In the realm of television, few things are as disheartening as a beloved series missing the mark. For fans of CBS’s “Tracker,” Season 2’s foray into the paranormal was anticipated with bated breath. However, the execution left many feeling underwhelmed. But why did this particular storyline falter? To understand, we must delve into “Tracker’s” established narrative strengths and how this supernatural detour deviated from them.
The Foundation of ‘Tracker’: A Gritty Procedural
Colter Shaw: The Relentless Rewardist
At its core, “Tracker” follows Colter Shaw, portrayed by Justin Hartley, a man who traverses the nation solving mysteries and locating missing persons. His character is grounded in realism, utilizing keen observation and deductive reasoning to crack cases. This procedural approach has been the bedrock of the show’s appeal.
Season 1: Establishing a Realistic Tone
The inaugural season captivated audiences with its gritty storytelling and complex character arcs. Each episode presented tangible mysteries, from disappearances to criminal conspiracies, all rooted in plausible scenarios. This realism fostered a strong connection between the viewers and the narrative.
Season 2’s Paranormal Pivot
Episode Overview: ‘Ontological Shock’
In the episode titled “Ontological Shock,” the series took an unexpected turn. The plot delved into UFOs (or UAPs, as they’re now termed), secret government cover-ups, and eerie conspiracies. The episode commenced with Scott Palmer, a grieving widower, venturing into a clandestine Department of Defense site, only to encounter inexplicable phenomena.
Breaking the Mold: A Risky Endeavor
This departure from the show’s established formula was bold. Integrating supernatural elements into a series grounded in realism is a delicate balancing act. Unfortunately, for many viewers, this shift felt jarring and inconsistent with the show’s identity.
Why the Paranormal Case Fell Flat
Audience Expectations: A Betrayal of Trust
Fans had come to appreciate “Tracker” for its realistic portrayals and procedural precision. Introducing paranormal elements disrupted this expectation, leading to feelings of betrayal among the audience.
Lack of Narrative Cohesion
The sudden inclusion of supernatural themes lacked adequate buildup. Without a gradual introduction or foreshadowing, the paranormal plotline felt shoehorned, disrupting the narrative flow.
Character Incongruence
Colter Shaw’s methods are rooted in logic and evidence. Facing unexplainable phenomena without the tools to rationalize them put his character at odds with the situation, leading to a disconnect between character and plot.
The Importance of Consistency in Storytelling
Maintaining Genre Integrity
Consistency is paramount in storytelling. While genre-blending can enrich a narrative, it requires careful execution to ensure that the core essence of the story remains intact.
Building and Keeping Audience Trust
Viewers invest in a series based on established themes and tones. Abrupt deviations can erode this trust, leading to disengagement and disappointment.
Lessons for Future Episodes
Gradual Introduction of New Elements
If a series intends to explore new themes or genres, a gradual introduction allows the audience to acclimate, reducing potential resistance.
Ensuring Character Alignment
Any new plot developments should align with character motivations and methods to maintain narrative cohesion.
Audience Feedback: A Valuable Tool
Engaging with audience feedback can provide insights into what resonates and what doesn’t, guiding future storytelling decisions.
Conclusion
“Tracker” has built a reputation on its realistic procedural storytelling. Season 2’s venture into the paranormal, while ambitious, highlighted the challenges of deviating from established narratives. By understanding and respecting the core elements that endear a series to its audience, creators can ensure that future episodes continue to captivate and satisfy.
FAQs
1. Why did ‘Tracker’ decide to explore paranormal themes in Season 2?
The creators likely aimed to introduce fresh and intriguing plotlines to keep the series engaging.
2. How have fans reacted to the paranormal episode?
Many fans expressed disappointment, feeling that the supernatural elements clashed with the show’s established realistic tone.
3. Has ‘Tracker’ explored supernatural themes before?
No, the series has predominantly focused on realistic, procedural storytelling until this point.
4. Will future episodes continue with paranormal storylines?
It’s uncertain. Audience feedback may influence the direction of future episodes.
5. How can ‘Tracker’ regain its audience’s trust after this misstep?
By returning to its core strengths of realistic storytelling and ensuring that any new elements are integrated thoughtfully and cohesively.
