell may possess information regarding their father’s downward spiral that could unravel further in future episodes.

Reid added that they intend to culminate the season with revelations about the family’s past actions and their implications. As the narrative unfolds, viewers can expect deeper insights into the brothers’ lives, their mother’s motivations, and the external forces that may have influenced their family dynamics.

Hartley and Ackles’ commitment to their roles continues to drive the storytelling in Tracker, setting a high standard for character development throughout the season.

What’s Next for Tracker?

The show airs on Sundays at 8/7c on CBS. Fans can anticipate more complex interactions between Colter and Russell, especially as unresolved issues from their past come to light.