A Different Kind of Tracker
Since the premiere of Tracker, audiences have followed Colter Shaw across the backroads of America as he hunted down missing persons, fugitives, and truth itself. With Justin Hartley anchoring the show with charisma and conviction, Colter has become a rugged hero — but one burdened with invisible weight. Beneath his tactical skillset and quiet confidence lies a mind haunted by trauma, family loss, and a relentless search for closure. As Season 3 approaches, one compelling question surfaces: Will Tracker finally delve into Colter’s deteriorating inner world?
A Hero Haunted by the Past
From the first season, it was clear that Colter Shaw wasn’t just chasing rewards — he was running from something. The death of his father under mysterious circumstances, the fractured relationship with his siblings, and the nomadic lifestyle all pointed to a deeper emotional unrest. The show has hinted at post-traumatic stress and unresolved grief, but so far, those threads have remained largely in the background.
Season 3 presents a golden opportunity for the writers to confront Colter’s mental health head-on. With his professional life shaken by the sudden departure of key allies like Bobby and Velma, Colter is now more alone than ever. Could this be the moment when his composed facade begins to crack?
The Psychological Toll of Tracking
Each case Colter takes on requires immersion in human tragedy — missing children, domestic abuse victims, people teetering on the edge. It’s a heavy emotional toll for anyone, especially for someone who doesn’t have a stable support system. Over two seasons, Colter has rarely rested. His mental health, once held together by routine and purpose, now faces a slow unraveling.
Season 3 could explore what happens when that toll becomes too high. Does Colter begin hallucinating? Does he mistrust his own judgment? Could a case hit too close to home, triggering memories of his father’s death or his own childhood isolation?
From Lone Wolf to Broken Man?
With Bobby and Velma gone, Reenie is now Colter’s only steady connection. But even Reenie can’t fill the emotional vacuum that years of unresolved trauma have left. If Season 3 leans into Colter’s psychological deterioration, it could allow Justin Hartley to deliver his most nuanced performance yet. Hartley has proven capable of portraying emotionally complex characters (This Is Us), and fans would welcome a deeper look at what makes Colter tick — and break.
This potential arc wouldn’t just deepen the character — it would elevate the entire series. Procedural dramas are often faulted for emotional flatness. Tracker could break the mold by showing that the man who saves lives might need saving himself.
Could Season 3 Introduce Therapy or Self-Reflection?
One bold direction Season 3 could take is to have Colter finally seek help. Whether through a therapist, an unexpected confidante, or even a case that mirrors his own inner pain, Colter could be forced into self-reflection. A shift like this would not only feel organic but would also resonate deeply with viewers, many of whom face their own inner battles.
It’s time for Tracker to evolve from an action-driven mystery-of-the-week series into a thoughtful examination of its hero’s psyche. With the right balance of storytelling and character depth, the show could set itself apart from other network dramas and move into prestige territory.
Why This Matters Now
The recent cast reductions — especially the exits of Bobby and Velma — may feel like a setback. But in storytelling terms, they open a door. Without the distraction of an ensemble, the show can zoom in on Colter in a way it hasn’t before. Solitude may be his greatest enemy yet.
Mental health is a subject often touched upon in pop culture but rarely portrayed with the complexity it deserves. Tracker has a chance to challenge that norm. And in doing so, it could redefine Colter Shaw not just as a tracker of missing people — but as a man searching for the missing parts of himself.
Season 3 of Tracker is shaping up to be a pivotal chapter. With fewer cast members and rising audience expectations, the pressure is on to innovate. Focusing on Colter’s mental health journey could add the emotional weight the series needs to remain relevant and powerful. After all, the most dangerous terrain isn’t always found on a back road in Idaho — sometimes, it’s within.
