Tracker’s Justin Hartley Stole the Show in this 10-Part Sci-Fi Event Series

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Justin Hartley is the star of the popular CBS show, Tracker, where he plays Colter Shaw, a skilled and independent survival expert. While he’s quickly become a favorite since the show began, Hartley has demonstrated his talent as a lead actor in previous roles, long before traveling the country in his Airstream trailer.

Two decades ago, Justin Hartley captivated audiences as Green Arrow. He played Oliver Queen as a realistic and relatable action hero in a show that served as a prequel to the Superman series, immediately showcasing his strong on-screen charisma. Originally appearing in just a few episodes, Hartley’s performance as the Emerald Archer proved so popular that he quickly became a main cast member.

Green Arrow Brought a Fresh Perspective to Smallville

I remember when Smallville really started to broaden its scope! Season six was cool because we got introduced to a new hero – Justin Hartley as the Green Arrow. He was basically a modern Robin Hood, showing up in town to… well, redistribute wealth, I guess! It was a rocky start though. Clark and Oliver (the Green Arrow) didn’t exactly hit it off, because Oliver actually stole a necklace from Martha Kent right away! Can you believe it? It made for some interesting tension.

Okay, so this necklace has a really shady history – it started as a stolen item, eventually landing in the hands of Lionel Luthor. That’s where things get complicated for our heroes. I watched as Superman and Green Arrow clashed during one of Oliver’s missions, and it was clear they had very different priorities. Superman was laser-focused on just getting the necklace back – it was about a debt his mother owed Luthor – while Oliver, as usual, was thinking several steps ahead, seeing the larger implications of the situation. It really highlighted their contrasting approaches to heroism.

He offered Clark a fresh outlook, highlighting a proactive approach to justice – unlike Clark, who typically reacted to crimes after they happened. He also encouraged Clark to rethink his methods and discover new ways to use his abilities to benefit others.

The series’ first run concluded with a highly-rated episode called “Justice.” In it, Green Arrow brought together allies like Aquaman (Arthur Curry), Cyborg (Victor Stone), and Kid Flash (Bart Allen). Following a major mission that involved destroying a LexCorp building, Oliver Queen had to go undercover to dismantle Lex Luthor’s global network of operations, known as 33.1.

After losing two key characters in season seven, Oliver Queen became a full-time cast member in season eight. This return happened as Clark Kent began to openly embrace his role as Superman. Their friendship revealed a different side of Superman, inspiring him to be a more active and engaged hero.

Justin Hartley’s Oliver Queen Proves He Was Always a Leading Man

Oliver Queen arrives in Smallville as a wealthy and charming billionaire, quickly making a memorable impact on viewers. Justin Hartley played the role, and a playful connection developed between Oliver and Lois Lane, leading to a romantic relationship and a love triangle involving Clark Kent as well.

Hartley’s tendency to downplay his own importance made Oliver Queen seem charming and approachable. He handled romantic scenes with confidence, but always hinted at a hidden depth, which made him captivating to watch. His calm and collected personality also highlighted a different side of Clark Kent, contrasting with Clark’s typically anxious outlook.

Once Justin Hartley joined the show as a main cast member, viewers learned more about the Emerald Archer’s inner life and the challenges he faced, including his self-doubt and regrets. Oliver’s life began to fall apart when he discovered Lionel was responsible for his parents’ deaths, as he’d killed them for the key to Veritas. Unable to cope with his grief and rage, Oliver fixated on tracking down and defeating Lex Luthor.

Oliver’s decision to kill Lex deeply affected him, and the consequences haunted him. This darker turn revealed his imperfections, making him a more human and relatable character, and allowing viewers to connect with his struggles and his commitment to doing what’s right.

Oliver always seemed strong and acted as a guide for Clark, but as they grew closer, Clark realized Oliver wasn’t perfect and was still learning himself. Clark needed to remember that even Oliver didn’t have all the answers, and just as Clark’s parents were there for him, he needed to be a supportive friend to Oliver.

If Oliver Queen hadn’t been so focused on supporting Clark Kent’s story, Justin Hartley would likely be much more well-known as a leading actor. From the moment he appeared on Smallville, Hartley showed he had all the qualities – charm, charisma, confidence, depth, and emotional impact – needed to be a star, even before his role on Tracker.

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From Emerald Archer to Lone Tracker: Test Your Justin Hartley Hero Knowledge
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2026-04-08 14:37