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

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

The center of the episode was in Colter’s pursuit of solutions about Scott, as his search led him into territory the place the road between actuality and conspiracy begins to blur. His discovery of the secretive group of scientists investigating UAPs and their encrypted messages, hinted at one thing larger than only a lacking individual case. The strain constructed steadily, particularly as Colter encountered the identical unusual phenomenon that incapacitated Scott—otherworldly noises, vibrant lights, and authorities interference all making viewers query what’s actually taking place.

The subplot involving Reenie and her sharp authorized expertise injects some much-needed lightness into the episode, notably when she faculties a condescending male lawyer. Reenie introduced in Colter’s brother, Russell, performed by Jensen Ackles, which additionally added a enjoyable dynamic, particularly when Russell, the cocky and lovable rogue anti-hero, swooped in to avoid wasting Colter from a shady DoD facility. The chemistry between the brothers is at all times a spotlight—Russell’s playful conceitedness balancing out Colter’s seriousness.

This episode was the proper match for Supernatural alum Jensen Ackles to visitor star in, provided that Supernatural was all about looking the unexplainable—demons, ghosts, and, sure, even aliens—Ackles is not any stranger to a storyline the place the road between actuality and the paranormal will get blurry. Ackles brings his signature mix of humor and swagger to the position of Russell, and his playful banter with Colter all through the episode is a good callback to the sibling dynamics he perfected on Supernatural. There’s a sure appeal in watching him boast about his expertise whereas getting underneath Colter’s pores and skin, and followers of his earlier present will recognize the wink to his previous work, particularly when he casually mentions that he believes in UAPs due to issues he’s seen that may “blow your hair again.” It’s arduous not to consider Supernatural’s Dean Winchester in moments like these, as each characters have seen issues that defy clarification.

There was no scarcity of motion and intrigue, particularly within the third act when Colter and Russell started to unravel the reality behind Scott’s obsession. The climactic scene the place they found Scott ready for a UFO to land, just for Colter to persuade him to desert his dream and prioritize his daughter, was each tense and emotional. Colter’s battle with the shady authorities brokers added layers to the story, because it grew to become clear they wished Colter to make them Scott for their very own functions.

This episode additionally teased future mysteries, notably with Russell’s revelation that the DoD agent knew one thing about their father. The brothers’ difficult household historical past is clearly going to play a bigger position within the season’s overarching plot. The trace that their father could have been concerned in related UFO sightings solely deepened the intrigue.

All in all, Tracker continues to excel with its mixture of suspense, sci-fi, and character-driven storytelling. The UAP storyline supplied a contemporary tackle authorities conspiracies, mixing supernatural components with private stakes. With extra mysteries about Colter and Russell’s father ready to be uncovered, the present retains viewers hooked whereas leaving simply sufficient unanswered inquiries to preserve you coming again for extra. If this episode is any indication, Season 2 is shaping as much as be an exhilarating trip. I would love to listen to your ideas on the episode, drop them within the feedback or work together with me on Twitter/X @MiddleofCanada.