As we anxiously await Season 3 of Tracker, there’s a lot to unpack about the series before that cliffhanger is resolved. While there are many things about the show that I can forgive and allow my suspension of disbelief to kick in when I don’t think too hard about it, there is one consistent element about the show that I occasionally have a hard time getting my head around: Reenie Greene’s (Fiona Rene) ability to practice law in basically every single state.
Tracker has swiftly climbed the ranks as one of the most gripping drama thrillers on television. With intense storylines, complex characters, and edge-of-your-seat pacing, it’s no wonder fans are absolutely obsessed. But let’s be honest — no show is perfect, right? While Tracker nails suspense and character development on most fronts, there’s one glaring character detail that just doesn’t sit right. It’s like a beautifully baked cake with one slice that’s inexplicably raw. Let’s dig into what works brilliantly in Tracker — and then spotlight the head-scratching issue that needs some serious explanation.
What Makes Tracker So Addictive?
Real Stakes, Real Emotions
Unlike some procedural dramas, Tracker doesn’t feel formulaic. The stakes feel real. Characters suffer consequences. And that emotional weight keeps viewers coming back.
The Star Power Behind the Show
With a strong cast (and a charismatic lead), Tracker delivers raw, emotional performances that draw you in episode after episode.
Cinematic Storytelling
The series feels more like a movie than a typical TV show. The visual style, suspense-building techniques, and well-timed cliffhangers are pure gold.
Meet Colter Shaw — The Man, The Mystery, The… Confusion?
Who Is Colter Shaw?
Colter Shaw, the central character of Tracker, is a reward-seeker who travels across the country solving crimes and locating missing persons. He’s resourceful, intelligent, and deeply driven by justice.
Why Viewers Connect With Him
He’s not your typical hero. Shaw’s motivations are layered — personal trauma, a thirst for truth, and a sense of justice all fuel his actions.
The Detail That Breaks the Illusion
His Unrealistic Background and Skillset
Okay, here’s where it all starts to unravel a bit.
Jack of All Trades… Unrealistically So
Colter Shaw seems to have a skill for everything. Tracking people in wilderness? Check. Negotiating with hardened criminals? Check. Fixing a broken car in the middle of nowhere? Of course. But is it believable?
Where’s the Line Between “Skilled” and “Superhuman”?
Sure, TV leads are often a little exaggerated. But Tracker crosses the line from impressive to downright implausible. Viewers love competence, but we also crave believability.
The Psychological Detail That Doesn’t Add Up
Trauma With No Consequences?
Shaw’s backstory includes deep trauma — from his upbringing to the death of his father. Yet somehow, he functions without any clear psychological scars. No therapy? No PTSD? No breakdowns?
Emotional Armor, Or Just Lazy Writing?
The show brushes past emotional fallout in a way that feels inauthentic. You can’t build a character’s whole personality around trauma… and then never show it affecting him.
Relationships That Feel Forced
He’s Always Distant — But Still Wins Everyone Over?
Shaw is emotionally reserved — yet nearly every character he meets connects with him instantly. It’s as if the writers want to have it both ways: the brooding loner who’s also somehow charming and likable to strangers.
Plot Convenience or Character Consistency?
Too Often, He’s Whatever the Plot Needs
Need a hacker? Shaw suddenly knows encryption. Need a medic? Shaw’s patching up wounds like he’s been to med school. This kind of convenience makes him feel less like a person and more like a plot device.
Why This Matters More Than You Think
Suspension of Disbelief Has Limits
Fans will forgive a lot — but there’s a limit. When one character starts to feel like a walking cheat code, it undermines the tension and drama.
Character Inconsistency Hurts Immersion
The whole appeal of Tracker is the grounded, gritty realism. But this character detail clashes so hard with that tone, it pulls viewers out of the experience.
What Could Fix It?
Let Him Fail — Occasionally
We’re not saying Colter needs to fall apart every episode. But giving him moments of vulnerability — a task he can’t do, a mistake that costs something — would add depth.
Explore His Inner Conflict
If trauma is a core part of his backstory, then let’s see that explored more honestly. Internal battles can be just as compelling as physical ones.
Shows That Do This Right
Breaking Bad’s Walter White
Walter White’s skills in chemistry were top-tier — but outside that, he stumbled often. That made his arc believable and compelling.
Sherlock (BBC)
Even with near-genius intellect, Sherlock’s arrogance and emotional distance caused real consequences. That’s realism.
Final Thoughts — A Love Letter With Critique
Look, we’re not bashing Tracker. If anything, this nitpick comes from a place of love. The show is incredible — but no fan wants to see potential go wasted.
When a character is written too perfectly, we stop seeing them as real. And once that happens, even the best plots can fall flat.
Conclusion: Let’s Keep Loving Tracker — But Let’s Also Keep It Real
Tracker has quickly become one of the most captivating shows on air, and Colter Shaw is a big reason why. But the character’s implausible skillset and underdeveloped emotional realism threaten to weaken the show’s foundation.
All it takes is a little more vulnerability, a few more authentic struggles, and a more balanced skillset to make Colter truly unforgettable — not just as a hero, but as a human.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is Colter Shaw based on a real person?
No, Colter Shaw is a fictional character created by author Jeffery Deaver in his book series and later adapted for TV.
Q2: Does Tracker follow the books closely?
It draws from the novels, but the TV series takes creative liberties with characters and plotlines for dramatic effect.
Q3: Will Colter’s character be developed more in future seasons?
Hopefully! Many fans are calling for more depth and emotional realism in his portrayal.
Q4: Why do people still love Colter Shaw despite his flaws?
Because he’s compelling, charismatic, and undeniably interesting — even if a bit unrealistic at times.
Q5: Where can I watch Tracker?
Tracker airs on CBS and is also available for streaming on Paramount+.
