Justin Hartley Reunites with a Familiar Foe in CBS's "Tracker"

The episode provides a thrilling callback to Hartley’s Green Arrow days while showcasing the evolution of his action-hero persona. In Smallville Season 9’s "Disciple," Bacic’s Vordigan, Oliver Queen’s mentor-turned-enemy, challenges Hartley’s character in a dramatic showdown. The Dark Archer’s mission to test his former protégé ends in a deadly confrontation when Oliver, with a little help from Clark Kent (Tom Welling), delivers a final, arrowed blow to his old teacher. Fast forward nearly 15 years, and Bacic once again meets Hartley in combat—this time as Gideon Drell in Tracker. While Colter Shaw's weapon of choice differs, the outcome is strikingly similar: Bacic’s character is bested, proving Hartley still reigns supreme in high-stakes heroics.

More than just a fun nod to Smallville, "Preternatural" highlights the parallels between Colter Shaw and Oliver Queen. Both are lone wolf heroes driven by a sense of justice, willing to bend the rules to protect others. Hartley himself has noted the similarities, calling Colter “a vigilante in his own way” while emphasizing their different motivations. While Oliver was a billionaire playboy turned political crusader, Colter relies on survivalist instincts and tracking expertise to navigate dangerous missions.

Whether you're a long-time Smallville fan or a new viewer of Tracker, Hartley’s evolution from DC’s Green Arrow to CBS’s rugged action hero offers plenty to enjoy. Tracker airs Sundays on CBS and streams on Paramount+, while Smallville is available on Hulu for those craving a nostalgic dive.