It’s not often that Tracker takes the time to establish villains as potentially coming back for more. In fact, aside from sort-of antagonist Leo Sharf (Pej Vahdat) and the one-and-done serial killer The Teacher (Nicholas Lea), Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) has never gone up against the same adversary more than once. Even in those cases, it’s not like Colter and Sharf were duking it out on the screen, nor did he actually battle the Teacher until the very end of the character’s first on-screen appearance. But in this week’s episode, titled “Eat the Rich,” it appears that the CBS drama may be setting up a returning foil for Colter — and this one has nothing to do with “The Process.”
A Villain Worth Coming Back For
Every great hero needs a great villain. And in Tracker, the CBS hit led by Justin Hartley, that truth is becoming increasingly clear. While Season 1 focused on episodic mysteries and high-stakes rescues, the show has quietly planted seeds for a long-term adversary who could reshape the series. Many fans didn’t catch it at first—but the setup is there, and it’s brilliant.
In this deep-dive, we’ll explore how Tracker laid the foundation for a returning villain who complements, challenges, and threatens Colter Shaw in a way no single-episode antagonist ever has. If the writers follow through, this could become a defining storyline for the series.
Why ‘Tracker’ Needs a Recurring Villain
High-Stakes Drama Needs High-Stakes Opposition
Colter Shaw thrives in chaos, but even chaos needs direction. A recurring villain gives the story a backbone—a thread that connects each hunt, each decision, and each risk he takes. Think of it like tightening a drum: the tension needs consistency or it falls flat.
The Rise of Serialized Storytelling
Even procedural shows are evolving. Audiences crave episodic closure and long-form arcs. A returning villain fits perfectly into today’s hybrid TV landscape, delivering suspense on both ends of the spectrum.
The Mysterious Threat Lurking in Colter’s Backstory
Unearthing Clues About Colter’s Past
Colter’s past has always been more than flashbacks—it’s a psychological map of why he chases the lost, the desperate, and the forgotten. Throughout the season, we’ve been fed breadcrumbs about the shadows tailing him.
A Villain Who Knows Too Much
The best antagonist isn’t the strongest or even the smartest—it’s the one who knows the hero’s weaknesses. And this emerging villain comes equipped with an intimate understanding of Colter’s vulnerabilities, especially the trauma surrounding his father and the fractured Shaw family.
The Perfect Setup — What the Show Has Already Done
Subtle Introductions That Don’t Feel Forced
Many shows introduce villains with a neon sign flashing “REMEMBER ME.” Tracker took a smarter route. Instead of loud entrances, we saw glimmers of a threat—silent, calculated movements behind the scenes.
The Villain’s Motives are Personal
This isn’t just someone Colter stopped once. This villain’s mission appears tied directly to the Shaw legacy, suggesting revenge, obsession, or unfinished business. That emotional connection is the fuel that powers unforgettable conflicts.
A Villain Who Mirrors Colter Shaw
The Shadow-Version Trope Done Right
Great storytelling often pits the hero against a darker version of themselves. This villain seems crafted from the same cloth as Colter: resourceful, nomadic, strategic, and oddly principled.
When Hero and Villain Want the Same Thing
The terrifying part? Their goals overlap. They seek truth, but for completely different reasons. It’s the kind of conflict where you’re never sure who will cross the line first.
How This Villain Elevates the Entire Series
Raising Emotional Stakes
A recurring antagonist brings emotional continuity. Every encounter chips away at Colter’s resolve, forcing him to confront buried fears and moral dilemmas that a case-of-the-week villain could never trigger.
Giving Supporting Characters More to Do
Characters like Bobby, Velma, and Reenie become more than helpers—they become targets, shields, and chess pieces in a larger battle. It tightens the group dynamic and gives the show richer layers.
Colter Shaw’s Heroism Hits a New Level
More Than a Tracker—A Protector
With a true villain in play, Colter is no longer just finding missing people; he’s protecting his world from collapse. That evolution feels natural and necessary.
Testing His Moral Compass
A recurring enemy can push him toward ethically gray decisions. How far is he willing to go? Who is he willing to become?
These questions make for outstanding TV.
The Fan Response — Why Viewers Want This
Social Media Buzz
Even casual fans are pointing out the breadcrumb trail. Discussions on Reddit, X, and Facebook revolve around the mystery figure who keeps slipping between scenes like smoke.
Viewers Love Long-Term Payoff
Audiences enjoy slow-burn arcs. It rewards loyal viewers and gives new ones something to binge for.
Predictions for Season 2 and Beyond
A Cat-and-Mouse Dynamic
Expect a psychological chase—not just physical. The villain will bait Colter, challenge his instincts, and push him into territory he’s avoided for years.
Flashbacks Becoming Future Fuel
Colter’s backstory is far from finished. This antagonist may force him to revisit his family trauma in painful, dangerous ways.
A Show Ready for Bigger Stakes
‘Tracker’ Is Growing Into Its Identity
Season 1 proved the show can hook an audience. Now Season 2 can prove it can keep one. Introducing a recurring villain is the missing puzzle piece.
Why This Setup Works So Well
Because the seeds were planted naturally, viewers feel invested without even realizing it. It’s the same storytelling craftsmanship seen in hits like Person of Interest and The Blacklist.
What Makes This Villain “Perfect”
They Hit Colter Where It Hurts
Emotionally. Mentally. Strategically. This villain doesn’t need brute force—they can dismantle him through his past.
They Fit the Show’s Tone
Not cartoonish. Not supernatural. Just dangerous enough to feel real—like someone who could genuinely exist in Colter’s universe.
Conclusion — A Rival Who Could Redefine ‘Tracker’
Tracker has finally created the perfect storm: a complex villain with deep roots in Colter’s world, a personal motive, and the kind of psychological depth that elevates a series beyond simple procedural storytelling. If the writers continue down this path, fans may be witnessing the birth of one of TV’s most compelling hero-villain rivalries.
