A Dark Past Comes to Light
Tracker Season 3 is just around the corner, and the upcoming episodes promise to dig deeper into Colter Shaw’s tragic family history. The Season 2 finale ended with shocking revelations about his father’s death, setting the stage for more answers—and more questions—about the Shaw family.
For two seasons, Colter, played by Justin Hartley, has traveled across the United States helping people find missing loved ones. But even as he solved case after case, the mystery of his own past weighed heavily on him. His father’s sudden decline and death have haunted him, driving a personal quest for truth that continues in the new season.
Season 2’s Turning Point
Although Season 2 faced some uneven storytelling, its overarching narrative centered on Colter’s search for answers about his late father, Ashton Shaw. Viewers also saw how his siblings, Russell Shaw (Jensen Ackles) and Dory Shaw (Melissa Roxburgh), each dealt with the family’s pain in their own way.
The finale revealed that Otto Waldron, a man connected to Ashton, was responsible for the murder. This twist shocked Colter, who had long suspected his brother Russell of playing a role. While Otto’s confession solved the “who,” it left the “why” unresolved. That lingering question sets the tone for Season 3.
Dark Forces at Play
In an interview with Collider, showrunner Elwood Reid teased that Colter’s investigation into his father’s past is far from over. According to Reid, Season 3 will explore “not just who killed his father… but what drove his father to lose it.”
This means that Ashton’s mysterious behavior before his death—moving the family into the woods and enforcing strict survivalist training—will finally be examined in more depth. As Colter pieces together these unsettling details, audiences will get new insights into the trauma he has carried since childhood.
Reid also explained that the season will reveal more of the emotional burden Colter bottles up. While he often presents himself as stoic and emotionally detached, this storyline will show cracks in his armor as he confronts his past head-on.
What Colter’s Father’s Decline Could Reveal
Even though Otto Waldron’s role in Ashton’s death is now known, Colter’s need for answers runs deeper. Why did Ashton spiral into paranoia? What secrets was he protecting? And how much did his family know about his state of mind?
Season 3 is set to explore these questions, adding new layers to Colter’s personal journey. His siblings Russell and Dory are expected to play larger roles, offering their own perspectives on their father’s decline. Their mother, Mary Dove Shaw (Wendy Crewson), may also contribute critical insights into Ashton’s final years.
These revelations will not only expand Colter’s understanding of his father but may also shift his own identity. As the truth comes to light, Colter could find himself questioning the foundation of everything he believes about his family and his upbringing.
A Family in Need of Closure
Despite his outward resilience, Colter has never fully moved on from his father’s death. His relentless drive to solve other people’s mysteries often mirrors his unresolved grief. Russell and Dory also continue to carry the weight of their family tragedy, making closure a shared need among the Shaw siblings.
By focusing more deeply on Ashton Shaw’s life and decline, Tracker Season 3 offers the potential for healing—not only for Colter but for the entire family. Unraveling the truth behind Ashton’s paranoia and his eventual murder may provide long-awaited answers that allow the Shaws to move forward.
Why Season 3’s Focus Matters
Fans of Tracker have long wanted the series to spend more time on Colter’s personal history. While Season 2 delivered an important breakthrough, some viewers felt the show glossed over the family dynamics that made the mystery compelling.
Season 3 appears ready to correct that, centering the story on the very issues that have defined Colter since the beginning. By balancing the weekly case-of-the-week structure with a more intimate look at the Shaw family’s trauma, the show is poised to deliver some of its most powerful storytelling yet.
Looking Ahead
With “dark forces” influencing Ashton’s past and Colter uncovering unsettling truths, Tracker Season 3 is shaping up to be both a mystery and a family drama. The new season will not only bring viewers closer to solving the puzzle of Ashton Shaw’s death but also reveal how Colter confronts his deepest fears and emotional scars.
For Colter, the search for missing people has always been about more than the job—it’s been a reflection of his own need for answers. As Season 3 unfolds, fans can expect a powerful exploration of loss, truth, and the unbreakable pull of family.
