Just about everything that worked in Season 1 is back in full force here in Tracker Season 2. Colter’s balancing of his lone wolf personality with his at-a-distance friendships? Check. The secrecy surrounding his past, check. His flirtatious but non-committal back-and-forth with Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene)? Also check. There’s an old adage that says, “If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it,” and Tracker has certainly taken that to heart in its second season. This is especially true concerning the basic format of the series, which has effectively remained the same since the pilot. In a day when serialized television has become the norm (similar shows such as Reacher hold to this formula), Tracker is a breath of fresh air that proves serialization and standalone plots can still work masterfully together even in this streaming age. This works, of course, largely because of the show’s choice of lead.
In many ways, Tracker is a one-man show. Justin Hartley certainly carries the series, both on and off the camera (where he serves as an executive producer), and proves once again that Colter Shaw is a protagonist worthy of our time. He may be distant and moody, but he’s also charming, thoughtful, and puts himself in the shoes of those he aims to help. The killer Season 2 opener, “Out of the Past,” puts Colter to the test as he fights to find a young family caught in the middle of some pretty bad people. But the anxiety-inducing circumstances don’t get to Colter, no matter who he has to beat up along the way. He remains cool and level-headed throughout, only ever losing his professionalism in an unrelated case that remains deeply personal to him (more on that in a moment). No matter if he’s working with the family or law enforcement, we love to see Colter put his life on the line for the sake of others. Sure, our hero gets paid (cops do too, after all) but that doesn’t make his actions any less heroic.
But although Colter may sometimes act as if he were in all of this alone, Season 2 has made a point to remind our hero that he has others standing by his side. This much-needed development allows characters like Bobby (Eric Graise) to become something more than just Colter’s “guy in the chair,” and indeed, the series ought to explore that further. (Poor Eric Graise needs some scene partners, stat!) On the other hand, Tracker is mixing up the way things work as Reenie and Velma (Abby McEnany) now share an office space. Because of this, Teddi’s (Robin Weigert) somewhat open-ended exit from the series — explained away as her dealing with a family emergency concerning her mother — is hardly even felt. Effectively serving as Colter’s co-handlers, the Reenie and Velma partnership feels so natural that we wonder why the show didn’t pair these two sooner. It’s sad to see Weigert go, but Tracker makes an expert recovery. Maybe we’ll finally see Colter and Velma interact in person this year.
When Tracker premiered in February 2024, it quickly captivated audiences with its gripping narratives and the compelling performance of Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw. Season 2, which began airing in October 2024, promised to delve deeper into Shaw’s personal mysteries while maintaining the show’s signature blend of suspense and action. So, does it live up to the hype? Let’s explore.
A Deeper Dive into Colter Shaw’s World
Colter Shaw: The Reluctant Hero
Colter Shaw is a complex character—a survivalist and tracker who uses his skills to find missing persons. Season 2 continues to explore his internal struggles, particularly his unresolved issues surrounding his father’s mysterious death. This personal journey adds depth to the procedural format, making each episode more than just a case to solve
The Shaw Family Mystery Unfolds
The shadow of Colter’s father’s death looms large in Season 2. The finale episode, “Echo Ridge,” reveals that Colter’s father, Ashton Shaw, was pushed off a cliff by Otto, an old acquaintance. This confession raises suspicions about Colter’s mother, Mary, who may have been involved, adding layers of intrigue to the storyline.
New Faces and Evolving Dynamics
Introducing Floriana Lima as Camille Picket
Season 2 introduces Floriana Lima as Camille Picket, a woman with a history with Colter. Her sister’s long-standing disappearance becomes a central case, intertwining personal stakes with professional duties.
The Return of Family: Russell Shaw and Dory Shaw
The return of Colter’s brother, Russell Shaw (played by Jensen Ackles), and his sister, Dory Shaw (played by Melissa Roxburgh), adds emotional depth to the series. Their interactions with Colter provide insights into his past, enriching the narrative.
Balancing Procedural with Personal
Case-of-the-Week Format
While Season 2 introduces overarching storylines, it retains the case-of-the-week format that made Season 1 successful. Each episode presents a new challenge, keeping the content fresh and engaging for viewers.
Personal Stakes in Every Case
The integration of Colter’s personal life into each case adds emotional weight. His decisions are influenced not just by professional duty but also by personal connections, making each case more impactful.
Critics Weigh In
Positive Reception
Critics have lauded Season 2 for its character development and suspenseful storytelling. The blend of action and emotional depth has been highlighted as a strength.
Constructive Criticism
Some viewers have pointed out that the introduction of new storylines, like the UFO conspiracy, may divert attention from the main mystery. However, these elements add variety and intrigue to the series.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Tracker
Renewal for Season 3
CBS has renewed Tracker for a third season, set to air in the 2026-2027 broadcast season. This renewal indicates confidence in the show’s direction and its ability to continue delivering compelling content.
Anticipated Storylines
Fans can expect further exploration of Colter’s family secrets and unresolved cases. The evolving dynamics within the Shaw family promise to add complexity to the narrative.
Conclusion: A Worthy Successor
Tracker Season 2 successfully builds upon the foundation laid in Season 1. With its engaging characters, intricate storylines, and emotional depth, it continues to captivate audiences. The series’ ability to balance procedural elements with personal narratives ensures its place as a standout in the action-drama genre.
