Tracker has mishandled its central storyline (aka the Shaw family mystery), but one update suggests the show is getting back on track in season 3. Throughout the CBS action drama’s first two seasons, the question of who killed Ashton Shaw has hung over the plot. The premiere teased his death, and after the season 2 finale, we finally know who murdered Ashton.
Series regulars Abby McEnany (who played Velma Bruin) and Eric Graise (who starred as Bobby Exley) won’t return in Tracker season 3. This means that only two original main characters, Colter Shaw and Reenie Greene, remain after season 2.
There is still a lot that fans don’t know about the Shaw family mystery. So, heading into Tracker season 3, many are anticipating learning more about what exactly happened the night Colter’s father died and the events leading up to his death. The good news is that, unlike before, the TV series won’t leave the audience hanging for very long.
On July 30, Jensen Ackles posted a video of himself on the set of Tracker season 3 on his Instagram page. He was sitting outside his trailer, slyly informing fans that his character, Russell Shaw, is returning to Tracker, while also promoting his current series, Prime Video’s Countdown. Ackles said, “…eventually, down the road, you’ll see those guys,” referring to Colter and Russell.
Given that the cast of Tracker just started filming season 3, Ackles’s presence on set all but confirms that he will appear in the first episode. Or, at the very least, the actor will make his grand return in an earlier episode. Whatever the case, all this means is that Tracker season 3 is diving headfirst into the Shaw family mystery storyline.
Russell Appearing Early On In Tracker Season 3 Means That Tackling The Shaw Family Mystery Won’t Be Delayed
Season 3 Will Pick Up Where Season 2 Left Off
Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw in Tracker season 2, episode 20
Now that we know Ackles is reprising his role as Russell early in Tracker season 3, we can also confirm that the show is addressing the Shaw family mystery right away, which is great news. The CBS crime drama has made the mistake of delaying the progression of the overarching story before. However, now it seems like Tracker is rectifying its mistakes.
Despite the events of the Tracker season 1 finale, the writers waited until season 2’s last episode to further the Shaw family mystery plot. Colter learned that Lizzy Hawking’s mother had a mysterious box belonging to Ashton at the end of season 1. Instead of retrieving it in the following premiere, he didn’t investigate its contents until the season 2 finale.
Justin Hartley’s character delayed the inevitable and finally retrieved his father’s box from his sister, Dory Shaw, in the Tracker season 2 finale. As for what he was up to prior to this episode, Colter focused on solving episodic cases. The TV show also introduced a new mystery in season 2 as a distraction from the Shaw family mystery, though.
Colter had been searching for Gina Picket for years. Her case was his white whale, as he was never able to find her and solve the mystery. The first half of Tracker season 2 thoroughly explored Gina’s disappearance, and Colter finally solved it in the midseason premiere. Unfortunately, Gina’s story wasn’t all that interesting, especially when compared to the Shaw family mystery.
So, instead of continuing to develop the overarching story, Tracker decided to pull away from it in season 2 and focus on an inferior plotline. While not addressing Ashton’s death was frustrating, the series is redeeming its big mistake in season 3. The audience won’t have to wait until the finale to learn more about what happened to Colter’s father this time.
Why The Shaw Family Mystery Can Not Be Solved Without Russell’s Involvement
Russell Is An Important Part Of The Story
Colter and Russell in Tracker season 2, episode 2, talking to someone
The Tracker season 2 ending revealed that a man named Otto Waldron killed Ashton. Colter randomly stumbled upon Otto when trying to solve a different case, but he quickly learned that he had something to do with his father’s death. Colter, with tears in his eyes, pointed a gun at Otto and asked him if he had murdered Ashton. He then admitted to the crime.
Colter’s discovery of the identity of his father’s killer is a huge step in deciphering the Shaw family mystery. However, he doesn’t know why Otto pushed Ashton off that cliff or how his mother was involved (as Otto implied). As such, Colter is going to need his brother’s help to further his investigation.
Tracker season 3 premieres on Sunday, October 19, 2025, at 8 pm ET on CBS. Season 3 will reportedly contain 18 episodes.
Colter can’t solve Ashton’s death without Russell in Tracker season 3. For years, Colter thought Russell had killed their father, but now Colter knows Russell isn’t guilty and will require his expertise. Russell will want to know everything about what happened the night Ashton died, and it appears the two are joining forces (rightfully so) at the beginning of Tracker season 3.
