In a previous interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Hartley gave another interesting idea for Colter Shaw: Seeing how he’d be while on the run. The show has Colter often working with authorities but Hartley thinks that it would “be interesting” if he was set up. “In other words, to see him using all those skills to run from the authorities,” he told THR. “I’d love to have all that tie into the family background, the government.” Hartley also said that the theme of this new season is great but also doesn’t completely change where the show is heading. “We have the underlying theme of what we’re going to do next year while not really changing the direction of where our story is going,” he said.
Colter Shaw, the enigmatic survivalist and reward seeker we’ve come to admire, might be facing a more treacherous journey than ever before in Season 3. While the previous seasons showed us his calculating mind, rugged resilience, and strong moral compass, there are signs that Season 3 could challenge everything we thought we knew. So, could Season 3 bring out a darker side of Colter Shaw? Let’s dive into the theory that’s got fans questioning his future.
Understanding Who Colter Shaw Is
A Quick Recap of Seasons 1 & 2
In the first two seasons of Tracker, we saw Shaw using his unique skill set to solve mysteries, find missing people, and track down fugitives. He’s a loner, shaped by a survivalist upbringing and haunted by a traumatic past. He lives by a code—but is that code starting to crack?
What Drives Colter Shaw?
Colter’s motivations were never purely about the reward money. Justice, closure, and truth have always been his compass. But as trauma piles up and secrets resurface, we must ask—how much more can he take before something inside him shifts?
Clues Pointing Toward a Darker Season
The Weight of Unresolved Trauma
Shaw’s childhood was steeped in paranoia, isolation, and family betrayal. His father’s conspiracy theories, his brother’s mysterious fate—none of that has truly been resolved. Could all that emotional baggage finally take its toll?
Increasing Moral Ambiguity
In Season 2, we saw Shaw toe the line between law and personal justice more often. When the legal system failed, he acted. But where’s the line between justice and vengeance?
A Growing List of Enemies
Colter’s knack for solving tough cases hasn’t won him many friends. And with each season, he adds more dangerous people to his list of enemies. A darker path might not be a choice—it might be survival.
Season 3 Theories That Change Everything
Theory #1 – Colter Goes Rogue
Some fans speculate that Shaw might abandon his reward-seeking persona and become a vigilante. Imagine him taking justice into his own hands, guided by personal trauma and moral fatigue.
Theory #2 – A Betrayal Sparks the Shift
Could someone close to him—maybe even Russell or Reenie—betray him in Season 3? That kind of emotional wound could push Shaw down a path he swore he’d never take.
Theory #3 – He Becomes the Hunted
What if Colter becomes the target of a bounty? That role reversal could ignite a survivalist fury we’ve never seen before, pushing him to darker decisions to stay alive.
The Internal Battle – Hero or Antihero?
Navigating the Gray Area
Season 3 might lean into moral complexity. Colter doesn’t have to become a villain—but he might stop being the clear-cut hero. Think Dexter, Walter White, or even Jack Bauer. Are we ready to see Colter walk that line?
Is This the Natural Evolution of His Character?
Every great protagonist evolves. For Colter, whose entire life is shaped by survivalism, maybe turning darker isn’t a fall—maybe it’s growth in a world where rules no longer apply.
What This Means for Fans
Why a Darker Colter Could Be Good for the Series
Let’s be real: flawed, unpredictable characters make for incredible TV. If Colter Shaw starts making darker choices, the stakes get higher, the stories get grittier, and the emotional investment skyrockets.
Room for More Complex Storytelling
This shift could open doors to deeper narratives—mental health, trauma, family reconciliation, and justice in a broken system. Season 3 might be less about tracking fugitives and more about finding Colter’s soul.
What the Cast and Creators Have Hinted
Justin Hartley’s Take
In recent interviews, Hartley hinted at “more emotionally charged scenes” and “some intense challenges” for his character. While he didn’t say Colter would go dark, the tone certainly suggests deeper waters ahead.
Behind-the-Scenes Buzz
Writers and producers have been tight-lipped but have teased a “turning point” in the show’s arc. That could mean a major transformation for Shaw himself.
Potential Plotlines That Could Lead to Darkness
A Case Gone Wrong
One major failure—or a tragedy that Colter feels responsible for—could be the catalyst that shakes his foundation.
Reconnecting With His Past
If someone from his childhood returns with shocking information, it could unearth a new layer of trauma—and lead to emotionally driven decisions.
Loss of Someone Close
If the show kills off a beloved supporting character, like Bobby or Reenie, it might be enough to push Colter over the edge.
The Emotional Toll on Viewers
From Comfort to Chaos
Fans who see Colter as a moral compass might struggle watching him make grayer choices. But that emotional discomfort? That’s what makes unforgettable TV.
More Relatable Than Ever
Colter going dark doesn’t mean we’ll lose him—it might just make him more human. Everyone has a breaking point. Watching Colter hit his could be the most powerful moment of the series.
Themes That Might Emerge
Redemption
Even if Colter strays, the theme of redemption could shape his journey. Everyone loves a comeback story, and his might be legendary.
Identity Crisis
Season 3 could center around the question: Who is Colter Shaw when the world stops making sense?
Nature vs. Nurture
His survivalist father shaped him. But will Colter embrace that dark legacy, or rewrite his story?
Fan Reactions and Online Buzz
Reddit Threads and Twitter Theories
Fans are already theorizing about a darker Colter. One popular thread reads, “If he goes rogue, I’ll still root for him—but it better be earned.” That’s the key: make the transformation believable.
What Do Viewers Want?
Some want justice. Others want chaos. But everyone wants to see Colter challenged in ways we’ve never seen before.
Conclusion: Is Darkness Inevitable?
So, could Season 3 bring out a darker path for Colter Shaw? All signs point to yes—but not in a cliché or forced way. Instead, we might see a natural evolution of a complex man, one shaped by pain, principle, and peril. If done right, this season could elevate the show to new heights. Whether Colter becomes a vigilante, antihero, or broken hero in need of redemption, one thing’s for sure—we’ll be watching every step of that journey.
