In 2024, CBS launched a new show called Tracker, which became a hit among viewers. It stars Justin Hartley, who many know from shows like This Is Us and Smallville. He plays Colter Shaw, a man who helps people find things or loved ones who have gone missing, but he charges for his services.
Hartley not only plays the lead role but also works as an executive producer on the show. Tracker isn’t your typical crime show, and it doesn’t follow the usual storyline of a lone hero solving crimes in one city. Instead, each episode takes Colter to different places, where he faces new problems and helps solve them.
As the first season unfolds, we begin to learn more about Colter Shaw’s past, especially the dark secrets surrounding his family. The first season may not have rushed into big revelations, but it carefully laid the groundwork for future episodes. This slow but steady storytelling approach is one of the reasons why Tracker stands out.
The series uses a mixture of standalone plots and ongoing mystery. While each episode has its own case to solve, there are hints throughout that point to a larger story, especially about Colter’s family. As fans eagerly await the arrival of Season 2, it’s a good time to reflect on the key moments of Season 1 and recall where Colter’s story left off.
Colter Shaw’s Search for Truth in Tracker Season 1
From the very beginning of the show, we learn that Colter Shaw is a man with a mission. Actually, he has many missions, because he’s always helping people find things or loved ones that have gone missing. He often says, “We’re all looking for something,” which shows just how dedicated he is to getting the job done.
Colter makes it clear that he won’t stop until his clients get the answers they need. While most of Colter’s cases are standalone, meaning each episode has its own story, there is a larger mystery running in the background of the show, which involves his own family.
Colter’s reasons for helping others aren’t just about money—there’s something deeper going on. Over time, we discover that Colter is driven by events from his past.
When Colter was a teenager, his father, Ashton Shaw, moved their family off the grid. Ashton believed that the government was conspiring against them and took extreme measures to protect his family. They lived in isolation, away from the rest of society.
One day, during a thunderstorm, Ashton died unexpectedly, leaving his family in shock. Looking back on it, Colter thought his father might have lost his grip on reality.
He also believed that his older brother, Russell, might have been responsible for their father’s death. This tragedy left a deep impact on Colter and his siblings, and it’s a key part of why Colter is so focused on solving other people’s problems.
Early in the series, we see that Russell, who hasn’t spoken to Colter in years, tries to reach out. He calls Colter several times, but Colter doesn’t answer. Colter’s mother, Mary Dove Shaw, tells him to ignore his brother and stay away from him.
She had told him to leave Russell behind about 20 years ago, and Colter seemed fine with following that advice—at least for a while. But things begin to change when Colter’s sister, Dory, encourages him to let Russell back into his life. Dory believes that it’s time for the family to reconnect and that Russell has something important to share.
When Colter finally decides to meet with Russell, he learns that Russell didn’t kill their father after all. Russell reveals that many things were going on during their childhood that neither of them fully understood at the time. Dory also seems to have her own theories about what happened.
In one episode, “Beyond the Campus Walls,” Dory suggests that their father’s obsession with the government may not have been as far-fetched as it seemed. She hints that there was more to the story and that their father’s death might not have been as simple as they thought. These conversations leave Colter wondering who is telling the truth and who might be hiding something.
In the season finale, “The Storm,” Colter learns a shocking truth from a family friend, Lizzie Hawking. She tells him that his mother had been having an affair with her father. This revelation changes everything for Colter and offers a possible explanation for Ashton Shaw’s sudden death.
However, the story doesn’t end there. Russell’s involvement with some questionable military figures raises even more questions. Could Ashton’s death have been linked to something much bigger than just a family affair?
As the season wraps up, we are left with more questions than answers. But one thing is clear: Colter’s family history is far more complicated than he ever realized. With Russell and Dory set to return in Season 2, it seems likely that we will see more family reunions and perhaps more secrets coming to light.
Colter’s Struggles With Keeping His Life Separate
One of the things that makes Colter Shaw such an interesting character is how he manages to keep his personal and professional lives separate. Even though he works closely with a group of co-workers, including Teddi Bruin, Velma Bruin, Bobby Exley, and Reenie Greene, Colter doesn’t share much about his family or his past with them.
He has built walls around himself and prefers to keep others at a distance. This can make him seem mysterious, but it also shows how deeply affected he is by his past.
Reenie Greene, Colter’s lawyer, is one of the few people who seems to be able to get close to him. Throughout the first season, Reenie starts to find small cracks in Colter’s emotional armor. She tries to learn more about him, and as she does, she becomes more involved in his life.
