The key reason fans are growing impatient with Season 2 is that while the procedural nature remains, with every episode following Colter taking on a new case in a new city, the overarching story is missing. Along with learning how Colter developed his incredible tracking skills, Season 1 also told the story of Colter’s father and his tragic death.
A brilliant professor, his father, Ashton (Lee Tergesen), at some point started to become very paranoid and moved his family to the wilderness where they lived off the grid. One day, while having an “episode,” as Colter’s mother Mary (Wendy Crewson) called it, Ashton took off. When Colter, then a teenager, went to find him, he came across his father’s dead body at the bottom of a cliff. There’s so much mystery surrounding Colter’s father’s death, which he suspects was a murder, and questions about if his father might have been involved in something secretive or dangerous that made him so paranoid. hrough interactions with Colter’s brother Russell (Jensen Ackles), sister Dory (Melissa Roxburgh), and mother Mary, it’s clear there’s something Colter doesn’t know. Russell swears he saw someone else in the wilderness the day their father was killed. Mary is hellbent on keeping Colter away from Russell, and Dory just wants to leave the past in the past. A major teaser was given in the Season 1 finale when Colter helps old childhood friend Lizzy (Jennifer Morrison).
In catching up, she casually reveals that her mother and Colter’s father were having an affair, something she thought Colter knew about. She also tells him his father came to see her mother right before his death, and they got into an argument about something. Lizzy’s mother has since passed, but she came across a box of Colter’s father’s belongings in her mother’s house. Unsure of what to do with them, she gave the box to Dory. Yet Dory has never mentioned this to Colter. Was the box filled with unimportant trinkets? Or was there something important in there? Well into the second season, the topic of Colter’s family hasn’t come up again, but for a short reappearance by Russell and a sweet conversation between Reenie (Fiona Rene) and Colter in a diner where he recalls a memory involving his mother and pancakes. Perhaps Colter has been too busy, but knowing how he is about following trails and breadcrumbs, it’s tough to believe that he has completely set his family mysteries aside. That’s especially so following that massive revelation from Lizzy and the mention of a mysterious person in the woods by Russell.
“It just feels like we’re getting a bunch of random episodes of Colter doing what he does best,” writes Redditor UltraDegenApe. “Season 1 had a strong narrative: we saw Colter in his element, but we also got insight into his past – what shaped him, what happened to his father…But now, it’s like the show has completely disconnected from itself.” Fans want to know more about this larger narrative, not just see Colter take on case after case. Since it’s confirmed that Russell, Dory, Mary, and Lizzy will all appear in Season 2 (or at least Season 3), it’s likely the storyline will return. But the complete pause on Colter’s quest to learn more about his own life has left fans itching for more.
‘Tracker’ Season 2 has returned with high expectations, but something feels off. Fans who were captivated by the rich storytelling of Season 1 have noticed a glaring omission—the Shaw family’s strong narrative. While the show still delivers thrilling cases and intense action, the emotional core that the Shaw family brought is missing.
But why does their absence matter so much? And how is it affecting the overall quality of the show? Let’s dive into the details.
The Importance of the Shaw Family in ‘Tracker’
A Foundation of Emotional Depth
The Shaw family wasn’t just a subplot; they were the backbone of the show’s emotional weight. Their presence grounded the main character’s motivations and added layers to his development.
A Source of Relatability
Audiences connected deeply with the Shaw family because they represented real struggles—loyalty, loss, and resilience. Their storylines made the action sequences feel more meaningful rather than just another procedural crime drama.
Fan Favorite Moments from Season 1
- The heartfelt reunion after a major case.
- The conflicts that showed real-world family dynamics.
- The sacrifices made to protect one another.
What’s Different in ‘Tracker’ Season 2?
Less Focus on Personal Storylines
Season 2 seems to prioritize high-stakes cases over character-driven moments. While the action remains top-tier, the emotional connection has weakened.
No More Shaw Family Ties
The absence of the Shaw family makes the protagonist’s journey feel less personal. Without them, the stakes don’t feel as high on an emotional level.
An Over-Reliance on New Characters
Instead of expanding on existing narratives, Season 2 introduces new characters—some of whom feel like forced replacements rather than organic additions.
Why Fans Are Missing the Shaw Family Narrative
The Emotional Anchor is Gone
Characters need relationships to feel real, and without the Shaw family, the main character seems more like a lone wolf than a fully fleshed-out person.
The Show Feels More Generic
What set ‘Tracker’ apart from other crime dramas was its mix of action and heartfelt storytelling. Now, it risks becoming just another procedural series.
Fan Reactions Speak Volumes
Social media is buzzing with disappointment. Here’s what some fans are saying:
- “Season 2 is good, but where’s the heart? The Shaw family made the show feel real.”
- “I miss the emotional depth from Season 1. Tracker feels incomplete without the Shaw family.”
- “The cases are cool, but I want more of what made me love the show in the first place—the family dynamic.”
Could ‘Tracker’ Season 2 Fix This?
Bringing Back the Shaw Family
Even if the family isn’t the central focus, reintroducing them in key moments could restore the emotional balance.
Blending Action with Personal Stakes
Rather than just solving cases, the show should tie the investigations back to personal struggles, much like it did in Season 1.
Expanding on the Family’s Story
If the Shaw family isn’t physically present, at least their storyline should be referenced to maintain continuity.
Conclusion: A Missing Piece That Needs to Return
‘Tracker’ Season 2 still delivers thrilling cases, but without the Shaw family, it’s missing a crucial emotional layer. The show thrives on its mix of action and heart, and right now, it’s tilting too much toward the action.
Can the writers bring back the family dynamic in time to save the season? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain—fans are noticing, and they want the Shaw family back.
