Sergei Bachlakov/CBS ; CW / Courtesy: Everett Collection
Justin Hartley
âs acclaimed CBS series Tracker has taken delight in weaving in memorable nods to
Jensen Ackles
âs iconic role in Supernatural.
Based on Jeffery Deaverâs novel The Never Game, Tracker chronicles the life of a survivalist named Colter (Hartley). He traverses the nation aiding individuals and law enforcement in resolving various enigmas. The series amplifies Colterâs story by introducing family dynamics, notably through Russell, played by Jensen Ackles.
Acklesâ debut in the series follows a lengthy collaboration with Jared Padalecki on Supernatural from 2005 to 2020. In their previous roles, Ackles and Padalecki were sibling hunters on the prowl for monsters, a familiar motif that fans might recognize as they tune into Tracker.
Fortunately, the parallels do not end there. Tracker continues to thrive on subtle moments that pay homage to Acklesâ portrayal of Dean Winchester. Stay with us as we unveil the most significant Easter eggs:
The Classic Car Connection
During Acklesâ first appearance on Tracker in May 2024, his character playfully interacted with a Chevrolet Impala, an homage to Deanâs classic car, inherited from his father, John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan).
Season 2 continued this trend by showcasing Russellâs vehicle, which bore a striking resemblance to Deanâs beloved Impala.
âThis is a sweet ride, I wouldnât mind taking the wheel,â Colter remarked, to which Russell retorted, âThatâs never going to happen.â
Russellâs passion for his car resurfaced when Colter requested a drive into the woods, âThis baby doesnât venture onto gravel,â Russell replied, mirroring Deanâs affectionate reference to his vehicle as âBabyâ throughout Supernatural.
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Historical References
Russell and Colterâs inaugural mission in Tracker guided them to Roanoke, Virginia, subtly referencing the Roanoke Colony, which was famously mentioned in Supernatural as Croatoan.
Narrative Arcs
Throughout season 1, Colter and Russell found themselves ensnared in a plot heavy with curses and supernatural elements â a clever nod if there ever was one. By season 2, Colter unearthed a missing persons case that leaned heavily into extraterrestrial themes, with Russell serving as a delightful skeptic akin to Dean from Supernatural.
The Catchphrase and Endearing Playfulness
In the season 3 trailer for Tracker, viewers witness Colter and Russell embroiled in a bar brawl, during which Russell suggests they settle the score with a game of ârock, paper, scissorsâ to determine the last man standing. A delightful nod to Supernatural fans, this scene recalls a similar playful banter shared between Acklesâ Sam and Padaleckiâs Dean during their supernatural escapades.