Tracker Fixes Its Fatal Flaw Before It Ruins Justin Hartley’s Hit CBS Series

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After two years on the air, the CBS procedural drama Tracker, starring Justin Hartley, is finally improving its storytelling. The show has been a huge success for the network since it first aired in 2024, consistently topping the ratings even during the 2025-2026 TV season. However, despite its popularity, Tracker has always struggled with its narratives.

After gaining fame as Kevin Pearson in the hit show This Is Us, Mark Hartley returned to network television with Tracker, a surprising change of pace for the actor. The show heavily relies on Hartley’s performance as Colter Shaw – its success truly depends on him. While CBS has made changes to the show several times, it’s remained popular with viewers. However, Tracker season 3 needs to resolve a significant plot issue if it wants to continue successfully.

Tracker Season 3 Midseason Finale Re-Establishes The Show’s Stakes

Image via CBS

The third season of Tracker began with Velma and Bobby leaving the show. Rather than dwelling on their departures, the series quickly shifted its focus to the ongoing story. Though the revelation about Ashton Shaw’s death was briefly addressed, most of the season has followed Colter as he travels the country assisting families in finding missing people. This continues in season 3, episode 9, “Good Trouble,” which also features a return appearance by Keaton.

This case hits close to home for Colter’s former police colleague and friend, so he offers to help investigate the disappearance of Keaton’s old partner. As it’s the midseason finale, the story gets particularly complex and suspenseful. The episode ends with Colter and Keaton driving off a small cliff, leaving their survival uncertain and viewers anxious to learn what happens next.

The latest episode of Tracker leaves viewers on a cliffhanger, but it also smartly raises the stakes for the show’s future. A key part of what makes Tracker enjoyable is Colter’s competence and self-reliance. However, to keep the show fresh, it’s important to introduce changes. While the consistently happy endings have been a positive, they’ve become predictable. This time, the show takes a bold step by delaying the case’s conclusion until the next season in 2026. The added danger surrounding Keaton’s fate makes the cliffhanger even more compelling, as he’s a character both Colter and the audience care about.

What Happens To Colter In Tracker Season 3, Part 2

While Colter won’t be killed off on Tracker – at least not right now – he’s confirmed to return for season four. This means any challenges he faces won’t leave him permanently injured. However, Keaton’s situation is different. He’s already hurt before the car accident, and the cliff fall will likely worsen his condition.

According to CBS, Colter will receive assistance from Billie now that he’s unable to reach Reenie and Randy. While details about Keaton’s fate in the season 3 finale of Tracker, titled “The Fallout,” are still unknown, his potential death would be the most devastating event Colter has faced in the series so far.

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2026-02-02 19:38