Of course, the only potential danger of Tracker giving Reenie more to do going forward is that it may inadvertently push Colter’s adventures to the wayside, and thus risk losing sight of what made Tracker great in the first place. If Tracker Season 3 can incorporate more of Reenie’s plot into whatever Colter is doing, using it to complement the main ideas of each episode rather than becoming a serialized story separate from the main narrative, then this has the potential to enhance the series. Even a one-and-done Reenie-centric episode where Colter is more of a side character wouldn’t be a bad way to go, so long as the overall flow of the series doesn’t drastically change. Tracker works because the show is so largely focused on Colter and those he meets across the country, so deviating from that too much would likely alienate certain audiences, but that doesn’t mean the show can’t do more with this character. She was created for the show for a reason, so Tracker should lean into that!
Whether you first saw her here on Tracker or were a fan from her Fire Country days, Fiona Rene is a great actress, and it would be to the show’s benefit if they leaned more into her dramatic range. After all, her time as Reenie has certainly made the show better as a whole, and while she and Colter seemed to spend more time together in the first season than the second, maybe Season 3’s push to give her more material to work with will allow for more adventures between them. Though, we shouldn’t hold out too much hope. After all, last season did end with Reenie nearly getting killed in the line of duty, so it’s unlikely that she’s going to want to throw herself into harm’s way ever again — at least if she has anything to say about it. But that doesn’t mean she can’t still be more involved with whatever Colter is doing next. However Tracker Season 3 decides to utilize its female lead next season, hopefully Reenie Greene will be given more meaty material to devour going forward.
In every great show, there’s a soul. A heartbeat. In Tracker, that pulse is Colter Shaw. Played with a rugged charm and calculated precision, Shaw isn’t just the lead character—he’s the emotional and narrative anchor of the entire series. If you’re watching Tracker, you’re watching for him. So, when episodes start drifting into side character arcs or secondary storylines, it begs the question: why move the spotlight away from the very reason we tuned in?
Let’s explore why Tracker lives and breathes through Colter Shaw—and why any deviation from that focus risks losing the audience altogether.
Who Is Colter Shaw, Really?
A Modern-Day Lone Ranger With Depth
Colter Shaw isn’t your average tracker. He’s a professional reward-seeker with a tragic past, a calculating mind, and a compass that constantly points toward justice—even when it’s inconvenient. Imagine if Sherlock Holmes were dropped into the American wilderness with a GPS and a grudge. That’s Shaw.
More Than a Tracker – A Character With Layers
From his family trauma to his complicated moral code, Shaw offers complexity. You’re not just watching him solve mysteries—you’re watching him confront his past, push through emotional scars, and wrestle with his identity.
Why Tracker Needs Shaw at Its Core
He’s the Engine That Drives the Plot
Let’s be honest. No one tunes in for the scenery or the guest characters. We’re here for Shaw’s instincts, his unique way of piecing together clues, and the tension he brings to every scene.
The Audience Connection Is Personal
We don’t just admire Shaw—we root for him. Viewers feel his pain, celebrate his wins, and understand his loneliness. That emotional tether? It’s irreplaceable.
Straying from Shaw Breaks the Spell
When the focus shifts too far from Shaw, the narrative loses momentum. Without his voice, the story feels generic—like a procedural show you’ve seen a dozen times.
The Problem With Ensemble Diversions
Supporting Characters Should Support, Not Distract
Great supporting characters enhance the lead. But when the camera lingers on them too long, it dilutes the emotional gravity. Not every subplot needs 15 minutes of screen time.
Viewer Drop-Off Is Real
Data doesn’t lie—episodes where Shaw takes a backseat often suffer in viewership and engagement. Fans want his journey, not a sidetrack.
Storytelling Principles That Favor Colter Shaw
The Power of a Singular Protagonist
In shows like Luther, Sherlock, or House, the lead character is the story. Their unique quirks, personal demons, and brilliance set the tone. Colter Shaw fits that mold.
Episodic Stories, Singular Vision
Each episode might present a new case, but the throughline must always be Shaw. He’s the filter through which we experience the story. Lose that lens, and you lose the show’s identity.
Real-World Examples of Character-Driven Success
Think Jack Reacher or John Luther
These shows work because they center on a magnetic, flawed genius. They don’t wander. They don’t dilute. Tracker must learn from them.
Why Audience Loyalty Depends on Consistency
Ever notice how loyal fans are to shows with a strong central character? That’s no accident. People invest in characters more than plots.
What Happens When Colter Shaw Takes the Backseat
Episodes Feel Hollow and Disconnected
Without his internal struggle or calculated insights, the episode becomes just another procedural crime show. Anyone could lead it—and that’s a problem.
The Mystery Becomes Less Engaging
Shaw doesn’t just solve problems. He dissects them, challenges them, and learns from them. He adds flavor. Remove him, and you’re left with bland.
The Ideal Narrative Balance
Let Side Characters Shine Through Shaw
Want to explore another character’s backstory? Great. But filter it through Shaw’s point of view. Make it part of his arc, not a diversion from it.
Keep Shaw’s Evolution Constant
Every case should push Colter forward—emotionally, intellectually, morally. That’s what keeps viewers glued to the screen.
Building a Legacy Show Around a Lead
Branding Starts with the Face of the Series
Shaw isn’t just a character—he’s the brand. Think of how Tony Stark was the face of the MCU. Colter should hold that weight in Tracker.
Merch, Marketing, and Fandom Follow Strong Leads
Let’s talk business. A strong, focused lead sells better. Fans buy into characters, not just stories.
How Writers Can Keep Shaw Center Stage
Use Flashbacks to Deepen His Character
Colter’s past is rich with mystery. Tap into that with flashbacks and personal moments that enrich his present decisions.
Give Him High-Stakes Moral Dilemmas
The best drama comes when Shaw is forced to choose between justice and vengeance, law and loyalty. That’s where the magic happens.
The Long-Term Payoff of Staying Centered
Emotional Payoff for the Audience
Sticking with Shaw means we get to see long-term character growth. That’s gold for audience satisfaction and storytelling depth.
The Show Becomes Iconic, Not Just Entertaining
By keeping Colter central, Tracker has a chance to evolve from “another crime drama” to a cult favorite with staying power.
Conclusion: The Path Forward Is Clear
If Tracker wants to remain relevant, binge-worthy, and emotionally resonant, there’s no alternative—Colter Shaw must stay at the center of the story. He’s the beating heart, the moral compass, the mind behind the mission. Every great show hinges on its lead, and Tracker is no different.
