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.
The calm before the storm is over. Tracker fans are buzzing, and one question looms large—is Colter Shaw about to lose his moral compass? With two seasons of righting wrongs and tracking the lost, viewers are starting to sense a shift in tone. Could Season 3 finally take Colter down a darker, more dangerous road?
Let’s dig into the clues, predictions, and implications for a potential transformation that could redefine Tracker as we know it.
Who Is Colter Shaw? A Quick Refresher
Before we dive into the murky waters of speculation, let’s revisit the man of the hour. Colter Shaw, portrayed by Justin Hartley, is a reward-seeker with a code—guided more by principle than paycheck.
He’s not a bounty hunter. Not a cop. He’s something in between: a professional tracker with a tragic past and a thirst for justice.
The Psychology Behind the Tracker
Haunted by a Broken Family
Colter’s motivations are rooted in trauma—his genius father’s death, his unstable upbringing, and a fractured family dynamic. These scars run deep. And as we know, trauma is fuel for both justice… and vengeance.
The Obsession with Control
Colter has always operated with precision, logic, and detachment. But what happens when control slips away? That’s often the turning point for any hero’s descent into darkness.
Season 2 Left Us with Hints of Change
More Emotion, More Risk
Season 2 showed us a Colter who wasn’t just solving puzzles—he was starting to care too much. That’s dangerous. For someone who’s always relied on calculation, emotional investment could cloud judgment and lead to reckless decisions.
Crossing Ethical Lines?
In several episodes, Colter took justice into his own hands. Fans noticed a shift in tone. Fewer rules. More gray areas. Could this be the early signs of moral decay?
What a Darker Colter Shaw Might Look Like
A Vigilante with a Vendetta
Season 3 could introduce a Colter who doesn’t just track people for rewards—he hunts them to make them pay. Think Batman, but without the cape or conscience.
Broken Trust With Allies
Expect friction. Allies like Bobby Exley and Reenie might pull away if Colter starts making unilateral calls or using people as pawns in his missions.
Manipulation Over Morality
A darker Colter might manipulate outcomes rather than merely observe and solve. We could see him setting traps rather than just finding people.
Tracker Season 3 Themes That Could Support This Shift
Revenge Arc Possibility
A personal betrayal or death could spark a thirst for vengeance. That would justify a new, edgier version of Colter—and give the writers freedom to explore moral ambiguity.
Exploring Gray Morality
Tracker has already touched on nuanced justice. Season 3 could lean fully into the idea that justice isn’t always black and white—and neither is Colter Shaw.
How Fans Are Reacting to the Possibility
Social Media Buzz
Reddit threads, X (formerly Twitter) posts, and fan forums are full of speculation. Some fans welcome a darker Colter—they see it as evolution. Others fear it’ll break what makes the character special.
The Anti-Hero Trend in TV
Let’s be honest—anti-heroes are everywhere now. From Walter White to Dexter Morgan, viewers are drawn to flawed protagonists. Colter turning dark would be on-trend and attention-grabbing.
Clues From Behind the Scenes
Cast and Crew Teasers
Justin Hartley himself has hinted that “Season 3 gets personal.” Personal often means emotional—and emotional usually means mistakes. Dangerous ones.
Director’s Shift in Tone
If the directing gets grittier, with darker lighting and more violent scenes, it’s often a subtle cue that the show is heading into morally murky territory.
Possible Storylines That Could Trigger the Descent
A Betrayal from Someone Close
Imagine Bobby or Reenie being compromised or turning against him. That could be the emotional shove Colter needs to spiral.
Discovering a Government Conspiracy
Uncovering a cover-up or manipulation by the authorities could shake Colter’s belief in the justice system—and push him toward vigilante behavior.
Revenge for a Loved One
If someone he cares about is hurt or killed, all bets are off. That could turn Colter from methodical to merciless.
Will He Return From the Darkness?
If Season 3 does show Colter’s descent, the big question will be—can he come back from it? Redemption arcs are powerful, but they only work if the fall is deep enough.
Why a Darker Path Could Be Good for the Show
Keeps the Narrative Fresh
By adding complexity to Colter’s character, the show avoids formulaic plots and opens up new creative possibilities.
Attracts a Broader Audience
A darker tone often brings in viewers who prefer intense, psychological drama over procedural crime-solving.
Risks of Making Colter Too Dark
Losing Core Fans
If the show goes too dark, it risks alienating fans who love Colter’s moral backbone and sense of justice.
Losing the Emotional Core
Colter’s connection to the people he helps is what makes him relatable. Going full anti-hero could erode that emotional thread.
Final Thoughts – Is Season 3 the Turning Point?
It might be. The foundation is laid. The trauma is brewing. And the tone is shifting.
If done right, a darker Colter Shaw could elevate Tracker from a solid procedural to an unforgettable psychological drama. But it’s a delicate line to walk—go too far, and you lose the essence of what made us love him in the first place.
