Tracker Season 2’s Vital Reunion Was Ruined By An Annoying TV Show Habit
Tracker season 2, episode 7 finally saw a much-needed reunion, but it was unfortunately ruined by a really hamfisted moment that unfortunately happens all too often in TV shows. Tracker season 2 has been a bit of a departure from season 1. For starters, the story has changed, with far less focus put on the mystery of who killed Colter Shaw’s dad and more on Tracker’s new cold case of the disappearance of Gina Picket a decade ago, a case that still haunts Colter. Tracker season 2 has also incorporated supernatural elements and the paranormal into episodes in contrast to season 1’s grounded tone.
The Tracker cast has also seen some changes, with the departure of one major character from season 1 and other guest stars from the first season returning to cement their status as irregular but permanent fixtures in both Colter’s life and the show. That makes the relationships between the remaining characters of Tracker more important than ever, especially as Colter gets himself into more dangerous situations. With that, it was great to see a long overdue reunion finally happen in Tracker season 2.
Colter Shaw & Velma Bruin Finally Physically Meet In Tracker
It’s The First Time The Characters Appear Together In Person
For the first time in the show, Colter and Velma finally met in person at the end of Tracker season 2, episode 7. Colter’s relationship with his handlers has been entirely virtual so far, either via video chat or on the phone. While he saw both Bobby and Reenie in person a few times, Velma and Teddi remained distant, so it was really great to see him actually making a point to stop by Velma and Reenie’s new office and spend time with them in person. It shows that Colter has grown a bit since season 1, understanding that he can’t always be a total lone wolf.
Likewise, it’s an important moment thanks to Tracker season 2 already losing Robin Weigert’s Teddi Bruin. In Tracker season 1, there was a distinct sense that Colter was closer to Teddi, that she was his “real” handler and Velma just helped out. This was enforced by the fact that it was usually Teddi to whom Colter spoke, with Velma simply popping up in the background to say hi or interject. Colter’s in-person visit goes a long way toward cementing his relationship with Velma and ensuring it’s as strong as his relationship was with Teddi.
Tracker Season 2’s Big Reunion Is Cheapened By An Amazon Prime Ad
Product Placement Is Ubiquitous On Network TV – Unfortunately
Unfortunately, Tracker’s fun reunion is completely undercut by a piece of clunky and way too obvious product placement. As Colter enters and gives them hugs, Velma remembers that they got a gift for him. Reenie hands him the gift – very conspicuously packaged in an Amazon box with its trademark logo and blue tape – and says, “I’ve gotta say, next-day delivery is pretty sweet. Thank you, Amazon Prime!” He pulls out a Garmin GPS, but it’s overshadowed by the Amazon Prime line. It’s product placement handled with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, so obvious and forced that it actually takes you out of the moment.
It’s product placement handled with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, so obvious and forced that it actually takes you out of the moment.
Unfortunately, that’s not new for TV shows, especially network procedurals. Usually, the focus is on specific car brands; if you’ve watched a network show for any length of time, you’ve probably seen at least one or two scenes with characters going on at length about their car make, or a scene that feels suspiciously like a low-key car ad showing off its specs. Technology is another common offender, especially conspicuously placed iPhones, as are food items and brands.
That’s not to say there’s anything wrong with product placement in and of itself. It’s a necessary evil in filmmaking and TV, and most of the time it’s subtle, with a product remaining in the background, clear enough to be seen but not obtrusive. The problem is when it’s handled with such a lack of respect for the scene that the actor might as well be directed to turn to the camera and do an ad for the brand. It’s hard not to argue that’s exactly what Fiona Rene did in this week’s Tracker episode. It’s not her fault; after all, actors have to work with the lines they’re given. It just would have been nice had it not been shoved into such an important reunion.
