It's been a while since Tracker gave Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene) a real shot at love, but with Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) now dating Jenna Nova (Gillian Bolt), the timing feels right. While Reenie has had past connections with Elliott Rusch (Michael Rady) and newcomer Adam Shevlin (Michael Malarkey), many fans have secretly hoped she'd end up with Colter. Well, if you're in that camp, prepare for a twist—this week's episode, "Need to Know," seems to be actively planting seeds for a romance between Reenie and Colter's brother, Russell (Jensen Ackles).
The episode reunites Colter and Russell in a gripping mystery that reminds us why their dynamic is so compelling. Russell's appearances are always a highlight, and his on-screen chemistry with Justin Hartley is undeniable. But this time, the focus shifts to Russell's interactions with Reenie, which were surprisingly charged—even though they were mostly over the phone, with Reenie in Denver and Russell in Atlanta. Their banter felt different, more personal, and by the end, they've set up a date for the following week in Colorado. It's a bold move that could change the show's romantic landscape.
What makes this even more intriguing is a scene where Russell stops by to "check in" with Reenie and Grant Valko (Jeff Pierre). Reenie has been trying to keep tabs on Russell ever since he went AWOL at the end of Season 3, and her persistent calls suggest she might be harboring deeper feelings. It's a subtle but telling detail that hints at a potential pining dynamic.
Of course, this might disappoint fans who've been rooting for Reenie and Colter, but it opens up a whole new set of questions. How would a Reenie-Russell romance even work, given the secrets Russell carries about Colter and their father? Russell is still entangled with McIntyre (Glenn Morshower) and his overseas missions, so a personal life seems complicated. But Tracker might be setting up something bigger.
If the show wants to explore this chemistry fully, it might need to expand beyond its usual format. Long-distance relationships are tough to portray on TV, especially when Russell only appears a few times a season. That's why a Russell Shaw spin-off could be the perfect solution. Fans have been clamoring for one since his debut, and this could be the ideal catalyst. A short-form series on Paramount+ with Ackles in the lead and Rene as his co-star could give the romance room to breathe while also letting Russell break free from his shady government ties.
Imagine a Terminal List-style thriller where Russell and Reenie team up to expose a conspiracy, with Colter occasionally popping in for support. It would be a hit. And if not a spin-off, Tracker could always adopt a rotating format like the classic Maverick, giving Russell more screen time without sacrificing Colter's story. Either way, the potential for Russell and Reenie is there—if the show plays its cards right.
Tracker airs Sundays on CBS and streams the next day on Paramount+.
