Of course, the only potential danger of Tracker giving Reenie more to do going forward is that it may inadvertently push Colter’s adventures to the wayside, and thus risk losing sight of what made Tracker great in the first place. If Tracker Season 3 can incorporate more of Reenie’s plot into whatever Colter is doing, using it to complement the main ideas of each episode rather than becoming a serialized story separate from the main narrative, then this has the potential to enhance the series. Even a one-and-done Reenie-centric episode where Colter is more of a side character wouldn’t be a bad way to go, so long as the overall flow of the series doesn’t drastically change. Tracker works because the show is so largely focused on Colter and those he meets across the country, so deviating from that too much would likely alienate certain audiences, but that doesn’t mean the show can’t do more with this character. She was created for the show for a reason, so Tracker should lean into that!
Whether you first saw her here on Tracker or were a fan from her Fire Country days, Fiona Rene is a great actress, and it would be to the show’s benefit if they leaned more into her dramatic range. After all, her time as Reenie has certainly made the show better as a whole, and while she and Colter seemed to spend more time together in the first season than the second, maybe Season 3’s push to give her more material to workwith will allow for more adventures between them. Though, we shouldn’t hold out too much hope. After all, last season did end with Reenie nearly getting killed in the line of duty, so it’s unlikely that she’s going to want to throw herself into harm’s way ever again — at least if she has anything to say about it. But that doesn’t mean she can’t still be more involved with whatever Colter is doing next. However Tracker Season 3 decides to utilize its female lead next season, hopefully Reenie Greene will be given more meaty material to devour going forward.
In a sea of crime dramas and thrillers, Tracker stands out. Why? Because of one man—Colter Shaw. Played by Justin Hartley, Colter isn’t your average TV protagonist. He’s complex, mysterious, and emotionally layered. But here’s the thing: for Tracker to truly thrive, it must keep the spotlight firmly on him. Diverting the narrative from Colter is like trying to drive a car without its engine. Simply put, he’s the driving force behind every compelling moment of the show.
Let’s dive into why keeping Colter Shaw at the core isn’t just smart storytelling—it’s essential for the show’s success.
Who Is Colter Shaw? The Lone Wolf With a Moral Compass
A Drifter with Purpose
Colter isn’t just another bounty hunter or tracker. He’s a man on a mission, with personal demons and a strong sense of justice that sets him apart. A loner by choice, his methods are unconventional, but his results are undeniable.
Layers Upon Layers: Why Colter Isn’t One-Dimensional
Peel back Colter’s confident exterior, and you’ll find emotional scars, complex motivations, and a deep-seated desire to right wrongs—even when there’s no reward involved. That’s the kind of layered storytelling audiences crave.
The Emotional Hook — Why Viewers Connect With Colter
He’s Flawed, and That’s Why We Love Him
Unlike superheroes or perfect protagonists, Colter has flaws. He struggles with trust, carries guilt from his past, and often questions his own choices. That vulnerability makes him relatable.
Empathy in Action
Whether he’s helping a missing child reunite with their parents or tracking a fugitive, Colter’s empathy shines through. It’s not just about the chase—it’s about the people.
Tracker’s Winning Formula: Character Over Case
The Problem with Case-Centric Storytelling
Procedurals often fall into the trap of making each episode about the “case of the week.” But what makes Tracker different is how those cases serve as a lens into Colter’s world.
The Case Is the Catalyst, Not the Core
Each case should push Colter to confront something new—whether it’s a truth about his past, a moral dilemma, or a fractured relationship.
Side Characters Should Orbit Colter, Not Eclipse Him
Supporting Roles Are Exactly That—Support
Yes, we love a quirky sidekick or a tech genius in the van. But Tracker must resist the urge to shift focus too far from Colter. These characters should enhance his journey, not hijack it.
Ensemble Balance Without Dilution
Think of shows like Sherlock or The Mentalist. Great supporting characters? Absolutely. But the narrative never lets you forget who the story is really about.
Colter’s Backstory Deserves More Screentime
Breadcrumbs of the Past
So far, we’ve only gotten glimpses of Colter’s childhood and fractured family. But these threads are gold. Expanding on his backstory adds emotional depth and longevity to the show.
Trauma, Trust, and Transformation
From his father’s suspicious death to his estranged siblings, Colter’s history should fuel future story arcs, keeping audiences invested in not just what he does, but why he does it.
Pacing, Tension, and Shaw’s Internal Conflict
Fast Isn’t Always Better
Tracker benefits most when the tension is slow-burning. Let Colter wrestle with moral grey areas. The best drama doesn’t come from gunfights—it comes from internal conflict.
Why Colter’s Morality Is the Show’s Compass
Not Just a Code, But a Creed
Colter lives by a set of principles. He doesn’t always choose the easy path, but he chooses the right one. His inner code is what separates him from both villains and typical TV antiheroes.
Justin Hartley’s Performance Anchors the Series
From This Is Us to This Is Colter
Hartley brings emotional range, physicality, and quiet intensity to Colter Shaw. Casting him wasn’t just smart—it was strategic. His performance adds legitimacy to every twist and turn.
The Risk of Diluting the Narrative
A Shift in Focus = A Dip in Ratings
Audiences are savvy. If Tracker starts spotlighting secondary characters too heavily, fans might feel bait-and-switched. And once viewers check out emotionally, ratings follow.
