One key character needs to return in Tracker season 3 if the Shaw family mystery is to be solved. Tracker season 2 ended with Colter finally discovering it was Otto Waldron who pushed his father Ashton off the cliff on the night he died, along with learning about his mother Mary Dove’s involvement in the matter, per what Otto said. It’s unclear whether Colter’s mother had something to do with Ashton’s death or only knew what he was involved in. Her refusal to talk about their past nevertheless hints at her having something to hide, making her involvement in any form easy to believe. If Colter has to finally solve the Shaw family mystery, one character in particular must return.
The Puzzle That Still Haunts Tracker Fans
Ever since Tracker burst onto the scene, fans have been obsessed with one thing: Colter Shaw’s elusive and tragic family history. But as Season 2 wrapped up, viewers were left with more questions than answers. Who can Colter really trust? What really happened to his father? And more importantly — who holds the missing piece to this mystery?
The truth? The Shaw family mystery won’t be solved — can’t be solved — without the dramatic return of one character fans have been begging to see again. Let’s dig into why this character’s comeback is absolutely necessary in Season 3 and how it could completely flip the series on its head.
Who Is Colter Shaw — And Why Does His Family Matter So Much?
A Quick Recap for Newcomers
Colter Shaw isn’t your average TV hero. He’s a lone-wolf survivalist, a freelance “reward seeker,” and a man driven by justice… and pain. Raised in the wilderness by a paranoid genius of a father and haunted by the trauma of a fractured family, Colter is as layered as they come.
The Shaw Family’s Legacy of Secrets
The Shaw family is like a pressure cooker of emotional trauma and psychological tension. Between his father’s suspicious death, his mother’s disappearance from Colter’s life, and his brother’s instability, this family isn’t just broken — it’s a ticking time bomb.
The Unfinished Business of Season 2
What Season 2 Revealed
Season 2 gave us breadcrumbs — flashbacks, cryptic journal entries, and emotional confrontations — but it never handed us the full truth. We saw glimpses of Colter’s past unravel, but never the whole story.
What’s Still Missing?
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The true circumstances surrounding Ashton Shaw’s death.
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The mystery of his sister Dory’s long absence.
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The coded messages left behind by Colter’s father.
All these pieces are dangling — incomplete without one major key.
The Character Who Holds the Key — Dory Shaw
Who Is Dory Shaw?
Colter’s sister Dory hasn’t been seen since early flashbacks and referenced moments in Season 1. She’s the sibling who walked away, the one person who might know the real truth behind their father’s death, and the only family member left with potential answers.
Why Her Return Is Essential
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She witnessed events Colter didn’t.
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She was close to their mother and might know her whereabouts.
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She carries emotional weight that no other character can offer.
In short, Dory is the only person who can validate, challenge, or reveal the truth about their family’s dark history.
The Emotional Payoff Fans Deserve
Closure for Colter
Colter has spent his life chasing people, rewards, and justice — but what he’s really chasing is closure. And that closure can only come through Dory.
A Sibling Confrontation Years in the Making
Imagine it: Colter and Dory face-to-face in a deserted location, emotions high, secrets pouring out like a dam finally breaking. That’s the kind of TV gold Tracker fans live for.
The Impact on Tracker’s Story Arc
Dory’s Return Would Change Everything
Bringing Dory back wouldn’t just answer old questions — it would open new doors. Her perspective could:
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Reframe Colter’s memories
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Reveal hidden motives behind their father’s paranoia
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Introduce new characters from her post-Shaw life
Pushing Tracker Into New Territory
Her return wouldn’t be a footnote — it would shift Tracker from a show about cases to a show about truth and redemption.
Other Characters Who Need Her Return Too
Colter’s Allies Deserve the Full Story
Characters like Reenie and Teddi, who support Colter’s missions, are just as invested in his well-being. For them, Dory’s return would:
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Help Colter heal emotionally
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Clarify motives behind his risk-taking behavior
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Solidify their trust in him
A Catalyst for Colter’s Evolution
Let’s be honest: Colter is a little emotionally shut off. Dory could be the push he needs to become more open, more human, more… complete.
Fans Are Ready — And Demanding Her Return
Social Media Buzz
Twitter (X), Reddit, and Facebook fan groups are full of speculation about Dory. Her absence is one of the top fan theories and frustrations in the Tracker fandom.
A Trending Opportunity for CBS
Want a viral moment? Announce Dory’s return with a cryptic teaser or a surprise mid-season appearance. The internet will do the rest.
Literary Roots — The Book Connection
Tracker Is Based on Jeffery Deaver’s Work
In Deaver’s original novels, Colter’s family mystery is a slow-burn, high-stakes emotional plotline. Dory plays a vital part in this — even if the show has taken creative liberties.
Staying True to the Source Adds Depth
Bringing back Dory honors the depth of Deaver’s storytelling and keeps longtime readers engaged alongside new fans.
Casting the Role Right Is Crucial
Who Should Play Dory Shaw?
A strong, emotionally resonant actress is essential. Think:
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Tatiana Maslany
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Sarah Paulson
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Jurnee Smollett
Someone who can match Justin Hartley’s intensity and carry the emotional burden of the Shaw legacy.
Why Now Is the Perfect Time
The Series Is at a Narrative Crossroads
With two seasons of groundwork laid, Season 3 needs something fresh, meaningful, and character-driven. Dory’s return is exactly that.
Don’t Miss the Momentum
Tracker is gaining steam. Critics are taking notice. Viewers are doubling. A well-timed reveal could elevate it to “must-watch” status.
Building Toward the Ultimate Shaw Revelation
All Roads Lead to the Past
Colter’s cases may be in the present, but his purpose is rooted in the past. Without confronting Dory, that past stays incomplete.
Conclusion: It’s Time to Bring Dory Shaw Home
Let’s not sugarcoat it — Tracker Season 3 needs a shot of adrenaline, mystery, and heart. And that means bringing Dory Shaw back into the picture. She’s the missing piece, the emotional anchor, and the ultimate truth-teller in Colter’s life.
Colter’s journey can’t move forward until he looks back — and Dory is the mirror he needs to face.
