A partner for Colter doesn’t have to be someone he immediately gets along with — it would almost be better if he didn’t! Conflict that lasts for an entire season, even on a procedural series like Tracker, is a good thing. He might even learn something. Too often on Tracker, Colter is the smartest and most capable character in the scene, and it strains credulity. In Season 2, Episode 18, he finds clues at a crime scene that local law enforcement should not have missed. He teaches survival tips and tricks to a survivalist in Season 2, Episode 10. He doesn’t even need to be taught how to ride or repair a snowmobile in Season 2, Episode 16! Nobody is good at everything.
Sherlock eventually learned to work with Watson on Sherlock, Elementary, or your preferred Sir Arthur Conan Doyle adaptation. Beckett (Stana Katic) eventually learned to work with Castle (Nathan Fillion) on Castle. Brennan (Emily Deschanel) learned to work with Booth (David Boreanaz) on Bones. The same famously goes for Mulder (David Duchovny) and Scully (Gillian Anderson) on The X-Files. Those characters became better people and better at their jobs for it. While shippers can rarely be stopped, this doesn’t have to be a romantic partnership on Tracker. The fact that Colter Shaw doesn’t have a steady girlfriend and refuses to even talk to anyone about it is a separate issue.
If you’ve been following the suspenseful journey of Colter Shaw in Tracker, you know he’s the kind of character who thrives in solitude. His quiet determination and singular focus on finding missing persons have earned him the title of an unconventional hero. But what about romance? While many thrillers dive into complex love interests, Shaw’s narrative proves something different: he doesn’t need a romantic relationship to thrive. This article delves into why Colter Shaw’s character arc in Tracker stands apart from typical romantic tropes and why that works in his favor.
Colter Shaw: The Lone Wolf of ‘Tracker’
At the heart of Tracker lies Colter Shaw, a character who doesn’t follow the usual playbook of action heroes. He’s not driven by romantic passion, nor is he constantly searching for a partner to complete him. Instead, Shaw is a man of purpose, laser-focused on his mission. This makes him a compelling figure for those who appreciate a no-nonsense, independent protagonist.
Shaw’s journey isn’t about finding love—it’s about discovering truth, righting wrongs, and bringing justice to those who can’t fight for themselves. His lack of romantic entanglements highlights his dedication and emotional resilience.
The Power of Emotional Independence
Why is Colter Shaw so effective in his role as a tracker? The answer lies in his emotional independence. Unlike other protagonists who are driven by a need for a romantic connection, Shaw doesn’t allow emotions to cloud his judgment. His cool-headed, methodical approach to solving cases stems from his ability to detach from the distractions that romantic relationships often bring.
Emotional independence allows Shaw to make difficult decisions with clarity. When he’s out in the field, he doesn’t second-guess himself or hesitate because of the weight of personal relationships. In many ways, this is a superpower of its own, making him an efficient and effective tracker.
Shaw’s Relationship with His Past: The True Emotional Core
While Colter Shaw might not have a partner, his character is far from emotionless. In fact, his backstory is rich with personal loss and complex emotions. Shaw’s emotional core is rooted in his tragic past—specifically the loss of his father. This traumatic event shapes who he is and is the driving force behind his relentless pursuit of missing persons.
The absence of a romantic relationship frees Shaw from the traditional tropes that many other thrillers rely on. Instead of finding solace in a partner, he seeks closure through his work. His emotional depth is reflected in his commitment to the mission, not in seeking a partner to “fix” him.
Why Romance Would Be a Distraction for Shaw
At its core, Tracker is about pursuit. Colter Shaw is on a mission, and he has no time for distractions. Introducing a romantic subplot could compromise his focus and divert attention from his primary goal. Romance, though a staple in many stories, might weaken Shaw’s character arc because it would force him to divide his loyalty between love and his mission.
Shaw’s strength lies in his unwavering commitment to his purpose. A romantic relationship might dilute that singular focus, turning his journey from a quest for justice into a personal one. That’s not to say romance doesn’t have a place in stories, but for Shaw, it’s unnecessary. His purpose in life transcends the need for a partner.
Shaw’s Complex Relationship with Family: A Different Kind of Love
While Colter Shaw isn’t romantically involved with anyone, his relationship with his family offers a unique perspective on love. Shaw is deeply connected to his father’s memory, and it’s through his father’s teachings that Shaw learned the art of tracking. This familial love shapes his character and motivates his quest for missing people.
It’s clear that Shaw’s devotion to his father’s legacy is more powerful than any romantic relationship could be. His focus on family over romance allows for a deeper, more meaningful connection that drives the story forward.
Self-Reliance: The Secret to Shaw’s Success
Another reason Colter Shaw doesn’t need a romantic relationship is his profound self-reliance. Shaw has learned to navigate the world alone. He doesn’t need someone to lean on emotionally or physically. In a world where many characters rely on partners for strength, Shaw’s ability to operate independently makes him stand out as a true lone wolf.
Self-reliance is Shaw’s greatest asset. It empowers him to make decisions without outside influence and allows him to follow his own moral compass, regardless of the consequences. His self-sufficiency is a key element that makes him a standout character in Tracker.
Why Colter Shaw’s Independence Resounds with Modern Audiences
In today’s world, there’s a growing appreciation for characters who don’t adhere to the traditional romantic narrative. Colter Shaw is a perfect example of how independence, resilience, and personal strength can create a compelling and memorable character. He embodies the idea that sometimes, the greatest relationships are the ones we have with ourselves.
His journey in Tracker appeals to those who value self-sufficiency and understand the power of emotional autonomy. Shaw doesn’t need a romantic partner to be whole—his completeness comes from his dedication to his work, his personal growth, and the lessons learned from his past.
The Beauty of the Single Hero in Thrillers
Colter Shaw represents a shift in the way heroes are portrayed in thrillers. Traditionally, action heroes are paired with love interests to add complexity and emotion to the story. Shaw, however, shows that a hero doesn’t need a romantic relationship to be dynamic or engaging. His story proves that sometimes, the most powerful character arc comes from a man who is solely focused on his mission, unburdened by the need for romantic validation.
The Modern Hero: Unencumbered by Romance
In an age where narratives are often focused on personal growth through relationships, Shaw’s story flips the script. He proves that personal development doesn’t always have to be tied to romance. Instead, growth can come from confronting one’s past, embracing one’s purpose, and finding strength in solitude.
Shaw’s journey in Tracker redefines what it means to be a hero in a thriller. He’s not seeking love—he’s seeking justice, redemption, and closure. In a world that often equates love with fulfillment, Shaw shows that sometimes, the greatest form of fulfillment comes from within.
Conclusion: Colter Shaw Doesn’t Need a Romantic Relationship in ‘Tracker’
Colter Shaw’s journey in Tracker is a testament to the power of independence. He doesn’t need a romantic relationship to define him. Instead, his focus on his work, his personal mission, and his emotional depth make him a hero that resonates with audiences who appreciate self-reliance and emotional resilience. Shaw proves that the most compelling characters aren’t always those in love—they’re the ones who can stand on their own two feet and pursue their goals without distraction.
Tracker is a successful show that seems to have cracked its weekly episodic formula, but that doesn’t mean they can’t or shouldn’t shake things up on Tracker Season 3 to keep things from becoming stagnant. Giving Colter an equal he feels threatened by or thinks he’s better than, an annoying apprentice tagging along, or a stickler for the rules and trusting the system would be a great way to accomplish that. A partner who sticks around is the way to go.
