The intense finale of Tracker Season 2, titled “Echo Ridge,” delivered a stunning emotional punch by taking lead character Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) back to his childhood home, peeling back layers of his family’s darkest mysteries. While fans finally learned that Colter’s mother was involved in his father’s death, showrunner Elwood Reid emphasized that this revelation is far from a full answer—it’s just the beginning of a far more complex story.
Reid confirmed that Season 3, slated to begin filming mid-July, will expand the scope of Colter’s investigation into his family’s shadowy past, promising to delve deeper into the psychological toll on Colter and the evolving dynamics with his siblings. With the writers’ room set to open imminently, the creative team is already mapping out how to intertwine new mysteries with the emotional core of the show.
Colter’s Shocking Discovery: The Mystery Deepens
At the heart of the Season 2 finale lies the revelation that Colter’s mother had a role in his father’s murder—but crucially, Reid clarified it’s not a simple case of ordering a hit. “There are a lot of unanswered questions we’re going to explore in the very first episode of Season 3,” Reid shared in an exclusive ScreenRant interview. “This isn’t something that can be resolved in one scene or episode. It’s much more complicated, and as the season progresses, Colter will uncover answers—but also be confronted with even bigger mysteries.”
This layered storytelling approach keeps audiences on edge, balancing answers with fresh enigmas. Colter’s journey isn’t just about unraveling the facts; it’s also about how he processes these revelations internally. “He’s this steady, calm presence for victims and families in crisis, but inside, he’s grappling with his own heavy burdens,” Reid explained. Colter rarely opens up even to his closest allies, adding emotional depth to his character’s quiet struggle.
Darkness and Light: Balancing Tone in Network TV
Reid also touched on the tonal balance the show strikes, particularly given its home on network television. The finale’s heavy themes—including a dark case involving child trafficking in Colter’s hometown—highlight the series’ willingness to explore intense subject matter without alienating viewers.
“Network TV has a reputation, but at its best, it can handle dark and light elements seamlessly,” Reid said. “Colter’s character showcases a range of emotions—from moments of levity and connection with colleagues like Billie to confronting tragic realities. The show thrives on mixing those tones to keep audiences engaged week after week.”
This mix-and-match approach allows Tracker to maintain suspense and emotional resonance without becoming relentlessly grim, ensuring viewers remain hooked by both character development and compelling cases.
Family Matters: Russell and Reenie’s Roles to Expand
Season 3 will see more involvement from Colter’s siblings, especially his brother Russell, portrayed by Jensen Ackles (The Boys, Supernatural). Reid hinted that Russell “always knows more than everyone else,” suggesting his return will be pivotal in unpacking family secrets. Though Ackles’ current commitments mean filming logistics remain a challenge, the showrunner is confident they can bring him back.
Reenie (Fiona Rene), another fan-favorite, will have her storyline further fleshed out next season. Reid noted, “We want to build out Reenie’s world more fully, including her relationships and the people around her, like Randy.” The writers plan to deepen her character’s involvement without immediately tying her fate romantically to Colter’s, keeping viewers guessing.
The Complex Dynamic of Colter and Reenie
One of the season’s standout elements has been the ambiguous connection between Colter and Reenie—strong friendship or potential romance? Reid acknowledged the complexity: “Colter isn’t exactly boyfriend material given the urgency and darkness surrounding his life. Yet there’s undeniable chemistry and emotional moments that resonate deeply.”
This dynamic reflects Colter’s nature as the stoic, strong-and-silent type who rarely lets his guard down, making their interactions layered and authentic. The possibility of future romantic developments is teased but never forced, preserving narrative tension.
Behind the Scenes: Emotional Performances and Practical Effects
Reid also praised the cast’s performances, especially Justin Hartley’s powerful work in emotionally charged scenes. The finale’s closing moments, notably involving Alex Fernandez’s character Otto, stood out as particularly poignant and were filmed with minimal takes, showcasing the actors’ skill and preparation.
Additionally, the production’s commitment to realism was evident in the challenging filming of episode 16, set in a blizzard with practically no manufactured snow. “Justin even hurt his wrist in the deep snow,” Reid revealed, underscoring the dedication to authentic atmosphere.
Looking Ahead: Season 3 on the Horizon
With filming starting mid-July and the writing team convening soon, fans can expect Season 3 to pick up where Season 2 left off—tangling with unresolved family drama, expanding secondary characters’ stories, and presenting new cases that intertwine with Colter’s personal journey.
All episodes of Tracker Season 2 remain available for streaming on Paramount+, and the show’s return to CBS is highly anticipated.
This Tracker season finale left viewers both satisfied and hungry for answers, delivering a dramatic narrative that skillfully blends mystery, emotional depth, and character-driven storytelling. Season 3 promises to be a thrilling continuation of Colter Shaw’s quest for truth amid tangled family secrets and harrowing cases.
