Tonight’s episode was one viewers have been waiting for since earlier in the season. Colter finally came face to face with his estranged brother, after having purposely avoided him since the night their father died. Since the announcement was made that Jensen Ackles was cast to play the illustrious Russell Shaw, viewers have anticipated how things would unfold. The episode did not disappoint! As the brothers reconnected through a case, Russell shared his truth about what happened with his father, leaving Colter to decide whose version to believe- Russell’s or his mothers.
The brother’s reunion unfolded over beers by a fire outside Colter’s trailer, where deeply buried family secrets came to light. Russell vehemently denied having any role in their father’s death, hinting instead at their mother’s possible involvement—a revelation that Colter struggled to accept. Russell insisted that there was a man in the woods the night their father fell, a man whom he had seen before with their mother. Colter’s mother was the one person who stood by him after his father died. She convinced Colter that Russell was responsible for their father's death, a belief that Colter accepted. Now, as conflicting stories emerge, it is clear that the truth about that night lies somewhere in the middle. Colter had always seen his mother as an innocent victim caught in the crossfire of his father’s troubled life, which led him to embrace her version of events without question. Feeling betrayed, he distanced himself from his siblings, convinced that Dory had abandoned him and Russell was responsible for their father's death. Now, with new perspectives from that night coming to light, Colter faces the challenging task of figuring out the real truth. This process will not only be difficult but will also force him to weigh what's more crucial: uncovering the full truth or accepting that his family's history is marred by trauma, recognizing that they were all, in some way, victims of his father's actions, and that it may be time to move forward together.
“Off the Books” – TRACKER, Pictured: Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw and Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Russell didn’t just seek Colter out to discuss their issues, he needed Colter's help to locate his missing military unit comrade, Doug, who had mysteriously vanished, his last known location being a gas station from where he seemingly fled in panic. The investigation took a dark turn when they discovered a severed finger sent to Doug’s wife, believed to be Doug’s, which thankfully turned out instead, to belong to a deceased drifter. Colter's skills as an investigator impressed Russell as he cleverly retrieved a print from the severed finger, although this clue led them to a dead end at the morgue—an escapade that landed them briefly in police custody.
It was Reenie to the rescue again, managing to get the charges against them dropped. Her no-nonsense approach and assertive demeanor not only got the job done but also left a strong impression on Russell. Russell learned that Reenie had thoroughly investigated his background, uncovering his checkered past with multiple run-ins with the law. This discovery did little to dampen his interest; instead, he inquired about her availability, showing a clear interest in her. However, Colter firmly stated that Reenie is off limits, indicating either a protective stance over her or perhaps that he has feelings for her of his own. As of now this has been hinted at, but the writer’s have not gone too far down this path…yet.
“Off the Books” – TRACKER, Pictured: Fiona Rene as Reenie Greene. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Throughout the episode, the dynamic between the brothers was filled with tension yet it was clear that the two are a lot alike, as evidenced in their effortless teamwork during a confrontation at a mysterious shop. This encounter revealed a bizarre and sinister plot involving superstitions and rituals, linking back to a botched job in Panama that left a vengeful criminal, Carlos Salano, in its wake.
As the narrative unfolded, Russell’s desire for a simpler life, expressed through his dream of opening a brewery and a farm-to-table restaurant, contrasted sharply with the dangerous life he has lived—a theme that resonated deeply with Colter’s own conflicted existence. Russell showed Colter a pocket knife their father had given him, that he kept safe until this day. Indicating that he cared for their father more than Colter realized.
The brothers' venture to rescue Doug culminated in a shootout at Salano’s heavily guarded vacation home in the Blue Ridge mountains, a rescue that required trust which the two clearly still have for one another as they entered an extremely dangerous situation with only each other as protection. The two proved to be a good team as they managed to rescue Doug and bring him home to his wife safely.
As the episode drew to a close, Russell instructed Colter to take Doug back home, explaining that he had unresolved matters to address. Russell assured Colter that they will cross paths again, and in true Colter fashion, he responded with his typical stoicism, indicating that he is okay. Later, when Colter visited the motel where Russell had been staying, he discovered that Russell had already checked out. However, Russell left behind a roll of money and his pocket knife for Colter, along with a note entrusting him to "keep this safe for me," symbolizing his trust in his brother and the hope that Colter will come to a realization about what happened the night his father died.
“Off the Books” – TRACKER, Pictured: Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw and Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw. Photo: Sergei Bachlakov/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
This episode delivered exactly what fans have been craving—a deeper dive into Colter’s past and clearer insights into the events that shaped him into the man he is today, including the reasons behind the rift with his siblings. It also laid the groundwork for future episodes, setting up a pivotal confrontation between Colter and his mother regarding the revelations from his siblings. As the family grapples with their fractured past, they will have to decide whether to rebuild their relationships and move forward together or continue their lives separately. Your turn, Tracker fans! What did you think of the episode? What are your thoughts on Russell? Do you believe his version of events? How do you think Colter will move forward with what he learned from his brother about their past? Comment below and engage with me on X at @middleofcanada.
