It’s easy to love a show like Tracker because it takes the time to put its lead hero, Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley), in new and intense situations every week. The road show element is also a compelling factor, as Colter finds himself wandering all across the country taking jobs that put him in dangerous circumstances that often call for deliberate gunplay. That’s not to mention his lone wolf mentality, and that he often jumps into situations ready to aim and fire at a moment’s notice. If you, too, have noticed all of these elements, then you probably know where I’m going. Of all the genres that I’d love this show to tackle, Tracker needs to commit to a full-on Western-themed episode in Season 3. It’s about time.
I Need ‘Tracker’ To Commit to a Western Episode in Season 3
Introduction: When Modern Thrill Meets Old-School Grit
You know what’s missing from Tracker? A Western episode.
Yes, seriously. The show’s got all the pieces—grit, edge, tension, and a lone-wolf hero. So why not take things back to the root of all rugged, justice-seeking stories—the Wild West? Imagine Colter Shaw riding a horse across a dusty desert, chasing a bounty with six-shooter energy but 2025 tech. The vibe? Chef’s kiss.
If Season 3 wants to keep things fresh and viral, it needs to go bold. Let’s talk about why a Western-themed episode could be a game-changer.Why A Western Episode Makes Sense for ‘Tracker’
Colter Shaw Is Already a Modern Cowboy
Let’s break it down—Colter is basically a cowboy without the hat.
He rides solo, tracks fugitives and missing people, and relies on intuition and survival skills. Put him in boots and spurs, and you wouldn’t notice a difference. A Western setting just adds more flair to the character he already embodies.
Westerns Are Timeless, Not Outdated
Some might argue that Westerns are “old-fashioned.” But guess what?
Shows like Westworld and Yellowstone prove that when done right, Western aesthetics can dominate modern pop culture. It’s not about dusty stereotypes anymore—it’s about reviving the genre with nuance, diversity, and style.
The Show Needs a Thematic Shake-Up
By Season 3, even the best shows risk feeling formulaic.
A genre switch—even if just for one episode—gives fans something they don’t expect. It’s like that one musical episode in Buffy or Grey’s Anatomy—risky, bold, unforgettable.
How a Western Episode Could Look for ‘Tracker’
Location, Location, Location
A Western-style episode doesn’t need time travel. It just needs the right backdrop.
Imagine Colter heading to a remote Arizona town where time feels frozen. No signal, no law enforcement—just a town governed by dusty tradition and dark secrets.
Flashback or Cosplay—There Are Creative Routes
Maybe the episode is a flashback. Or maybe it’s a modern-day town hosting a Western festival gone wrong. Either way, the aesthetic is there: saloons, horses, outlaw vibes, and tense shootouts (or at least standoffs).
A Unique Villain with Western Energy
To make it work, the antagonist must feel like an outlaw.
Think: a charismatic cult leader or a fugitive with a cowboy past. A showdown at high noon wouldn’t feel out of place—it would feel epic.
The Entertainment Value Is Through the Roof
Visually Stunning Scenes
Wide shots of open plains, sun-drenched dirt roads, and Colter in cowboy gear?
Fans would eat that up. Instagram and TikTok would blow up with fan edits, memes, and cowboy-core thirst traps.
A Soundtrack Made for Viral Moments
Picture it: Johnny Cash, modern trap-country blends, maybe even some outlaw blues.
Music alone could push the episode into viral status. It’s a vibe—and one the show hasn’t tapped into yet.
Social Media Would Lose Its Mind
Western-themed anything trends like wildfire.
Add in a lead like Justin Hartley in a cowboy hat and boom—you’ve got trending topics, GIFs, and enough memes to carry the show’s promotion for weeks.
From A Narrative Standpoint, It Adds Depth
Colter’s Backstory Could Tie In
We still don’t know everything about Colter’s past.
A Western episode could explore a case linked to his childhood or a lesson from his survivalist father. It’s thematic, emotional, and filled with tension.
Exploring Justice in the Old and New World
The contrast between frontier justice and modern justice could make for brilliant storytelling.
What happens when Colter is faced with a situation where the law isn’t there to help—and he must decide between doing what’s legal and doing what’s right?
Fan Engagement Would Skyrocket
Fan Art and Fiction Potential Is Huge
Western AU (alternate universe) content is already beloved in fan communities.
One episode in that style would spark waves of fan creativity—everything from artwork to short stories to cosplay.
It Opens the Door for Future Genre Episodes
This wouldn’t have to be a one-time thing.
Once the show successfully pulls off a Western episode, it could explore other genre-bending styles—noir, cyberpunk, thriller. Fans love variety, and this would prove Tracker can pull off anything.
Other Shows Have Done It—and Nailed It
Supernatural’s Cowboy Episode Was Iconic
Remember when Supernatural went full Wild West?
It became one of the most beloved episodes of the series. Mixing humor, grit, and plot advancement, it’s the perfect example of how genre-mixing can work wonders.
Even Sci-Fi Shows Take the Western Route
Firefly. The Mandalorian.
Both shows used Western tropes to build entire worlds. If a space western works, a grounded one in Tracker’s universe could absolutely kill.
It Would Reignite Media Buzz Around Tracker
Journalists Love a Genre Twist
A Western episode would give entertainment sites something fresh to write about.
It’s a headline waiting to happen: “Tracker Goes Western—and Fans Are Losing It.” It keeps the show culturally relevant and top of mind.
It Could Attract a Broader Audience
Western fans. Cosplay lovers. Music heads.
The crossover appeal is real. One strong episode could draw in viewers who never gave the show a shot.
Conclusion: Saddle Up, Tracker. It’s Time.
Tracker is a hit—but to stay a hit, it needs to take smart risks.
A Western-themed episode in Season 3 would be bold, unique, and unforgettable. It fits Colter Shaw’s character, opens narrative possibilities, and offers massive fan and media appeal.
So here’s our plea to the writers and showrunners:
Give us the cowboy boots. Give us the showdown. Give us the Western episode we didn’t know we needed.
Because once Colter straps on a holster and stares down a villain in the desert heat…
we’ll all be yelling, “Yeehaw!”
