Sergei Bachlakov/CBS ; CW / Courtesy: Everett Collection
Justin Hartley
’s acclaimed CBS series Tracker has taken delight in weaving in memorable nods to
Jensen Ackles
’s iconic role in Supernatural.
Based on Jeffery Deaver’s 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 Colter’s story by introducing family dynamics, notably through Russell, played by Jensen Ackles.
Ackles’ 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 Ackles’ portrayal of Dean Winchester. Stay with us as we unveil the most significant Easter eggs:
The Classic Car Connection
During Ackles’ first appearance on Tracker in May 2024, his character playfully interacted with a Chevrolet Impala, an homage to Dean’s classic car, inherited from his father, John Winchester (Jeffrey Dean Morgan).
Season 2 continued this trend by showcasing Russell’s vehicle, which bore a striking resemblance to Dean’s beloved Impala.
“This is a sweet ride, I wouldn’t mind taking the wheel,” Colter remarked, to which Russell retorted, “That’s never going to happen.”
Russell’s passion for his car resurfaced when Colter requested a drive into the woods, “This baby doesn’t venture onto gravel,” Russell replied, mirroring Dean’s affectionate reference to his vehicle as “Baby” throughout Supernatural.
Historical References
Russell and Colter’s 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 — 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 “rock, paper, scissors” to determine the last man standing. A delightful nod to Supernatural fans, this scene recalls a similar playful banter shared between Ackles’ Sam and Padalecki’s Dean during their supernatural escapades.
