The only other solution that makes any remote sense is if Reenie took the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE). This exam is applicable in every state within the United States except for California, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, Nevada, South Dakota, Virginia, and Wisconsin. We know that Colter has worked in a handful of those states in Season 2 alone (California in “Echo Ridge” and Louisiana in “Exodus”), so this wouldn’t explain her involvement in every episode, but it may offer some sort of explanation for how she can operate in so many different states. However, it should be noted that even the UBE isn’t an end-all-be-all, as it doesn’t grant universal admission into every state. One would still have to apply to practice in many of the states that Colter has worked in, even after taking the UBE.
Additionally, even if one takes the UBE, there are still state-specific requirements that a lawyer would have to meet in order to practice law in said state. These can include licensing fees, passing a character and fitness check, and more. These aren’t exactly cheap either, and even if Colter is paying a hefty retainer fee to keep Reenie around, all of these costs (and keeping them current) would certainly add up over time. So, while it’s entirely possible that this is the route that Reenie has gone, it still doesn’t fully account for how she manages to have a legal foothold in just about every state that Colter finds himself in. It’s a bit of a television mystery, one that Tracker will likely never take the time to accurately disclose.
“Tracker” has gripped audiences with its fast-paced action, sharp storytelling, and a lead who’s as mysterious as he is magnetic. But if you’ve been paying close attention, there’s one glaring issue many fans can’t unsee: How does Colter Shaw always arrive just in time, every time? Is he psychic? Lucky? Or are the writers bending time and space? Well, there’s sort of a way they’re getting around this plot hole—and it’s sneakier than you think.
Who Is Colter Shaw, and Why Does Timing Matter?
The Basics of Colter Shaw
Colter isn’t your average bounty hunter. He’s a “rewardist” who crisscrosses the country solving missing persons cases and tracking fugitives—for a price.
Why His Arrival Timing Raises Eyebrows
If you’ve watched even a handful of episodes, you’ve probably noticed this pattern:
Just when all hope is lost… Colter appears. It’s like clockwork. Or a GPS-guided sixth sense.
Breaking Down the Plot Hole
What’s the Actual Problem Here?
Colter somehow always finds himself at the right place at the right time—without clear context for how he got there so fast or figured it out so precisely. No traffic, no wrong turns, no second-guessing.
Unrealistic Travel and Information Flow
The show rarely shows him making mistakes or being late. That breaks immersion because, let’s be honest—real tracking is messy, chaotic, and time-consuming.
So, How Does ‘Tracker’ Get Around It?
The “Sort Of” Explanation That Works
Rather than giving a solid explanation, Tracker uses narrative techniques to “mask” this problem:
Strategic Phone Calls and Flashbacks
Ever notice how Colter gets long, detailed calls with background info just before a scene jump? These aren’t just to build suspense—they’re doing heavy lifting, covering the gaps in logic.
Elliptical Time Jumps
Writers often skip over travel details entirely. If it’s not shown, it didn’t “need” to happen. That lets the audience assume he figured it out logically—even when the timeline doesn’t add up.
Editing Magic and Viewer Assumptions
Pacing That Distracts You From Questioning
The show is fast-paced on purpose. The goal? Keep you too engaged to notice plot inconsistencies. It’s like a magician waving one hand while the other pulls the trick.
Compressed Timelines = Compressed Reality
Scenes feel like they happen in real-time, but there’s often a 12- to 24-hour gap. Since it’s not mentioned, the audience fills in the blanks with assumptions.
The Genius of “Selective Realism”
What Is Selective Realism in Storytelling?
It’s when shows choose to be realistic about some things while conveniently skipping others. “Tracker” uses real-world tech, lingo, and tactics to seem accurate—then glosses over time and distance.
It’s All About Suspension of Disbelief
Colter is smart, capable, and mysterious—so we forgive the logic gaps. It’s not lazy writing; it’s calculated storytelling.
How the Show Sets Up Its Own Loophole
World-Building That Supports the Shortcut
By establishing Colter as a genius survivalist and researcher, the writers give him narrative permission to be one step ahead.
His Background Justifies the Convenience
He’s ex-military, tech-savvy, and trained by a prepper father. That’s enough to sell the idea that he’s always prepared, even when it’s not shown on screen.
Tech Talk—Is GPS Really That Good?
The Role of Tech in Skipping the Struggle
Colter often uses high-tech gear—drones, GPS, databases—which does give him an edge. The audience sees these tools and fills in the logic.
He’s Not Guessing—He’s Tracking Like a Pro
Even if the show doesn’t show every detail, we’re supposed to assume he’s triangulating data, analyzing terrain, and making educated predictions.
Colter Shaw = Modern-Day Sherlock Holmes
It’s Not About the Journey—It’s About the Insight
Like Holmes, Colter uses pattern recognition, psychology, and deduction. That makes his sudden appearances feel earned—even if they stretch reality.
What This Says About TV Audiences
Do Viewers Really Want Every Detail?
Probably not. Most audiences value pacing and suspense over gritty realism. “Tracker” knows this and leans into it.
Should the Writers Do More?
A Little More Logic Could Go a Long Way
While the tricks work, just a few more lines of exposition or scene setups could solidify believability—without losing momentum.
Final Thoughts – Why It Still Works
Because Story Comes First
At the end of the day, “Tracker” works because it’s fun, tense, and gripping. That minor plot hole? It’s there—but it doesn’t ruin the ride.
Conclusion: You’ve Been (Sort Of) Tricked—And That’s Okay
The so-called plot hole in Tracker isn’t a mistake—it’s a strategy. Through clever pacing, character development, and visual storytelling, the show bypasses realism in favor of entertainment. And the truth is, most of us don’t mind. We want the thrill, the mystery, the last-second saves. Realism can take a back seat—as long as we’re having fun. So next time Colter appears out of nowhere like a cowboy superhero, just remember: that’s the point.
