While Tracker lost Robin Weigert after the first season, Season 2’s introduction of Brent Sexton’s Keaton was a welcome surprise for many. First appearing in “Trust Fall,” where Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) aided him in solving a case of his own, Keaton has stuck with our favorite network TV hero as he sought to find answers to his own “white whale” mystery. Now that “The Disciple” has wrapped that plotline up, Tracker seems to be keeping the door open with Keaton, as Colter notes that he will reach out if he ever finds himself in another bind. But the CBS series needs to do more than keep the door open, it should really offer him a spot inside…
‘Tracker’ Has More Than Proven Keaton’s Worth as a Teddi Replacement
When we first met Keaton in “Trust Fall,” we weren’t sure if he was a character worthy of Colter Shaw’s (or our) trust. Throughout the episode, it became clear that this retired cop was just hoping to do the right thing, and was itching (much like Colter himself) to solve the case that has kept him up at night for years. The similarities between these two are obvious, and it made sense that Keaton would then offer to help Colter with his own problems. With not much else to do but enjoy retirement, Keaton still has a few tricks left up his sleeve, and could easily be inserted into Colter’s team. Sure, they may have to split the reward with yet another face, but it would be well worth it.
When Tracker first began, Colter had two handlers, a tech guru, and a lawyer on his payroll. While Teddi has effectively exited the show, Velma (Abby McEnany) continues to find Colter jobs and is now working even more closely with Reenie (Fiona Rene), who has opened her own law practice aside from moonlighting for Colter. Additionally, Bobby (Eric Graise) remains a core member of Colter’s team, giving our hero access to everything from public (and private) records and location information to social media and security footage. No doubt, Colter has built for himself an effective team, and if it ain’t broke, why try to fix it? After all, what else could Colter actually need? Aside from helping in the Gina Pickett (Lina Lecompte) case, is there anything unique that Keaton can offer? Well, “The Disciple” has made that pretty clear…
‘Tracker’ has quickly become one of the most gripping shows on television, drawing in audiences with its intense storylines and compelling characters. However, one thing has become abundantly clear—Keaton is not just a supporting character; he’s an essential piece of the puzzle. His presence on the show is magnetic, and fans are clamoring for more. So, why isn’t Keaton a series regular yet? Let’s break down why the show needs to make this crucial move.
Who Is Keaton? Understanding His Role in ‘Tracker’
Keaton burst onto the scene with a presence that immediately captured the audience’s attention. His character is layered, his backstory is intriguing, and his chemistry with the main cast is undeniable. From his first appearance, it was evident that he had more to offer than just a recurring role.
The Depth of Keaton’s Character
- Strong moral compass with shades of gray
- Unfinished personal arcs that demand exploration
- Complex relationships with the main characters
Why Keaton Stands Out Among the Cast
Every successful show has that one character who unexpectedly steals the spotlight. For ‘Tracker,’ that character is Keaton. His intelligence, charisma, and emotional depth set him apart. Here’s what makes him so unique:
1. His Dynamic Presence on Screen
Keaton brings a raw authenticity to ‘Tracker’ that few characters can match. He commands attention, whether in an action-packed sequence or a quiet moment of introspection.
2. Fan Reception and Popularity
Social media has exploded with love for Keaton. Viewers resonate with his journey and consistently express their desire to see more of him. If fan demand influences production decisions, Keaton should already have a permanent spot in the series.
3. The Missing Puzzle Piece in the Team
Keaton’s skill set and insights add a crucial dimension to the team. Removing him from the equation would leave a noticeable gap that the show may struggle to fill.
How Making Keaton a Series Regular Would Benefit ‘Tracker’
1. Strengthening the Core Cast
‘Tracker’ thrives on its ensemble, and Keaton enhances that dynamic. His inclusion as a regular would solidify the team and enrich the storytelling.
2. Expanding Storylines
By keeping Keaton in the mix, the show can explore deeper narratives involving his past, relationships, and motivations.
3. Increased Viewer Engagement
Keaton has already proven to be a fan favorite. Making him a permanent fixture would maintain audience interest and potentially draw in new viewers.
What Would Happen If Keaton Leaves?
A show can survive cast changes, but removing a beloved character often results in backlash. ‘Tracker’ should learn from other series that underestimated the importance of a breakout character and suffered for it.
Possible Negative Impacts:
- Decreased emotional investment from fans
- A void in character dynamics that’s hard to fill
- Missed opportunities for engaging storytelling
Final Verdict: Keaton Needs to Stay
Given everything Keaton brings to ‘Tracker,’ there’s no doubt he deserves a permanent role. His depth, popularity, and narrative potential make him an asset that the show can’t afford to lose. It’s time for the creators to listen to the audience and make the right move.
Conclusion
‘Tracker’ is a show that thrives on compelling characters, and Keaton is one of its strongest. His impact is undeniable, and fans have spoken—he needs to be a series regular. Keeping him in a recurring role would be a missed opportunity for both storytelling and audience engagement. The time is now to give Keaton the role he deserves.
