Colter Shaw is undergoing changes in Tracker season 2, and while on the surface, this new side of Colter could be great for his development, it could also hurt his character. The CBS action drama TV show's season 2 follows Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, an expert survivalist and tracker (hence the series' name). Colter is a lone wolf who travels the country, earning money by helping private citizens and law enforcement agencies. Heading into Tracker season 2, viewers should expect to learn more about Hartley's character and his past.
Tracker season 1 was quite popular on CBS as it was not only the network's highest-rated scripted series of the 2023–2024 season, but it was also the most-watched scripted show on network TV. So, season 2 has a lot to live up to. Based on Hartley's teases concerning Tracker season 2, the writers are wisely adapting the story and building off what worked in season 1. However, one change regarding Colter's character could make or break the series.
Tracker Season 2 Is Humanizing Colter Shaw With An Unresolved Case
The CBS Series Takes The Audience Back In Time (Again)
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During an interview with Entertainment Weekly, Justin Hartley, who also serves as an executive producer on the CBS action drama, discusses what's to come for Colter after Tracker season 1's ending. Hartley teases that one episode will take Colter back to a case he couldn't solve. In doing so, the series will try to humanize the protagonist. Hartley explains:
"We're going to introduce that [Colter is] human and not a superhero. He's hung up on the fact that he couldn't figure it out, and it's haunted him for years and years."
Like many other TV shows featuring detectives and/or people who solve cases, Colter has one mystery he couldn't solve that haunts him to this day. In Tracker season 2, this case will return, and hopefully, this time, Colter will be able to solve it. Whatever the case, the Tracker season 2 episode will knock Colter off his pedestal, bringing him back down to Earth and making him seem more like a human who makes mistakes.
Colter Shaw's Humanization Can Have Two Different Impacts On Tracker
Colter's Change Could Ruin His Character Or Make Him Better
While humanizing characters in TV shows is always a good thing, the Tracker writers must be careful when doing so with Colter. If done right, Colter's change will make him a more dynamic, fleshed-out character. However, adding this extra layer to Colter could feel too forced and overdone. Consequently, the new development might take away from the protagonist's skills as a rewardist, which is what the series is all about.
Viewers want to see Colter as an expert in his field, not as someone whose mistakes outweigh his skills. Yes, Colter should be humanized, but not to the point where he's wholly discredited for his work. However, based on the first season, Tracker season 2 should have no problem in diligently and adeptly developing Colter's character further.
Source: Entertainment Weekly
