Colter Shaw is going through some changes in Tracker season 2, and while on the surface this new aspect of Colter could be great for his growth, it could also be a detriment to his character. The CBS action-drama season 2 follows Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, a survivalist and tracking expert (hence the show’s name). Colter is a lone wolf who travels the country, making money by helping out private citizens and law enforcement agencies. Going into Tracker season 2, viewers can expect to learn more about Hartley’s character and his past.
Tracker season 1 was quite popular on CBS, as it was not only the network’s highest-rated scripted series in the 2023–2024 season, but also the most-watched scripted show on television. So, season 2 has a lot going for it. Based on Hartley’s teases about Tracker season 2, the writers have wisely adapted the story and built on what worked in season 1. However, one change involving Colter’s character could make or break the series.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Justin Hartley, who is also an executive producer on the CBS action drama, discussed what’s coming for Colter after Tracker season 1 ends. Hartley teased that one episode will bring Colter back to a case he couldn’t solve. In doing so, the series will attempt to humanize the protagonist. “We’re going to introduce [Colter] as a human being, not a superhero,” Hartley explained. “He’s haunted by the fact that he couldn’t solve it, and that’s haunted him for years.”
While it’s always good to have characters humanized in a show, Tracker’s writers need to be careful when comparing him to Colter. If done right, Colter’s transformation would make him a more dynamic and deeper character. However, adding this extra layer to Colter could feel forced and overdone. As a result, the new development could take away from the main character’s skills as a compliment, which is the purpose of the show.
iewers wants to see Colter as an expert in his field, not someone whose faults outweigh his skills. Yes, Colter should be humanized, but not to the point where he’s completely discredited for his work. Based on the first season, however, Tracker season 2 should have no problem developing Colter’s character even more diligently and skillfully.
