Season-long mysteries are normal for TV, and it’s something that both Tracker and Matlock have offered. However, eventually, mysteries drag, and it leads to either forgetting about it or not caring enough about the answers afterward, something Tracker season 2 has been guilty of doing. Meanwhile, the Matlock reboot proved how it’s possible to reveal bits of the mystery and later add more layers to it. In some good news, Tracker season 3 now has the chance to further develop on the Shaw family mystery, thanks to some reveals at the end of season 2. To be able to create a more exciting mystery, it will need to move the plot faster, learning from the success and lessons of Matlock. This doesn’t mean everything needs to be revealed in one season, but some answers should be teased out to keep viewers engaged.
Tracker Has Overextended Its Shaw Family Mystery. It Took 2 Seasons To Learn About Ashton Shaw’s Death. From the beginning of Tracker season 1, we learned that Ashton Shaw had died years earlier, and there was a mystery surrounding his death. Nobody knew if he had been pushed or had jumped, but Colter’s mother, Mary, quickly pointed fingers at her elder son, Russell. This led to Colter questioning his brother’s actions, only for Russell to show up at the end of the season to say that he had nothing to do with the death and simply found his dad’s body. It took a whole season just to learn this, and until the Tracker season 2 finale to get confirmation that Ashton was killed. This was a drawn-out mystery, and many felt like it was forgotten about, as Colter wouldn’t even mention his family that often. There were too many layers to the mystery and to the initial question about what happened to Ashton that night, causing the entire storyline to become convoluted quickly.
Family drama? Check. Intriguing mystery? Check. But what happens when a show tries to do too much too fast?
CBS’ #1 new series is making waves—not just because it’s gripping, emotional, and beautifully acted—but because it’s everything Tracker tried to be and couldn’t quite stick the landing. If you’re wondering what went wrong with the Shaw family storyline and how the new CBS series nailed what Tracker botched, buckle up. We’re diving deep into what makes a story compelling—and where Tracker seriously lost the plot.
The Rise of CBS’ Newest Hit and the Fall of ‘Tracker’
It’s always fascinating when two shows chase similar goals but get wildly different results. Tracker came out hot with a compelling premise, strong lead (hi, Justin Hartley!), and a mystery tied to the enigmatic Shaw family. But somewhere along the way, the wheels came off.
Meanwhile, CBS’ latest hit series took a similar formula—family ties, emotional depth, a mystery you can’t look away from—and executed it to near perfection. Let’s break it down.
Where Tracker Went Wrong With the Shaw Family Arc
Too Many Threads, Not Enough Time
Ever tried juggling flaming swords while riding a unicycle? That’s kind of what Tracker attempted with the Shaw family plotline. It introduced multiple family members, each with their own secrets, motives, and side plots. But instead of slowly building suspense, it threw everything at viewers at once.
Emotional Distance
Here’s the kicker: despite all the family drama, viewers didn’t feel much. The characters were there, but their motivations were often muddled. Why should we care about the estranged brother? Or the cryptic letters? The emotional core wasn’t fully developed.
CBS’ New Show Shows How It’s Done
Focused Storytelling That Builds Suspense Naturally
The secret sauce? Patience. CBS’ new top-rated series gives each character space to breathe. It doesn’t overload us with exposition. Instead, it builds character dynamics scene by scene, letting tension simmer rather than boil over too soon.
H3: Family Dynamics That Feel Real
No caricatures here. The family in CBS’ hit feels authentic. They argue, love, protect, and betray—but it’s grounded in emotional realism. You understand their motivations because the writing gives you time to.
Character-Driven vs. Plot-Driven: Why That Matters
Tracker’s Mistake – The Plot Pulled the Strings
In Tracker, characters often felt like pawns in a bigger mystery machine. They existed to push the story forward instead of shaping it. That made it hard to connect.
CBS’ Approach – Let Characters Lead the Plot
Contrast that with CBS’ new show. The plot evolves because of the characters’ decisions. When something shocking happens, it feels earned—not forced.
The Power of Pacing: Slow Burn Wins the Race
Tracker Rushed It
Remember that episode where everything about the Shaw family was dumped in 40 minutes? Yeah, that was rough. Viewers need time to digest twists, especially when emotional stakes are high.
CBS’ Show Let the Mystery Breathe
Instead of blowing its secrets too soon, CBS’ series teases answers. Each episode pulls you a little deeper, rewarding loyal viewers instead of overwhelming them.
Writing That Respects the Audience
One of the most subtle yet powerful differences? Respect for the audience’s intelligence.
No Need for Over-Exposition
CBS’ show trusts viewers to put the pieces together. It uses visual storytelling, smart dialogue, and subtext. Tracker, on the other hand, often leaned on characters spelling things out.
Supporting Cast That Steals the Show
The lead matters, but great TV is built on ensembles.
In CBS’ Hit, Everyone Shines
Each side character has a role that matters. They’re not just there to support the main mystery—they have their own arcs that intertwine with the central story.
Tracker’s Side Characters Felt Underused
Aside from the core few, many Shaw family members came and went without leaving a mark. That’s a missed opportunity.
Visuals and Tone: A World You Want to Return To
A show’s atmosphere is part of the story. And CBS’ series nails it.
Cohesive Visuals That Match the Story
Every shot feels intentional. The lighting, wardrobe, even the soundtrack—all work in harmony to create mood and enhance the narrative.
Tracker’s Inconsistent Tone
Sometimes gritty, sometimes light, sometimes confusing—it never quite decided what kind of show it wanted to be.
Learning from Success: What Tracker Could Still Do
Narrow the Focus
There’s still time for Tracker to course-correct. Ditch the bloated subplots and hone in on what matters—relationships, tension, and emotional stakes.
Make the Audience Care Again
Less mystery for mystery’s sake, more connection. Make us feel invested in the characters’ journeys, not just the big reveals.
Viewer Trust is Everything
Great shows don’t just entertain—they build a relationship with the audience.
CBS Earned That Trust
Through consistent writing, believable characters, and rewarding payoffs, CBS’ series proved it knows how to handle mystery and family without dropping the ball.
Tracker Needs to Re-Earn It
And that starts with simplifying, clarifying, and emotionally engaging the viewer again.
Conclusion: A Tale of Two Mysteries
At the end of the day, both shows aimed to blend mystery and family drama—but only one nailed it. CBS’ #1 new series serves as a case study in how to tell a compelling, slow-burning mystery rooted in authentic relationships. Tracker? It had all the ingredients but cooked them too fast and messy.
If CBS’ new show teaches us anything, it’s that mystery is best served simmered, not scrambled.
