I have to confess: I was late to catch up with this season of Tracker, and, as a result, I ended up binging all of Tracker season 2 in a few days. There were certain things I am mixed on from Tracker season 2, like the paranormal elements, but some changes I thought were great. Overall, the sophomore season of the missing person, survivalist procedural worked for me, but there are still things I’d definitely make a point to change in Tracker season 3.
Tracker season 2 was something of a departure from season 1, not just tonally, but in the narrative focus. Season 2 was much darker and gorier than the first season, and the central mystery of who killed Colter Shaw’s father was largely sidelined to make room for other stories. Some of it worked for me, some of it didn’t, but I think the show can make some easy changes to take the best parts of season 2 and carry them into season 3 while leaving the weaker parts behind.
Alright, I’ll say it—Tracker Season 2 had me glued to the screen. From intense chases to emotional reunions, it had all the makings of a binge-worthy thriller. But after 10 straight episodes and way too many snacks, I found myself yelling at the TV a few too many times. Don’t get me wrong—I loved it. But if Season 3 wants to raise the bar (and trust me, it needs to), a few things have to change. So, here’s my completely unsolicited, totally fan-fueled list of what I’d tweak for next season.
1. Give Colter Shaw a Deeper Backstory
Let’s talk about the man himself—Colter Shaw. He’s a modern-day nomad with Sherlock Holmes’ brain and Indiana Jones’ rugged edge. But honestly? We still don’t really know him.
Why We Need More of His Past
Season 2 gave us glimpses—his family trauma, the survivalist upbringing, the mystery around his father’s death. But it never fully connected. We need emotional flashbacks, heartfelt monologues, or even a storyline centered on his unresolved family drama.
Make Him Human, Not Just Heroic
Colter is cool, sure. But he needs flaws. Vulnerability. A panic attack, a tough moral decision, a relationship that actually affects him.
2. Make the Supporting Characters Count
Remember Bobby? Reenie? Some of the best characters in the show felt more like side notes than actual people.
Let’s Build an Ensemble
The show would feel richer if we had arcs for supporting characters. Think The Walking Dead or Breaking Bad—everyone matters. Give Bobby a subplot. Let Reenie make a mistake that costs Colter something. Let us care about them before something bad happens.
3. Vary the Case-of-the-Week Format
Okay, here’s the deal: Tracker follows a pretty predictable formula. Colter shows up. He tracks someone. He solves it. End credits.
Time to Break the Mold
How about multi-episode arcs? Twists that don’t get solved by the end of the hour? Maybe one episode where Colter fails—and has to live with it?
Make It Unpredictable
Throw in an unreliable narrator episode. Let us follow the victim instead. Flip the script. We’re smarter viewers than you think.
4. Raise the Stakes
Let’s be honest—sometimes the danger doesn’t feel dangerous enough. Colter rarely gets seriously hurt. Things get intense… but not too intense.
We Need Real Consequences
Make us worry. If he gets stabbed, let him actually recover over episodes. If a friend betrays him, show the fallout.
The Villains Need an Upgrade
Season 2 had a few memorable baddies, but none that stuck. Give us a recurring villain. A mastermind. Someone who’s always two steps ahead.
5. Explore New Locations & Cultures
Season 2 played it safe with the U.S. setting. But Colter’s skill set could thrive worldwide.
Go Global—Literally
Why not track someone in South America? Eastern Europe? Southeast Asia? A cultural shift could bring new depth to the show.
H4: Use Real-World Events
Tie cases into real, headline-making issues. That way, the show feels current and educational.
6. Add a Bit More Humor (Yes, Really)
Tracker gets intense, and that’s fine. But sometimes, the tone gets too heavy.
Let the Characters Breathe
A sarcastic sidekick moment. A scene where Colter gets flustered. A recurring gag—like his weird obsession with canned chili or bad coffee. Those little things make characters feel alive.
Bonus Ideas for Tracker Season 3
Just because I love this show (maybe too much), here are some wild cards Season 3 should totally consider:
A Season-Long Puzzle or Hidden Clue Game
Imagine clues hidden across each episode that lead to a big mystery revealed in the finale. That’s a fandom goldmine.
A Crossover with Another Show
Could Tracker cross paths with a detective from another franchise? Even a wink at the FBI series would thrill fans.
An Origin Episode
We need an entire episode on young Colter learning the ropes. Like Better Call Saul did for Breaking Bad fans.
Final Thoughts: Tracker’s Potential Is Limitless—If It Evolves
Look, Tracker has one of the most original premises on TV right now. A reward-seeking survivalist solving missing person cases while dealing with his own personal baggage? Gold.
But Season 3 needs to be bolder. Deeper. Less formulaic. With just a few key changes, Tracker could go from a great show to a cultural phenomenon.
And hey, CBS—if you’re reading this, I’ll accept a consulting gig.
