Tracker – Ontological Shock – Review: A Supernatural Reunion for the Shaw Brothers

“Ontological Shock” – TRACKER, Pictured: Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw. Photo: Sergei Bachlakov/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved. 

The heart of the episode was in Colter’s pursuit of answers about Scott, as his search led him into territory where the line between reality and conspiracy begins to blur. His discovery of the secretive group of scientists investigating UAPs and their encrypted messages, hinted at something bigger than just a missing person case. The tension built steadily, especially as Colter encountered the same strange phenomenon that incapacitated Scott—otherworldly noises, bright lights, and government interference all making viewers question what’s really happening.

The subplot involving Reenie and her sharp legal skills injects some much-needed lightness into the episode, particularly when she schools a condescending male lawyer. Reenie brought in Colter’s brother, Russell, played by Jensen Ackles, which also added a fun dynamic, especially when Russell, the cocky and lovable rogue anti-hero, swooped in to save Colter from a shady DoD facility. The chemistry between the brothers is always a highlight—Russell’s playful arrogance balancing out Colter’s seriousness.

This episode was the perfect fit for Supernatural alum Jensen Ackles to guest star in, given that Supernatural was all about hunting the unexplainable—demons, ghosts, and, yes, even aliens—Ackles is no stranger to a storyline where the line between reality and the paranormal gets blurry. Ackles brings his signature blend of humor and swagger to the role of Russell, and his playful banter with Colter throughout the episode is a great callback to the sibling dynamics he perfected on Supernatural. There’s a certain charm in watching him boast about his skills while getting under Colter’s skin, and fans of his previous show will appreciate the wink to his past work, especially when he casually mentions that he believes in UAPs because of things he’s seen that would “blow your hair back.” It’s hard not to think of Supernatural’s Dean Winchester in moments like these, as both characters have seen things that defy explanation.

There was no shortage of action and intrigue, especially in the third act when Colter and Russell began to unravel the truth behind Scott’s obsession. The climactic scene where they discovered Scott waiting for a UFO to land, only for Colter to convince him to abandon his dream and prioritize his daughter, was both tense and emotional. Colter’s battle with the shady government agents added layers to the story, as it became clear they wanted Colter to lead them to Scott for their own purposes.

This episode also teased future mysteries, particularly with Russell’s revelation that the DoD agent knew something about their father. The brothers’ complicated family history is clearly going to play a larger role in the season’s overarching plot. The hint that their father may have been involved in similar UFO sightings only deepened the intrigue.

All in all, Tracker continues to excel with its mix of suspense, sci-fi, and character-driven storytelling. The UAP storyline offered a fresh take on government conspiracies, blending supernatural elements with personal stakes. With more mysteries about Colter and Russell’s father waiting to be uncovered, the show keeps viewers hooked while leaving just enough unanswered questions to keep you coming back for more. If this episode is any indication, Season 2 is shaping up to be a thrilling ride. I’d love to hear your thoughts on the episode, drop them in the comments or interact with me on Twitter/X @MiddleofCanada.