Reenie’s growing involvement with Colter may play a significant role in the next season, especially as Colter continues to deal with his complicated family dynamics.
Colter Shaw and Reenie Greene’s Relationship: Will It Turn Romantic?
From the early episodes of Tracker, there is a noticeable connection between Colter Shaw and Reenie Greene. While the show hasn’t officially made them a romantic couple yet, there are plenty of moments that suggest they have feelings for each other.
They share longing looks, exchange witty remarks, and Colter often puts himself in danger to protect Reenie. He’s willing to go the extra mile for her, and not just because it’s part of his job.
Reenie’s role in the show has grown significantly throughout the first season. As the series’ main female lead, Reenie is involved in many of the key episodes.
Fiona Rene, who plays Reenie, has great on-screen chemistry with Justin Hartley, and the show’s creators seem to be holding off on fully developing their relationship until the right moment. Fans are hopeful that we’ll see more of their dynamic in Season 2, perhaps with their relationship taking a more serious turn.
But there is an in-universe reason why Colter and Reenie haven’t started a romance yet: Colter has a hard time with commitment. He doesn’t like being tied down and prefers to live a life of independence. His job requires him to constantly be on the move, and his lifestyle reflects his need for freedom.
He lives in a camper, and this mobile lifestyle symbolizes his internal need for isolation. He doesn’t let people in easily, not even his own family.
One scene in particular highlights Colter’s reluctance to stay in one place. After helping Bobby Exley’s friend in the episode “Chicago,” Bobby offers to buy Colter and Reenie lunch. Rather than sticking around for a simple meal, Colter quickly leaves for Sioux Falls.
This pattern of leaving without saying goodbye happens several times throughout the season. Colter has a habit of making sudden exits, which shows how uncomfortable he is with forming deep connections. Even with his handlers, Teddi and Velma Bruin, Colter keeps some emotional distance.
Reenie has her work cut out for her if she wants to break down Colter’s walls. But she’s not the only potential love interest in Colter’s life.
Billie Matalon: Another Love Interest for Colter Shaw?
While Tracker has a relatively small main cast, one guest character made a big impression on fans: Billie Matalon, played by Sofia Pernas. Billie is another reward-seeker, much like Colter. She first appears in the episode “Lexington,” but it’s clear that she and Colter have a history.
They worked together on a job in Miami, but things didn’t end well. Billie betrays Colter during that job, which has created some tension between them.
Despite the betrayal, Billie and Colter have undeniable chemistry. Their interactions are filled with sparks, and Billie could serve as a romantic foil to Reenie. This is made even more interesting by the fact that Sofia Pernas, who plays Billie, is Justin Hartley’s real-life wife.
The two actors met while working together on The Young and the Restless and eventually got married. Their real-life connection adds an extra layer of intrigue to their on-screen relationship.
It will be interesting to see how the show balances Colter’s potential relationships with Reenie and Billie in Season 2. Will Colter finally open up to Reenie, or will Billie’s reappearance cause more complications in his personal life? Either way, fans are eager to see how these dynamics play out in future episodes.
What to Expect in Tracker Season 2
As Season 2 of Tracker approaches, fans are excited to see what’s next for Colter Shaw. The first season ended with many unanswered questions, especially about Colter’s family. But Tracker is known for its episodic nature, where each installment features a standalone plot.
This structure allows the show to focus on different cases each week, which keeps the storytelling fresh and exciting. However, it can also push the larger story arcs, like Colter’s family mystery, to the background.
Some standout episodes from Season 1 include “Missoula,” which centers on a dangerous cult, “Aurora,” a horror-themed missing person case, and “Into the Wild,” which features the talented Peter Stormare. These episodes are examples of Tracker’s ability to balance intriguing standalone cases with the overarching mystery surrounding Colter’s past.
As for Season 2, we know that there will be some changes to the team. Robin Weigert, who played Teddi Bruin, won’t be returning for the new season. Her character’s departure means that Reenie Greene will likely take on a more prominent role within Colter’s team.
Reenie, who was previously Colter’s go-to lawyer, will now be working closely with Velma Bruin on a new business venture. This new job will not only help Colter financially but will also allow him to continue helping people who need skills that go beyond the law.
In the upcoming season, Colter’s first case will involve searching for a missing mother who has ties to organized crime in Arkansas. This storyline is expected to feature both Russell Shaw and Billie Matalon, who will return in the first few episodes.
As Colter continues to tackle new challenges, fans are eager to see how the remaining family secrets will be revealed and what new twists await him in Season 2.
