The last episodes of Tracker season 2 are on the horizon … and Justin Hartley (who plays Colter Shaw) has some thoughts about what fans have seen from the show as of late. Viewers of the popular CBS drama continue to tune in Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET, and they couldn’t help but notice season 2 has gone in a more ominous direction as of late. While Colter regularly puts himself in danger for his job (it does come with the territory of being a tracker), folks are getting concerned that Tracker is taking on twists and turns that are more terrifying from one episode to the next.
So, what’s going on and why did Tracker suddenly change the tone of the show? When speaking with The Hollywood Reporter for an interview published on April 20, Justin defended the show’s decision in going a bit darker for the final episodes. As he explained to the outlet, there’s a good reason behind it — and one fans should understand.
“I think it’s important to keep upping the stakes,” he said. “I like being Colter as a hero, finding people and all that. I also really like seeing him in a suspenseful thriller and a dangerous situation. I don’t want our audience to forget that this man is mortal, he’s not a superhero. He can die! The things he is doing are very very dangerous.”
If you thought Tracker was just about solving mysteries and catching bad guys, think again. According to Justin Hartley, the series is stepping into a whole new realm of emotional intensity—and things are about to get real dark, real fast. So, what’s changing? Why the shift? And how will it affect the characters we’ve come to love (and fear)? Let’s dive deep into the reasons behind this tonal transformation straight from the leading man himself.
Setting the Stage — What Is ‘Tracker’ Really About?
From Crime Drama to Psychological Thriller
When Tracker first launched, it was a solid crime procedural with emotional layers. Justin Hartley plays Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf tracker with a past as mysterious as the cases he solves. The show balanced adventure, drama, and a bit of family tension. But that balance is shifting.
Ratings, Reviews, and Fan Reaction So Far
The show’s first season captivated audiences with its unique format. Each episode felt like a mini-movie, showcasing Shaw’s detective skills. Viewers loved the suspense—but it’s clear the writers wanted to up the ante in Season 2.
Why the Dark Turn? Justin Hartley Opens Up
“We’re Digging Into Colter’s Past”
According to Hartley, the change wasn’t just for shock value. It’s about peeling back layers. “We’ve hinted at Colter’s trauma, but now we’re exploring it head-on,” he explained in a recent interview. That means deeper emotional storylines, tougher cases, and some seriously dark turns.
Trauma, Justice, and the Cost of the Truth
“Dark doesn’t mean just violence,” Hartley noted. “It’s about emotional depth. We’re showing how hunting down justice can cost you everything—even your sanity.” Sounds heavy, right? But also gripping.
Character Development on Steroids
Colter Shaw Is No Longer Just a Hero
If you thought Colter was the untouchable good guy, think again. He’s flawed, haunted, and sometimes dangerously close to the edge. Season 2 puts him through trials that will leave him changed forever.
Supporting Cast Gets Their Time to Shine
It’s not just Colter. Expect intense story arcs for the supporting characters, too. Relationships are tested. Loyalties crumble. Secrets are revealed. No one is safe.
Behind-the-Scenes Decisions That Changed Everything
Writers Wanted a More Cinematic Feel
The production team wanted to raise the stakes. That meant new cinematographers, darker color palettes, grittier scripts, and more nuanced acting. It’s a total creative overhaul.
Audience Feedback Played a Role
Fans have been vocal. Some wanted more character depth. Others craved tension. The showrunners listened—and responded with a darker, smarter storyline.
The Psychology of ‘Tracker’ Season 2
Fear, Doubt, and Inner Demons
This season taps into real psychological tension. We’re talking nightmares, PTSD, ethical dilemmas. It’s less “case of the week” and more “how the hell does Colter survive this?”
Realism Meets Fiction
Writers consulted psychologists and criminal profilers to make the characters’ trauma believable. It shows. The show now feels disturbingly close to real life.
The Moral Compass Is Spinning
When Justice Gets Blurry
Colter starts making choices that blur the line between right and wrong. As viewers, we’re forced to ask: Is the justice he’s chasing worth the price he’s paying?
Ethical Dilemmas for Every Character
Every major character faces a test of their values. The lines between good and evil? They’re practically invisible now.
Themes That Resonate in 2025
Isolation and Connection in a Dark World
This season isn’t just dark for drama’s sake—it reflects something deeper. Themes like loneliness, betrayal, and emotional resilience are more relevant than ever.
Tracking More Than Criminals
In many ways, Colter isn’t just chasing fugitives—he’s chasing answers about himself, his past, and what kind of man he wants to be.
Fan Reactions Are Off the Charts
Social Media Is Buzzing
Twitter (or X, if you prefer), Reddit, and TikTok are all lit up. Some fans are stunned. Others are obsessed. Everyone has theories—and questions.
Viewer Loyalty Is Growing
Despite the dark shift, fans are sticking around. In fact, many say they’re more emotionally invested now than ever.
A Cinematic Experience on the Small Screen
Action Sequences That Hit Hard
Yes, the show’s darker—but it still packs a punch. The stunts are wilder. The chases are faster. The stakes? Sky-high.
Hauntingly Beautiful Visuals
From nighttime stakeouts to foggy forests, the visuals match the tone perfectly. Every frame feels intentional.
Teasers, Clues, and What’s Next
Easter Eggs and Foreshadowing
Watch closely—there are subtle clues everywhere. Symbols, flashbacks, and even soundtrack choices hint at what’s coming.
Is There a Season 3 on the Horizon?
No official word yet. But if fan enthusiasm counts for anything, we wouldn’t bet against it.
Conclusion: The Darkness Has Purpose
So, why is Tracker getting darker? Because life is dark. Because characters need to grow. And because sometimes, finding the truth means walking through the shadows.
Justin Hartley’s portrayal of Colter Shaw has never been more compelling. And as the series reaches the end of Season 2, one thing is crystal clear: we’re not just watching a show anymore—we’re living a journey.
