Tracker Is Forgetting Season 2’s Biggest Mystery & Making It Worse
CBS’s Tracker has become a staple of action-packed television, with Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw navigating thrilling mysteries and uncovering secrets. Yet, as Season 2 unfolds, there’s growing concern among fans that the show is sidelining its most compelling mystery—the enigmatic disappearance of Shaw’s father—and in doing so, undermining the very tension that drew viewers in.
The Heart of Season 2’s Mystery
From the start, one of Tracker’s strongest hooks has been Colter Shaw’s search for answers about his family. The disappearance of his father, a skilled survivalist and puzzle-solver, was introduced as a key narrative thread, tying directly to Shaw’s own tracking skills and moral code.
Season 2 promised to delve deeper into this storyline, teasing viewers with hints about a larger conspiracy surrounding Shaw’s father. Early episodes laid the groundwork for a compelling arc, from cryptic clues hidden in journals to shadowy figures with ties to his past. Fans expected a slow burn, building toward a dramatic reveal that would tie the mystery to Shaw’s current adventures.
The Distraction of Episodic Cases
However, as the season progresses, it feels like Tracker is losing sight of this central mystery. Instead, the show has leaned heavily into standalone cases that, while entertaining, lack the depth and emotional weight of Shaw’s personal quest.
These episodic adventures—tracking missing persons, recovering stolen artifacts, or taking down criminal organizations—offer plenty of action but feel disconnected from the overarching narrative. Shaw’s father’s disappearance has been relegated to the background, reduced to occasional mentions or fleeting moments that fail to advance the plot meaningfully.
This shift has frustrated fans who were invested in the mystery and eager for answers. By sidelining such a pivotal storyline, Tracker risks alienating its core audience and diluting the emotional stakes that set it apart from other procedural dramas.
Missed Opportunities for Character Development
The mystery surrounding Shaw’s father isn’t just a plot device—it’s a vital part of Shaw’s character. His drive, resourcefulness, and trust issues all stem from his complicated family history. Exploring this mystery in depth would not only advance the plot but also provide a richer understanding of Shaw as a character.
Instead, the show has focused on external conflicts, neglecting the personal stakes that make Shaw’s journey compelling. This lack of focus feels like a missed opportunity to deepen the character and connect with viewers on an emotional level.
What Tracker Needs to Do
To course-correct, Tracker needs to refocus on its original promise: resolving the mystery of Shaw’s father. This doesn’t mean abandoning episodic cases entirely; instead, the show should find ways to weave the overarching mystery into the fabric of these adventures.
For instance, clues about Shaw’s father could surface during his cases, linking the episodic plots to the larger narrative. Introduce recurring antagonists or allies with ties to the conspiracy, keeping the mystery alive even as Shaw tackles new challenges.
Additionally, the show should dedicate more screen time to Shaw’s personal investigation. Moments of discovery, reflection, and confrontation would not only reignite fan interest but also give Justin Hartley more opportunities to showcase his emotional range.
The Clock Is Ticking
As Season 2 progresses, the window to resolve this storyline meaningfully is closing. Fans want answers, and the longer Tracker delays, the more the tension dissipates. The risk is that the mystery becomes an afterthought, leaving viewers unsatisfied and disengaged.
In conclusion, Tracker is at a crossroads. The series has all the ingredients for greatness—compelling characters, thrilling plots, and a mystery that promises high emotional stakes. But by sidelining Season 2’s biggest mystery, the show is losing what makes it truly special. To recapture its momentum, Tracker must prioritize the story that matters most before it’s too late.
