Tracker has earned a large following, becoming a popular procedural series, but one season 2 decision frustrated fans and should not be repeated in season 3. The series is inspired by the novel The Never Game by Jeffrey Deaver, but the series has many more cases than that novel allows for. It follows Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) as he tracks down the missing in exchange for a reward every week. There is, however, another longer mystery outside of those cases of the week that has been playing out since the beginning of the show.
It’s that overarching mystery and the issues surrounding it that have been frustrating fans of the show. With its charming cast, compelling puzzles, and unique way of presenting new cases, Tracker has been very successful outside the mystery of Colter’s past. Colter’s vague mentions of his childhood have led the show to the mystery of who killed his father, why, and just who his father really was. Tracker season 2, however, did not handle the mystery or the twist behind Ashton Shaw (Lee Tergesen) very well.
If you’re like most Tracker fans, you’re still reeling from that jaw-dropping Ashton Shaw twist. It was the kind of reveal that shakes up an entire series, injecting fresh energy, suspense, and emotional weight into a show that thrives on mystery and character-driven drama.
But here’s the thing—if Tracker Season 3 wants to capitalize on that momentum, it absolutely cannot repeat the most frustrating decision Season 2 made. Otherwise? All that excitement might just fizzle out before it even starts. So what exactly was that misstep? Let’s break it all down—and more importantly, let’s talk about how Season 3 can right the ship.
The Ashton Shaw Twist: A Game-Changer
Who Is Ashton Shaw?
Ashton Shaw isn’t just another name in Colter Shaw’s sprawling web of mysteries—she’s a connection to his past. A character loaded with emotional significance and backstory potential.
Why the Reveal Mattered
Introducing Ashton felt like unlocking a door to deeper storytelling. She brings with her questions about trust, trauma, and redemption. That’s powerful stuff if handled right.
Season 2’s Biggest Mistake: The Villain-of-the-Week Formula
Too Episodic, Not Enough Continuity
While Tracker Season 2 gave us some compelling cases, it leaned way too hard on the procedural format. Each episode often felt like a standalone, with little connection to an overarching narrative.
Why That Was Frustrating
We want development. We crave continuity. Without it, the emotional stakes vanish. Viewers need to feel the consequences of each episode—not reset like nothing happened.
The Power of Serialized Storytelling
What Season 3 Needs to Do Differently
If Ashton Shaw is sticking around—and she absolutely should—then the show needs to build a serialized arc around her. Think slow-burn suspense, emotional flashbacks, and evolving relationships.
Serialized ≠ Sacrificing Casework
Don’t ditch the weekly cases entirely—just tie them back to the main story. Let them serve the overarching plot instead of distracting from it.
Character Development Must Take Center Stage
Colter Shaw Deserves More Depth
We’ve seen Colter chase fugitives, solve mysteries, and battle his own demons. But with Ashton in the picture, it’s time to peel back more layers.
Ashton’s Role in Colter’s Growth
Ashton shouldn’t just be a plot device. Her presence must challenge Colter—emotionally, morally, and psychologically. That’s where the real character gold is.
Let Relationships Drive the Drama
Don’t Be Afraid of Emotion
We need real, raw, emotionally charged moments. Not just the “save the day” type, but the ones that leave you thinking about the characters long after the credits roll.
Colter and Ashton’s Complex Bond
Are they allies? Enemies? Somewhere in between? Use that tension. Explore it. Let it breathe across episodes.
Raise the Stakes: Make Actions Matter
Stop Resetting Every Episode
Every decision, every risk, every failure—let it have lasting consequences. That’s how you hook an audience and keep them coming back.
Play the Long Game
Plant seeds early and let them pay off later. Viewers love connecting the dots and feeling rewarded for paying attention.
Introduce a Compelling Season-Long Antagonist
The Missing Puzzle Piece
Season 2 lacked a strong, consistent villain. That needs to change. Ashton Shaw’s twist could introduce—or be linked to—a larger threat.
Think Bigger, Bolder
Don’t be afraid to go dark. Give us a villain who is personal, unpredictable, and ever-present in the shadows.
Use Flashbacks Wisely
Ashton’s Backstory Deserves Spotlight
We don’t need exposition dumps. Instead, sprinkle in flashbacks that give us insight into Ashton’s past, her connection to Colter, and her motives.
Balance Is Key
Use just enough to intrigue without overwhelming. Keep the present timeline moving forward.
Lean Into Psychological Thrills
Play With Perception
What if Ashton isn’t entirely trustworthy? What if Colter questions his own instincts? Dive into the psychological warfare—it’s a goldmine for suspense.
Mind Games Over Gunfights
Sure, action’s great. But the best drama comes from mind games, manipulation, and characters outwitting one another.
Let the Audience In On the Mystery
More Clues, More Engagement
Season 3 should reward observant viewers. Hide clues in dialogue, flashbacks, and case details. Make the mystery a game the audience wants to play.
Interactive Viewing
When fans are theorizing between episodes, you’ve got them hooked. Lean into that.
Build a Core Team
Colter Doesn’t Have to Go It Alone
A stronger supporting cast makes the story richer. Bring Ashton in. Give us recurring allies. Make us care about the group dynamic.
Team Tension = Great TV
Allies with conflicting morals? Yes, please. Let internal conflict drive external results.
Don’t Forget the Emotional Resolution
Closure Matters
Don’t just dangle emotional arcs—resolve them. Give Colter and Ashton moments of clarity, conflict, and catharsis.
Let Pain Fuel Purpose
Use past trauma as motivation. Make it real. Make it matter.
Avoid Red Herrings for Shock Value
Surprises Should Serve the Story
Don’t toss in fake-outs just to get social media buzzing. Every twist should push the plot forward, not sideways.
Earn the Shocks
Ashton’s twist worked because it was earned. Keep that up.
Give the Show a Clear Identity
Is It a Procedural or a Thriller?
Pick a lane—or better yet, blend them seamlessly. Season 3 must know what kind of story it’s telling and commit to it.
Consistency Builds Loyalty
When tone, pacing, and style align, viewers feel grounded. They trust the journey.
Conclusion: A Crucial Crossroads
Tracker has always had potential, but Ashton Shaw’s twist kicks open the door to something deeper. Now’s the time to evolve, to lean into serialized storytelling, to develop characters, and to finally deliver on the promise that Season 2 teased but never fulfilled.
If Season 3 repeats the villain-of-the-week formula with no emotional payoff? That’s not just a step backward—it’s a deal-breaker.
But if it learns from its past and builds forward with intention, Tracker could go from a good show to a truly great one.
