Tracker Season 2, Episode 5 Marks a Strange Shift in Storytelling for Justin Hartley’s Popular Series
Tracker has been a standout series in its second season, largely due to its compelling protagonist, Colter Shaw, portrayed by Justin Hartley. His portrayal of a determined and emotionally complex character has earned the show a loyal following. However, Tracker Season 2, Episode 5 marks a notable and curious shift in its storytelling approach, one that diverges from the series’ earlier formula in ways that could leave fans questioning the show’s direction.
The Shift: A Departure from the Usual Formula
Up until this point, Tracker has adhered to a fairly consistent format: each episode typically introduces a case that Colter Shaw must solve, with occasional glimpses into his personal life and emotional turmoil. The format worked well in the first season, as it established a solid rhythm and allowed viewers to connect with Colter’s personal and professional journey.
However, Episode 5 presents a more experimental approach to storytelling that feels almost disjointed in comparison to earlier episodes. The episode ventures away from the established procedural framework and delves more into the psychological, exploring Colter’s emotional struggles and the psychological toll that the ongoing investigation is taking on him. While this shift could have added depth to the series, it also feels jarring and disconnected from the show’s usual pacing and tone.
The episode relies heavily on flashbacks and fragmented narrative techniques, which at times create more confusion than clarity. This departure from the usual case-of-the-week format may have been an attempt to add complexity, but the execution feels muddled, leaving the audience struggling to follow Colter’s thought process. As a result, this unusual storytelling technique detracts from the otherwise engaging aspects of the show.
The Impact on Colter Shaw’s Character
While the experimental storytelling could be seen as a way to explore Colter Shaw’s internal world in more depth, it risks diluting the character’s original appeal. Colter has always been defined by his strong sense of justice and his ability to focus on the task at hand. However, in this episode, the focus shifts from Colter as a driven, methodical investigator to someone lost in his own thoughts and fragmented memories.
This shift in character portrayal is both intriguing and problematic. On one hand, it opens up new emotional layers for Colter, showcasing his vulnerabilities. On the other hand, it weakens the central strength of the show—Colter’s unwavering determination. By focusing too heavily on his internal struggles, the episode loses some of the tension and excitement that Tracker has built up in previous episodes.
Pacing Issues and Narrative Disjointedness
Another consequence of the storytelling shift in Episode 5 is the pacing, which feels uneven. The constant switching between past and present, as well as the lack of a clear narrative through-line, makes it difficult for the viewer to stay fully engaged. The tension that the show has built over previous episodes dissipates, replaced by a sense of confusion and aimlessness.
Instead of propelling the overarching plot forward, Episode 5 feels like a digression that might have worked better as a standalone, character-focused episode later in the season. The sudden shift in tone leaves little room for the plot to develop in a meaningful way, and as a result, the episode feels like a missed opportunity for further character growth and narrative progression.
Looking Forward: A Crucial Turning Point
While Episode 5 marks an odd and unsettling shift in storytelling, it could ultimately serve as a turning point for the series. If Tracker can re-align its focus and find a balance between character exploration and the procedural elements that made it successful, this experiment could lead to a richer, more dynamic show.
However, if the show continues to rely on disjointed narrative techniques without giving the audience a clearer understanding of the story’s trajectory, it risks alienating viewers who have become invested in Colter’s journey. The next few episodes will be crucial in determining whether this shift is a temporary departure or a permanent change in direction for the series.
Conclusion: An Uneasy Experiment
Tracker Season 2, Episode 5 represents a strange and risky shift in storytelling for the series. While the attempt to explore Colter Shaw’s internal world adds emotional depth, it also creates pacing issues and weakens the narrative’s tension. For the series to maintain its appeal, it will need to find a better balance between character exploration and the investigative action that made it compelling in the first place. Whether this shift is a misstep or a sign of creative growth remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: Tracker has entered a crucial phase in its second season, and the choices made in these next episodes will shape the show’s future.
