Speaking of Ashton Shaw, the Tracker season 2 finale finally remembered his mystery is as yet unresolved, and finally started to give it momentum. With the Tracker season 2 finale finally revealing who murdered Colter’s father – but not why – season 3 seems set to finally unravel the mystery of why Ashton was killed that night all those years ago. Like last season, each of Colter’s family members made a brief appearance this season, but that will have to change if the show is well and truly going to dig into the Ashton Shaw mystery.
From a narrative standpoint, it makes sense to have Colter’s mom appear in Tracker season 3 more – after all, she’s the one who asked Otto Waldron to kill her husband. Rather, Otto said that Mary asked for his help, implying that she asked him to kill Ashton, but that’s not what Otto explicitly said. As such, Mary will be a key player moving forward. As for Dory, she’s an interesting character we haven’t gotten to see much of, and Russell, well, Russell just needs to be in the show more. Jensen Ackles and Justin Hartley make a great on-screen team and we need more of them.
Colter Shaw is a rugged, lone-wolf tracker who solves crimes and rescues the missing. But here’s the thing—how well do we really know him?
We know he’s a genius survivalist with a complicated past, but the show Tracker has only scratched the surface when it comes to his family. If you’re like most fans, you’ve probably found yourself asking: Where’s the emotional depth? Where’s the family drama that shaped this man? It’s time to shine a light on the people who made Colter who he is—his family.
Why Family Backstory Matters in Character Development
Audiences Crave Relatable Characters
When we connect emotionally to a character, it’s usually because of their background—what they’ve been through, who raised them, and what relationships shaped them.
Colter’s skills are impressive, sure. But what about his internal struggles? His scars? His values?
That’s where family comes in.
More Layers = More Drama
Adding family dynamics opens the door to flashbacks, old grudges, painful memories, and unexpected alliances. It’s not just good writing—it’s compelling television.
Who Are Colter’s Family Members? Let’s Break Them Down
Ashton Shaw – The Father with a Mind Like a Maze
Colter’s dad was a survivalist and paranoid genius. Brilliant? Yes. Stable? Not so much.
Imagine a few episodes diving into Ashton’s teachings—and how they messed with Colter’s psyche. You’d have a goldmine of psychological tension.
Mary Dove Shaw – The Mother Torn Between Love and Logic
Mary Dove was intelligent and loving, but conflicted. Her loyalty to Ashton and her children was a tightrope walk.
Exploring her inner conflict could shed light on Colter’s emotional isolation and his craving for justice.
Russell Shaw – The Rebel Sibling
Russell disappeared under mysterious circumstances, triggering Colter’s current life of chasing missing people.
Why not give Russell some screen time? Whether alive or as part of Colter’s memory, he’s a key to understanding Colter’s obsession with saving others.
Story Arcs That Could Shake Up the Series
Flashbacks to Childhood Survival Drills
Imagine a young Colter being blindfolded and dropped in the woods by his father. These scenes would add grit and empathy—plus, they’re cinematic gold.
A Custody Battle or Legal Twist
What if a family member reappeared with claims about inheritance or a dark family secret? Cue the courtroom drama!
Investigating Russell’s Disappearance
Let Colter investigate what really happened to Russell. Was it murder? Suicide? Escape? This could easily stretch across multiple episodes.
Missed Opportunities in Season 1
The Emotional Disconnect
Fans loved the action, but some criticized the lack of emotional core. Colter’s stoicism is cool, but it lacks heart when we don’t see what he’s fighting for emotionally.
Background Cameos, Not Character Building
When family was mentioned, it felt rushed—like a checkbox on a character sheet. That’s a wasted opportunity for world-building.
How To Make Colter’s Family More Prominent (And Keep Viewers Hooked)
Cast Big Names as Family Members
Think about it: A-list guest stars playing Colter’s parents or siblings could boost ratings and add narrative weight.
Use Journals, Flashbacks, and Voiceovers
Give Colter a journal from his dad. Let him narrate a flashback. Use dreams or hallucinations to bring family voices back.
Parallel Plotlines
Run a secondary arc where we follow what’s happening with his family in real-time. Maybe one of them is in trouble. Maybe one becomes a villain.
Fan Reactions Speak Volumes
What the Audience is Saying
Just scroll through social media—fans want to know more about Colter’s upbringing. They’re not just watching for the thrill; they’re watching for the feels.
Engagement Is Higher When There’s Emotional Payoff
Episodes with a deeper backstory see better engagement. It’s simple: the more we care, the more we watch.
Psychological Gold: How Family Trauma Drives Colter
Colter doesn’t just track people—he needs to track them. It’s how he copes. That compulsion probably started after Russell’s disappearance and his father’s breakdown.
Give us scenes of Colter wrestling with these inner demons, and we’ve got a next-level character.
Creative Opportunities for Writers
Experiment with Narrative Formats
Try a full flashback episode. Or even a Rashomon-style narrative where each family member remembers events differently.
Emotional Cliffhangers
End an episode with a twist about Colter’s mom—maybe she’s alive. Or maybe she left because she knew something.
Other Shows That Nailed Family Dynamics
Examples from Hit Shows
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Breaking Bad thrived on family tension.
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The Blacklist was built on hidden parentage.
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This Is Us made audiences sob just by unpacking childhood trauma.
So why can’t Tracker do the same?
What the Writers Need to Hear
If the showrunners are listening, here’s the takeaway: Colter’s family isn’t a footnote—they’re the foundation. Ignoring them limits the story’s emotional depth and rewatch value.
Final Thoughts: It’s Time to Go Deeper
Colter Shaw isn’t just a tracker. He’s a son, a brother, a product of trauma and brilliance. That makes for rich storytelling if the show leans in.
By making his family more prominent, Tracker can shift from being a solid procedural to a standout character-driven drama.
