Tracker Season 2 Review: Why Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw Keeps Viewers Hooked

CBS’s Tracker made waves earlier this year, and it’s easy to see why. This thrilling crime drama, starring Justin Hartley, has captivated audiences with its blend of standalone cases and overarching mysteries. Based on Jeffrey Deaver’s “The Never Game”, the show follows Colter Shaw, a professional “rewardist” who tracks down missing persons, solves crimes, and helps people in desperate need. The premise is engaging enough, but the real draw of the series is Hartley’s portrayal of Shaw a lone wolf with a complex backstory that unravels as the episodes progress. With Season 2 now airing, let’s dive into what makes this show so compelling and why it continues to resonate with fans.

What Makes Tracker Stand Out?

It’s no secret that crime dramas are everywhere. From Reacher to Bosch, the genre is crowded. Yet, Tracker manages to stand out by combining the familiar with a fresh twist. Sure, it’s a procedural where Shaw tackles case after case, but there’s always an emotional and personal layer to his investigations. Shaw isn’t just in it for the money he’s haunted by his past, making each episode a journey into his psyche.

A Protagonist With Depth

Colter Shaw is more than just a skilled tracker. He’s a man with a troubled past that influences his every move. This dynamic is what makes Season 2 of Tracker even more gripping. The show digs deeper into Shaw’s childhood traumas and unresolved family issues, revealing a character who is as vulnerable as he is resourceful. Shaw’s motivations are clear: he’s searching for justice, not just for his clients, but for himself. This internal conflict adds a level of complexity that many other crime dramas lack.

Season 2: What’s New?

Season 2 picks up right where the first left off, with Shaw still grappling with the unsolved mystery of his family’s dark past. But this time, the stakes are higher. A new conspiracy looms over Shaw’s life, one that ties into a missing person case he’s been investigating for over a decade. The tension builds as Shaw comes face to face with enemies, both old and new, while the emotional weight of his personal quest becomes heavier with each passing episode.

The New Mystery That Haunts Shaw

What’s most exciting about Season 2 is the introduction of a long-standing mystery that has been gnawing at Shaw for 10 years. It’s not just about solving crimes anymore; it’s about solving his own life. Early in the season, Shaw breaks into the home of a man named Frank, who he believes is connected to the disappearance of a teenage girl. The scene is charged with tension, as we see Shaw’s cool and collected exterior begin to crack. This isn’t just another case it’s personal, and it has the potential to completely unravel him.

A Darker Tone for Season 2

While Tracker has always had a gritty tone, Season 2 takes things a step further. The show explores darker themes, from government conspiracies to unresolved childhood trauma. One moment, Shaw is battling human traffickers; the next, he’s confronting his own demons. It’s a thrilling ride that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. The deeper Shaw digs into the mysteries around him, the more he uncovers about himself and it’s not always pretty.

A Stellar Cast Supporting a Standout Lead

While Justin Hartley’s portrayal of Shaw is undoubtedly the main attraction, the supporting cast in Season 2 deserves recognition. Eric Graise, Fiona Rene, and Abby McEnany bring depth to their roles, ensuring that Shaw isn’t the only character we care about. The dynamic between Shaw and Reenie Greene (played by Fiona Rene) remains a fan favourite, as their flirtatious yet non-committal relationship provides a much-needed break from the intensity of Shaw’s cases.

A Strong Ensemble Elevates the Story

One of the smartest decisions made in Season 2 was pairing Reenie with Velma (played by Abby McEnany) in the same office space. This dynamic not only adds humour and heart to the show but also fills the void left by Teddi’s (played by Robin Weigert) departure. The chemistry between these two characters is undeniable, and it brings a new energy to the show that makes us wonder why it didn’t happen sooner.

The Show’s Unique Format: Balancing Standalone Cases with Ongoing Mysteries

In an age where serialized television is king, Tracker takes a different approach. While there are overarching plotlines that keep viewers hooked, each episode functions as its own standalone case. This structure allows for a variety of stories, from heart-wrenching missing persons cases to complex conspiracies involving government cover-ups. It’s a breath of fresh air in a world dominated by binge-worthy, interconnected plotlines.

Why This Format Works

What makes this format so successful is the balance between the episodic and serialized elements. Each case Shaw takes on feels like its own mini-movie, complete with a beginning, middle, and end. But as the cases wrap up, the larger mystery of Shaw’s family and the conspiracy surrounding it continues to unfold, pulling viewers deeper into the show’s world. It’s a smart storytelling device that keeps the pacing tight and the stakes high.

Tracker’s Future Looks Bright

After two strong seasons, Tracker has established itself as one of the most exciting crime dramas on television. The writing is sharp, the characters are complex, and the mysteries are endlessly engaging. Justin Hartley has proven himself as a leading man, carrying the show with ease and injecting Colter Shaw with the perfect blend of charm and vulnerability. If Season 2 is any indication, the show is only going to get better from here.

What’s Next for Colter Shaw?

With the new mystery surrounding the disappearance of the teenage girl and the ongoing investigation into his family’s past, Shaw has his hands full. But that’s exactly what we want. The more Shaw is pushed to his limits, the more compelling the show becomes. Fans can expect more twists and turns, especially with guest appearances from Jensen Ackles as Shaw’s brother, Russell, and Melissa Roxburgh as Dory. With such a strong foundation, there’s no telling where the series might go next, but one thing’s for sure: we’ll be watching.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is Tracker about? Tracker follows Colter Shaw, a “rewardist” who travels across the U.S., solving missing person cases and investigating crimes in exchange for cash rewards. The show balances these standalone cases with an overarching mystery involving Shaw’s troubled past.

2. Who stars in Tracker? The series stars Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, with a strong supporting cast including Eric Graise, Fiona Rene, Abby McEnany, and Jensen Ackles.

3. How is Season 2 different from Season 1? Season 2 delves deeper into Shaw’s past, adding a darker tone to the series. It introduces a new mystery surrounding the disappearance of a teenage girl and further explores the unresolved issues with Shaw’s family.

4. Is Tracker based on a book? Yes, Tracker is based on Jeffrey Deaver’s “The Never Game”, which follows a similar premise of a man who solves crimes for rewards.

5. Where can I watch Tracker? Tracker airs on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+.

6. Will there be a Season 3? There hasn’t been an official announcement yet, but given the success of the first two seasons, it’s likely that Tracker will return for a third season.