Following the strong season opener, where Tracker released its first-ever two-part episode, Justin Hartley and Elwood Reid have been making the rounds in the press, previewing what fans can expect. One storyline mentioned in multiple interviews involves Colter being hunted. When Harltey spoke with Deadline, he said, “[Colter] finds himself in a situation at a certain point in our season where he’s the one being hunted, which we haven’t seen before. Usually, he’s the one who’s looking for something. That he actually is the one that’s being hunted for a little bit here in the season, I think that’s a pretty cool turn that I think the audience will really enjoy.”
Following the shocking Season 2 finale, Hartley was open about a particular idea that he was very excited about. “I love the idea — and we haven’t seen it yet — of Colter getting a typical job [gone wrong],” Hartley told Variety. “He gets a phone call from whatever, there’s a reward, and he goes in and finds out a little bit too late that this whole thing is a setup, and someone is trying to pin this murder on him.” Over two seasons, Colter has taken down some big fish who may have a vendetta against the lone-wolf survivalist. Any one of them could be behind a frame-up, but it could also be a new culprit who hires Colter just so he can frame him.
As for the timing of this epic shake-up, Elwood Reid spoke to Us Weekly about how important it is to keep Colter human. He’s not a superhero, and he can get hurt. In fact, CBS apparently encourages them to beat up Colter a little. “The network is always like, ‘He can get messed up, he can lose a fight, he can get conked on the head, and he can have a gun pointed at him,'” Reid said, before revealing an important clue to when Tracker will pull the rug out from under the rewardist. “Justin pitched an idea for the season 3 mid-season finale, where it doesn’t go well for Colter.”
The Hunter Becomes the Hunted
“Tracker” has never been short on adrenaline, mystery, and raw emotion — but its upcoming mid-season finale promises to be the turning point fans have been waiting for. Colter Shaw, the skilled survivalist and tracker who thrives on solving dangerous cases, may finally find himself cornered. Instead of being the hunter, all signs point to him becoming the hunted.
Let’s dive deep into what’s brewing for Colter Shaw, the clues dropped so far, and why this mid-season finale could change the trajectory of the entire CBS hit series.
Who Is Colter Shaw? A Quick Refresher
Before we dig into the chaos ahead, let’s take a quick step back. Colter Shaw, played by the talented Justin Hartley, is no ordinary bounty tracker. He’s a man haunted by a complex past and driven by a moral compass that often leads him straight into danger.
He doesn’t work for fame or fortune — Shaw works for truth and justice. But in this mid-season finale, those same instincts might just backfire on him.
The Growing Tension Throughout Season 3
Every episode of Tracker builds on layers of suspense. Colter has taken on more personal and morally tangled cases this season, blurring the lines between hero and target.
Lately, Shaw’s investigations have touched some very dangerous nerves — from corrupt organizations to powerful individuals with secrets they’d kill to keep hidden.
And now, it seems like one of those enemies might be coming for him.
Clues That Colter Shaw May Be Targeted
CBS hasn’t officially confirmed who’s behind the threat, but several story threads have pointed in one ominous direction: Colter’s past.
-
Unfinished business: Earlier in the season, Shaw reopened a case tied to his father’s mysterious death.
-
The shadowy pursuer: Several episodes teased a mysterious figure following Colter’s trail.
-
The insider betrayal: One of Colter’s allies might be working against him, leaking his location and plans.
If you’ve been watching closely, these breadcrumbs are leading to one chilling conclusion — someone is setting up the perfect trap for Colter Shaw.
The Psychological Shift: When Control Slips Away
For a man like Colter, control is everything. He calculates every move, reads every clue, and tracks every suspect. But when the tables turn, and he becomes the prey, that control evaporates.
Imagine a hunter suddenly realizing he’s the one being stalked through the woods he knows best. That’s the exact emotional and psychological tension the mid-season finale is teasing — and fans can’t wait to see it unfold.
Possible Suspects: Who Could Be Hunting Colter Shaw?
Here’s where theories start to fly. Fans have several suspects lined up:
1. An Old Enemy from a Previous Case
Colter’s history of solving dangerous cases means he’s left behind a trail of bitter enemies. One of them could easily return for revenge.
2. A Corrupt Law Enforcement Agent
It wouldn’t be the first time Shaw uncovered corruption — and someone on the inside might want to silence him permanently.
3. A Betrayal Within His Circle
Could someone Colter trusts be pulling the strings? That’s the kind of betrayal that would cut the deepest.
The Family Connection: Shadows from the Past
A recurring theme in Tracker is Colter’s complicated relationship with his family, especially the shadow cast by his father’s mysterious death.
What if the hunter now chasing Colter is tied to that unresolved past? If true, it could mean this finale doesn’t just threaten his life — it could rewrite everything he believes about his own history.
The Cinematic Build-Up: Tension You Can Feel
CBS has mastered the art of a slow burn, and this mid-season finale is no exception. From eerie sound design to heart-pounding chase sequences, every detail has been building to this moment.
It’s not just another episode — it’s a turning point. Expect a mix of survivalist action, emotional revelations, and a cliffhanger that will leave fans gasping.
Fan Reactions: The Internet Is Buzzing
Social media is already on fire with speculation. Hashtags like #TrackerFinale, #ColterShaw, and #TheHunted are trending as fans post theories and frame-by-frame breakdowns of the trailer.
Some believe Shaw might fake his own death to escape. Others think a trusted ally will betray him. Whatever happens, one thing’s clear — the fandom is bracing for chaos.
Why This Twist Works So Well
Turning Colter Shaw from hunter to hunted isn’t just shocking — it’s brilliant storytelling. It flips the core concept of the show and pushes Shaw into unfamiliar emotional territory.
When the man who always knows where to run suddenly has nowhere left to hide, that’s when we see who he truly is.
The Stakes Have Never Been Higher
This isn’t just about survival anymore. It’s about truth, identity, and legacy. Colter’s every decision now carries more weight — and one wrong move could cost him everything.
For a character as layered as Shaw, this kind of high-stakes pressure promises some of Justin Hartley’s best acting yet.
Predictions for the Mid-Season Finale
If Tracker continues its pattern of shocking mid-season turns, we can expect:
-
A massive cliffhanger that leaves Colter’s fate uncertain.
-
A betrayal reveal that fans won’t see coming.
-
A new enemy introduced — one tied directly to Shaw’s past.
And yes, the possibility that Colter Shaw might disappear… temporarily or permanently.
The Future of Tracker After the Finale
With ratings climbing and fan engagement soaring, CBS is almost guaranteed to renew Tracker for another explosive season.
But the question isn’t if the show will return — it’s what state Colter Shaw will be in when it does. Will he emerge broken, vengeful, or reborn?
Behind the Scenes: Justin Hartley’s Perspective
Justin Hartley has hinted in interviews that the finale will “change how viewers see Colter forever.” That’s a bold statement — and one that suggests deep emotional consequences.
If anyone can bring complexity and humanity to a man hunted by his own demons, it’s Hartley.
Conclusion: The Hunt Is On
As we gear up for Tracker’s mid-season finale, one thing’s clear — the game has changed. Colter Shaw is no longer the one calling the shots. The man who could track anyone, anywhere, is about to face his most personal and perilous mission yet: surviving when he’s the target.
The hunter has become the hunted — and the world of Tracker will never be the same again.
