What Happens in “Leverage”? (Plot Synopsis)
In Episode 2 of Tracker Season 3, titled “Leverage”, Colter and his estranged brother Russell discover that their disruption of a sinister underground operation known as “The Process” has far deeper consequences. The pair must race against time to uncover the origin of this chain reaction and put an end to it once and for all.
After fracturing the continuity of this clandestine system, the brothers confront unexpected adversaries and shifting allegiances. The tension ramps up as each clue drags them closer to unraveling a web of betrayal and secrecy.
Air Date & Where to Watch
The episode airs on Sunday, October 26, 2025, 8:30-9:30 pm ET/PT on CBS.
You can also stream it via Paramount+ — either live (for Premium plan subscribers) or on demand (for Essential plan users the day after broadcast).
Creative Team & Notable Cast
Director & Production
Though the director’s name has not been prominently disclosed in the press release, “Leverage” marks the second part of the two-episode season premiere, continuing the momentum from “The Process.”
The series credits Justin Hartley, Ken Olin, Elwood Reid, Ben Winters, and Jeffrey Deaver as executive producers.
Key Cast
-
Justin Hartley returns as Colter Shaw, the cerebral hunter of missing persons and secrets.
-
Jensen Ackles makes a guest appearance as Russell Shaw, Colter’s brother, rejoining for this pivotal arc.
-
Supporting cast includes the usual ensemble: Abby McEnany, Eric Graise, Fiona Rene, Robin Weigert, Mary McDonnell, and others.
How “Leverage” Fits Into the Season Arc
Episode 2 doesn’t just deliver another case — it raises the stakes of the season’s central mythology. By exposing “The Process” as more than a side plot, the writers pull Colter and Russell into the heart of the conspiracy driving the narrative.
Where earlier seasons leaned heavily on stand-alone “missing person” stories, Tracker Season 3 leans harder into serialized intrigue. The implications of “Leverage” suggest that Colter is no longer just chasing cases — he’s chased.
The Process — What We Know So Far
“The Process” is depicted as a chain of events or underground operation whose influence reaches farther than initially assumed. In disrupting it, Colter and Russell release a cascade of consequences.
The exact nature of The Process — its origin, purpose, and overseers — remains shrouded in mystery. Episode 2 likely lifts some veils, but not all. Expect more reveals in subsequent episodes.
S3E1 Recap — “The Process” (For Context)
The premiere (S3E1: “The Process”) sets the stage: Colter grapples with the shocking truth about his father’s death, and he and Russell join forces to track a missing wife and daughter connected to Reenie’s client.
Their disruption of The Process in Episode 1 flows directly into Episode 2, making Leverage a direct continuation of that plotline rather than a standalone case.
Key Themes & Tensions Unfolding
Family Trauma & Secrets
As the brothers dig deeper, they must confront the emotional wreckage of their
Trust and Betrayal
Episode 2 reveals just how thin trust can be in Colter’s world. With forces in The Process potentially operating from within, alliances may crumble when least expected.
Cause & Effect in a Web of Consequences
The title “Leverage” is apt: an action in one corner of the network exerts pressure elsewhere. Every move by Colter and Russell reverberates — for better or worse.
Character Arcs to Watch
-
Colter Shaw — He must balance his instinct as a tracker with the moral weight of what he’s uncovered.
-
Russell Shaw — Pushed from the sidelines into the heart of the conspiracy, Russell’s decisions could make or break the brothers’ bond.
-
Reenie Greene & Team — The supporting cast will likely play critical roles in interpreting clues, acting as sounding boards, or getting caught in the crossfire.
Anticipated Spoiler Alerts & What Might Happen
While full spoilage is off the table, here’s what viewers should watch for:
-
Deeper revelations about how The Process was designed.
-
New antagonists or corrupted insiders within the system.
-
A fracture in sibling loyalty — Russell and Colter may clash over methodology or motive.
-
Subplots from earlier seasons (e.g. family mythology, past mysteries) intersecting with The Process.
-
Foreshadowing of bigger showdowns later in the season.
Why “Leverage” Could Be a Fan Favorite
-
It’s part two of a premiere, so momentum and stakes are high.
-
It’s more serialized than past episodes — fans of mystery arcs will love it.
-
Returning characters and expanded mythology offer emotional payoffs.
-
The pacing and tension are likely sharpened, with fewer “case-of-the-week” distractions.
How This Episode May Change Tracker’s Formula
Up to now, Tracker balanced procedural storytelling (find someone, wrap it up) with slow-burn family mystery. With Leverage, the show may be shifting more toward serialized thriller territory — the kind of storytelling that rewards binge-watching.
Viewer Expectations & Speculation
-
Fans will expect meaningful revelations about The Process.
-
Many will watch for how Colter handles moral compromises.
-
There’s speculation that Leverage could introduce new recurring threats.
-
Some believe this episode will deepen the overarching mystery around the Shaw family.
Where “Leverage” Connects to Past Seasons
-
The show’s signature “missing person” structure recedes here, but echoes remain (e.g. disappearing, hidden crimes).
-
Mystery threads about Colter’s father and family lore may resurface and weave into The Process.
-
Themes of trust, shadowy organizations, and moral ambiguity resonate stronger now than ever before.
Behind the Scenes — Production & Creative Direction
While specific crew credits are sparse in public materials, Leverage continues under the show’s established leadership: Elwood Reid as showrunner, with production by 20th Television and creative oversight from Hartley, Olin, Reid, Winters, and Deaver.
The decision to open the season with a two-part arc signals the creators’ intent to anchor the season in serialized drama.
Key Takeaways Before You Watch
-
Leverage is a direct continuation of the season premiere, not a standalone tale.
-
The stakes are higher — secrets, family dynamics, and conspiracies collide.
-
Be ready for revelations, moral quandaries, and shifting allegiances.
-
It may reshape your expectations for what Tracker will be this season.
-
Watch for moments that seem small — they could become pivotal.
Conclusion
Tracker Season 3, Episode 2 — “Leverage” confidently leans into the mythology that’s long simmered beneath the show’s procedural surface. With Colter and Russell thrust into the heart of The Process, viewers are in for a tense, revelation-packed hour where no trust is safe and every action has consequence. If you’ve followed the series so far, this episode may redefine what Tracker is capable of — blending mystery, family drama, and suspense into a single, potent brew.
