This idea for Tracker season 3 is definitely not out of the realm of possibilities for a procedural series like it. Police procedurals like the Law & Order franchise or even the NCIS series have seen one or more of their main characters investigated by their own colleagues when they are under suspicion or framed. Setting up Colter for a crime he did not commit in Tracker, however, would be very different from those series because Colter is already mobile. That means, theoretically, it’s already easier for Colter to go on the run.
Colter is not tied down to an apartment, kids, or a family. That’s evident by the repeated digs from his brother, sister, and mother about him not staying in touch with them. His ties to the world lie in the team that gives him his tips. Most of his phone calls and in-person visits are to those who help him on his cases. He spends most of his time in completely different states from them, though, so being on the run would just mean he would have to get creative in contacting them, like using burner phones to make his calls.
Colter already lives so much off the grid, his actual way of life would not change much, but he would certainly be looking over his shoulder more, and he would not be cooperating with local law enforcement as much as he does now. In fact, some of his very allies, like recurring bounty hunter Billie (Sofia Pernas), could be the ones coming after him. Billie and Colter have been on opposite sides of a case before, but they have also worked together, and spent the night together, so bringing her back for this particular type of story could be a fun shift for their dynamic.
This story could also be hugely compelling because it might force Colter’s allies to dig into his past – whether he wants them to or not. Reenie (Fiona Rene) has proven herself excellent at getting dirt on her own clients, so it’s not a stretch to think she could investigate Colter and his family to help clear his name. Colter has only started to open up to his allies in season 2, usually preferring to keep mentions of his childhood and his family very vague, so tying him being framed to his family would mean he could not avoid it.
If you’re not already obsessed with Colter Shaw, it’s only a matter of time. He’s not your average action hero. He’s a reward-seeker, a loner, and a man burdened by a haunting past—but also driven by an unshakable moral compass. Created by bestselling author Jeffery Deaver, Shaw straddles the line between justice and danger. The most intriguing part? He’s always on the run. And we can’t look away.
The Thrill of the Chase: Why Audiences Crave His Story
What makes someone constantly being hunted so captivating to watch or read about? It’s not just the suspense—it’s the emotional depth behind the action. Every time Shaw races against time to save someone or uncover a truth, we feel like we’re running with him.
Living on the Edge: The Risks Colter Faces Daily
Every move Shaw makes could be his last. Whether it’s dodging bullets, escaping traps, or going head-to-head with unpredictable villains, the stakes are always sky-high. But it’s not just physical danger. Shaw also faces emotional landmines—trust issues, childhood trauma, and a past that refuses to let him go.
Isolation as a Lifestyle Choice
While most of us crave connection, Shaw chooses solitude. But that’s part of what makes his journey so compelling. He’s a modern-day cowboy, roaming from town to town with nothing but his backpack, his motorcycle, and a mission. The loneliness? It’s both his weapon and his wound.
The Psychology of Always Being on the Run
Fight, Flight, or Colter Shaw?
The human brain is wired to react to danger, but Colter Shaw isn’t reacting—he’s choosing. That flips the script. Being on the run isn’t forced on him; it’s almost voluntary. And that adds a layer of complexity that keeps us hooked.
Addicted to Adrenaline or Purpose?
Is it the adrenaline rush or his deep-rooted sense of justice that drives him? Maybe both. And maybe that’s the point. He’s chasing justice, but sometimes it feels like he’s chasing ghosts too.
The Moral Compass That Points Everywhere
He’s No Saint—And That’s the Point
Let’s be honest: squeaky-clean heroes are boring. Colter’s messy. He bends rules, lies when needed, and sometimes blurs ethical lines. But at his core, he wants to help people. That’s what makes him relatable—he’s flawed, just like the rest of us.
The Hook for Fans: Real-World Parallels
It’s not just fiction. Shaw’s world reflects our own—corruption, injustice, unsolved crimes. When he takes down the bad guys, it feels like a win for all of us. It’s catharsis wrapped in suspense.
Why Danger Sells: The Appeal of High Stakes
Danger Means Drama
Let’s not pretend we’re above it—we love drama. Especially when it’s smart, unpredictable, and emotionally rich. Colter Shaw’s world delivers all that and more.
Escapism with a Pulse
Watching Shaw navigate a world that would chew most people up and spit them out? That’s thrilling. It’s escapism with a pulse, and we’re all here for it.
Character Depth Over Car Chases
Sure, Shaw gets into high-octane moments—but the heart of the story is his internal struggle. That’s what separates him from your run-of-the-mill action hero. He’s not just running from danger; he’s running through grief, guilt, and questions that don’t have easy answers.
The Role of Mystery in Colter’s Journey
Always a New Puzzle
Every new location, every new case, is like a riddle waiting to be solved. That format—part procedural, part emotional odyssey—keeps viewers and readers coming back for more.
Relationships on the Run: Can You Ever Really Connect?
Colter’s lifestyle doesn’t exactly leave room for long-term connections. But that’s where the emotional weight comes in. Every temporary bond he forms feels fragile, fleeting—and therefore, more powerful.
Cinematic Potential: Why His Story Translates So Well to Screen
Whether in books or TV adaptations (like Tracker), Shaw’s story hits all the right notes—tension, character development, moral ambiguity, and action. He’s built for binge-watching.
Colter Shaw vs. Other Lone Wolves
Think Jack Reacher, Jason Bourne, or even Batman. What makes Colter different? It’s the realism. He doesn’t have unlimited resources or a sidekick with gadgets. He’s raw, resourceful, and deeply human.
The Risk of Burnout: Can the Run Ever End?
Eventually, the constant motion has to stop—or does it? One of the biggest questions that keeps fans intrigued is whether Shaw can ever truly settle down. And if he does, would he still be… Colter Shaw?
Conclusion: Why We’ll Keep Running With Colter Shaw
There’s something magnetic about watching someone flirt with danger every day—especially when it’s someone as complex and compelling as Colter Shaw. His blend of risk, emotional depth, and relentless drive makes him the kind of character you just can’t quit. Whether he’s racing against the clock, confronting his past, or questioning the very path he walks, Colter Shaw reminds us that sometimes the most dangerous roads lead to the most unforgettable journeys.
