Tracker season 2 doesn’t exactly live up to season 1’s legacy, and Dory’s return in episode 19 demonstrates the show’s most significant problem that must be solved going forward. The CBS action drama was an absolute hit during its first season, resulting in its quick season 2 renewal. It was the most-watched broadcast network TV show of 2024, after all. So, many expected its great quality to continue past the season 1 finale, but, unfortunately, Tracker season 2 makes it difficult to care about the characters and their stories, thanks to one big issue.
You’d think a fan-favorite character making a grand return would be a guaranteed hit, right? Well, not always. In the case of Dory’s return to Tracker Season 2, fans were excited—until the episode aired. Suddenly, something didn’t feel quite right. Let’s dive deep into why Dory’s reappearance wasn’t the triumphant comeback it should’ve been and how it highlighted the biggest storytelling problem Tracker has right now
Tracker’s popularity and high ratings have survived, though, which is why the series is returning for a third season. Nevertheless, it’s imperative that the upcoming episodes avoid one of season 2’s most frustrating shortcomings (as mentioned above). Otherwise, it’s only a matter of time before Tracker completely loses its initial charm and excitement.
Dory’s Return Means Colter Finally Receives His Father’s Box In Tracker Season 2, Episode 19
The Patriarch’s Box Was First Teased In The Season 1 Finale. Tracker season 2, episode 19 begins with Dory paying a visit to her brother, Colter, in his beloved Airstream. It has been a long time since Justin Harley’s character or the audience has seen Melissa Roxburgh’s character, but she returns for a good reason. As some might recall, Colter learned about a mystery box that belonged to his father during the season 1 finale. Lizzy Hawking’s mother, who had been having an affair with Ashton Shaw before his death, kept hold of the box, and Lizzy later sent it to Dory towards the end of season 1.
Dory gives Colter their father’s suspicious box in Tracker season 2, episode 19, after rifling through it herself. She mentions that she had been waiting for her brother to call her and ask for the box, suggesting Colter just contacted Dory. It’s unclear why Colter waited so long to call his sister. Whatever the case, the Tracker character has the box and opens it in season 2’s penultimate hour. Inside, Colter finds a notebook containing a hidden piece of paper with a phone number written on it. Colter calls the number, but it’s disconnected, finally establishing some intrigue in the show’s central mystery.
Tracker Season 2 Significantly Sidelined The Shaw Family Mystery
The Episodes Barely Addressed Tracker’s Most Important Storyline. While Dory’s return in “Rules of the Game” is exciting, it also highlights Tracker season 2’s most pressing problem — it has mostly ignored the Shaw family mystery. The viewers haven’t learned much more about Colter’s father’s death in Tracker season 2, despite it being the show’s most significant case. Instead, the CBS action drama has focused more on episodic cases. Of course, many of these mysteries have been quite thrilling, but after a while, the series has to address its overarching storyline (and not just in the premieres and finales).
In theory, Dory’s comeback should have been a home run. Instead, it felt like a bunt. Tracker Season 2’s biggest storytelling issue is its fear of emotional follow-through. And Dory’s return just put a spotlight on it. The show still has potential. It has a solid cast, a gripping premise, and loyal fans. But if it doesn’t start delivering on the emotional promises it makes, that loyalty won’t last forever.
