As Season 3 of Tracker approaches, news about Jensen Ackles' return has viewers ready to see where the biggest mystery of the series is headed. The Season 2 cliffhanger left much to be discussed, especially because so much was ignored regarding the Ashton Shaw case. How it impacted who Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) has become and why he works on these cases is the entire premise of the CBS show. What was the most significant plotline for Tracker in Season 1 was almost entirely neglected in favor of a separate plotline with Gina Picket that seemingly came out of nowhere.
Colter Shaw has daddy issues, and much of it stems from how his dad died and his behavior before it happened. He reunited with his sister, Dory (Melissa Roxburgh), in Season 1. They discussed things about their father, as both were affected by his actions as children. For years, Colter believed Jensen Ackles’ Russell Shaw was the one who killed their father, only learning that wasn’t the case at the very end of Season 2. The biggest bombshell was the information that Colter’s mother was the one who ordered the murder of his father, and the reality he will face as he navigates what that means moving forward. Bringing back Ackles' Russell Shaw for the first two Tracker episodes of Season 3 will help move the family mystery to the forefront and set the series back on the track it began on during Season 1.
Season 2 of 'Tracker' Dropped the Ball on the Biggest Storyline
Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw in Tracker Season 2, Episode 19.
Tracker went through an identity crisis between Season 1 and Season 2. With CBS known for its perfected procedural formulas with hits like Criminal Minds and NCIS, the newest CBS hit wasn't sure where it fit. Sure, the hour-long episodes that ended with each case wrapped up worked well, but Season 1 introduced a huge Shaw family mystery that seemingly went by the wayside — until the Season 2 finale.
The added element of Ashton Shaw and what happened surrounding his death made Tracker stand out. It wasn't just another run-of-the-mill procedural; it also had another dimension that gave viewers something to stew on while waiting for the next episode to air. Colter's entire ex istence as a reward seeker is because of his life with his father. He and his siblings were taught survivalist skills, which have come in handy as he solves the cases and collects the reward money. Colter's estrangement from his siblings, Dory and Russell, added another layer to his complicated past, and with Russell back for Season 3, there is plenty to expand on.
Russell's Return Could Impact the Shaw Family Mystery on 'Tracker'
Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw in his car in Tracker Season 2 Episode 2.
For most of his adult life, Colter believed that Russell was the one who killed their father. In what could be called the biggest shock of Tracker to date, we learned that Otto (Alex Fernandez) was the man who killed Ashton — at the order of his mother. Russell's return for the Season 3 opener and the subsequent episode could give viewers more answers about what happened to Ashton and why.
Season 3 can potentially bring the biggest mystery back to the forefront and rectify what happened during Season 2. Tracker has now given Colter a new outlook on his relationship with Russell, which could certainly be expanded. The brothers have been estranged for years, and if the new season can manage to squeeze Dory in too, a Shaw sibling reunion could lead to new information. Russell has his version of events, as do Colter and Dory. What they don't know is how Mary (Wendy Crewson) fits into everything and why she asked for the help that led to the murder of her husband.
Shaw Family Drama Should Push 'Tracker' Season 3 Forward
Melissa Roxburgh as Dory and Justin Hartley as Colter in Tracker
Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw and Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw in Tracker Season 2 Episode 2.
Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw on the phone in 'Tracker' Season 2 Episode 18.
A still from 'Tracker' Season 2, Episode 19
Justin Hartley in Tracker Season 2, Episode 13 "Neptune."
While it is unclear where Season 3 of Tracker is headed, adding family conflict in a different light will help shift the focus back to what happened to Ashton Shaw, with his sons leading the way. Mary had kept much of the truth from her children, knowing they were all estranged throughout their adult lives. Not having them connected allowed her to keep her secret much easier and keep her children from knowing the truth about her part in Ashton's death.
Colter and Russell were both affected by their father's delusions and the ever-changing world in which they were raised. While the survivalist skills have come in handy for the brothers, the trauma and resentment have heavily weighed on them both. Having the truth revealed in the Season 2 finale leaves the possibility of a reconciliation open between them, and the air is cleared as Ashton's real killer has been revealed.
'Tracker' Season 3 Needs To Return to Its Roots
Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw looking at something to the side while standing outdoors in Tracker Season 3.
With the promise of Season 3 moving things forward, Tracker has the potential to be one of the long-running series CBS is known for. Season 2 was decent, but it left out much of the plotline from Season 1's biggest mystery. There are many possibilities for the Shaw brothers moving forward, as long as Jensen Ackles can find time in his schedule to film. Right now, it's confirmed that he will be in the first two episodes, but beyond that, it is unclear. Russell's presence forces Colter to think about the past and work through the issues that have long plagued him. While being a loner has worked for him thus far, the truth about what happened to his father has shaken him.
Weaving the long-running mystery into the fabric of weekly episodes with a new case could be the winning formula for Tracker. Justin Hartley has taken Colter Shaw and turned him into one of TV's best leading men. Adding Jensen Ackles as his brother helped move the series along and also added the depth needed to move the story forward in a way that can span several seasons. Season 3 has the chance to right the wrong from Season 2, and with Ackles back in action with Hartley, there is no better time to have it happen.
