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.

Binge-watching an entire season in one night? Guilty. Tracker Season 2 had me hooked — the pacing, the suspense, the charm of Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw. But let’s be real: no show is perfect. As much as I enjoyed it, there were moments that made me yell at my screen, “Why would you do that?!” If CBS wants Tracker Season 3 to truly shine, here are six things I’d love to see changed — and I bet fellow fans will agree.

Why People Can’t Stop Watching Tracker

Before we get into the changes, let’s acknowledge what Tracker gets right. Based on Jeffery Deaver’s character, Colter Shaw is a lone-wolf tracker helping people find missing loved ones, solve mysteries, and untangle dark secrets — all while dealing with his own haunting past. The blend of procedural mystery and serialized drama makes Tracker a binge-worthy hit. But Season 2? It had room for improvement.

1. More Long-Term Story Arcs, Please!

The One-Off Cases Are Fun, But…

Sure, each episode delivers a neat story wrapped in 45 minutes — but where’s the overarching tension? Season 2 flirted with deeper plotlines (like Colter’s father’s mystery), but they were often overshadowed by the case-of-the-week format.

Let Us Get Invested

Shows like The Blacklist or Person of Interest nailed this balance. Tracker should follow suit. Give us breadcrumbs. Let storylines simmer over multiple episodes. We want to feel the buildup.

2. Deeper Character Development for the Supporting Cast

More Than Just Colter

We get it — Colter’s the main guy. But what about the people around him? We barely scratched the surface with characters like Reenie, Velma, and Bobby.

Let the Team Shine

Make us care. Give them flashbacks. Show their struggles. Right now, they’re mostly used to move the plot forward. If Season 3 dives deeper into their personal lives, it’ll make the show more layered and emotionally grounded.

3. Up the Stakes: Not Every Case Needs a Happy Ending

Real Life Isn’t Always Tidy

One critique? Every episode ends with a resolution — missing person found, justice served, mystery solved. But real life is messy.

Give Us Grit

Throw in some curveballs. Let a few cases go unresolved. Maybe the bad guy wins occasionally. It’ll keep us guessing and create emotional depth.

4. Colter’s Backstory Needs More Punch

We Need More Flashbacks

Colter’s family tragedy is the emotional spine of the show. But we only get bits and pieces. Season 2 touched on his paranoia about his father, but not enough to create a consistent emotional payoff.

Build the Mythology

Season 3 should dive deeper. Show us more of young Colter. Make us feel his trauma. Let us experience the moments that shaped him into the tracker he is today.

5. Stop Playing It So Safe with Guest Characters

We Know They’re Temporary

Each week we meet a new victim, suspect, or villain — and most of the time, they feel… disposable. That’s a missed opportunity.

Make Guest Roles Memorable

Give them quirks, motives, secrets. Let one or two reappear. Think Criminal Minds but with more flair. The better the guest characters, the more invested we’ll be in the story.

6. Add a Strong Villain or Shadowy Antagonist

Every Hero Needs a Nemesis

Right now, Colter is essentially tracking ghosts — faceless bad guys, missing people, and random criminals. He needs a Moriarty. A foil. A rival who challenges him not just physically, but mentally and emotionally.

Think Long-Term Payoff

Imagine someone from Colter’s past manipulating events behind the scenes. That kind of villain could tie multiple episodes together and add a much-needed edge.

Other Things Tracker Season 3 Could Improve

More Varied Locations

Hopping around the country is cool, but show us more than just deserts, forests, and backroads. Give us urban chaos, snowy terrains, eerie swamps — it’ll raise the visual stakes.

Diversify the Themes

Not every episode needs to be about a kidnapping. Try a heist. A cult. An ancient secret. Broaden the mystery genre palette!

Improve Tech Realism

Sometimes the tracking tech feels too convenient or vague. GPS magic, social engineering… okay, but can we get a bit more realism?

Let Colter Lose Control

Colter’s always cool under pressure. Mix it up. Let him lose his composure. Let him make the wrong call. That’s how you show character growth.

Explore Ethical Dilemmas

Colter often operates in legal gray zones. What if one of his actions has unintended consequences? Season 3 could explore moral ambiguity more boldly.

The Power of Pacing: Tighten the Flow

Some episodes drag in the middle. Sharper dialogue, quicker scene transitions, and stronger climaxes would make every episode pop. You don’t want your audience checking their phones halfway through.

Writing That Leans Into Personality

Colter is likable but could use more unique dialogue. Give him sarcasm, wit, or quirks. Let his voice feel distinct, not generic hero-mode.

More Cinematic Moments

Tracker has potential to be visually stunning. Use drones, montages, experimental angles. Take creative risks — we’ll notice.

Callback to Old Cases

Imagine if a victim from Season 1 returns, now in trouble. Or a cold case reopens. These callbacks make longtime viewers feel rewarded.

Final Thoughts: Season 3 Is Tracker’s Make-Or-Break Moment

Bingeing Tracker Season 2 was a ride — fun, fast-paced, but a little too neat. If CBS wants Season 3 to reach its full potential, it needs to dig deeper, get messier, and be bolder.

The groundwork is already there. The character, the format, the tone — all it needs is a creative push to evolve into something unforgettable.