The season 2 finale of Tracker has left viewers on the edge of their seats, especially with a major revelation about Colter Shaw’s (Justin Hartley) father’s death that will shape the narrative for season 3.
The emotional conclusion of the episode, “Echo Ridge,” has fans buzzing about the shocking twists and the future direction of the series.
The Father’s Death Mystery Unravels
For two seasons, Colter, a nationwide finder of missing persons, has been haunted by the mystery of who killed his father, Ashton Shaw (Lee Tergesen). The tragic death occurred decades ago when Colter was a teenager.
For years, Colter believed his older brother, Russell Shaw (Jensen Ackles), was somehow responsible for their father’s fall from a cliff near the town of Echo Ridge. But the finale revealed shocking new details that change everything.
In the last moments of the season 2 finale, Colter uncovers a startling connection between his father’s death and a criminal investigation. After pursuing a lead involving Carl Murphy, a serial pedophile and child trafficker, Colter stumbles upon a wooden wolf carving his father had made years ago.
This discovery leads Colter to a confrontation with Otto (Alex Fernandez), the uncle of Carl Murphy, who confesses to having thrown Colter’s father off the cliff—but not for the reasons Colter had expected.
Otto reveals that it was Colter’s mother, Mary Dove Shaw (Wendy Crewson), who asked for his help. This shocking revelation leaves Colter devastated and opens the door to new questions about his mother’s involvement in his father’s death.
The Writer’s Process Behind the Shocking Reveal
Tracker showrunner Elwood Reid shared insights into how the big reveal came together. Reid admitted that, even while writing the finale, the details of the scene involving Mary were not fully outlined at the beginning.
“We wanted to have an episode where Colter would learn something about his past,” Reid explained. “The idea began to develop that it had to be tied to his mother, but we didn’t know how it was going to land until we started writing that last scene.”
Reid also expressed the emotional complexity of the moment, crediting Justin Hartley for his powerful performance. “I didn’t need to write very much for him; I just put him in the scenes and he brings a lot to it emotionally.”
Setting Up Season 3
While the finale provided a significant reveal, it doesn’t offer all the answers about Colter’s father’s death. As Reid notes, Colter is left with more questions than ever, and the mystery is far from over.
“We still haven’t unpacked what next season is going to look like. Colter doesn’t have all the answers, and I don’t think he’s ever going to get all the answers,” Reid said.
Season 3 will delve deeper into Colter’s family dynamics, including his mother’s role in his father’s death. Reid teases that Colter will have to confront difficult truths, and questions of trust and forgiveness will be at the forefront.
Behind the Scenes: Crafting the Final Scene
The finale’s gripping scene, in which Colter confronts Otto, was carefully crafted to balance the emotional weight of the reveal with the intensity of the moment. According to Reid, the writers worked closely with director Ken Olin to ensure the sensitive subject matter was handled with the respect it deserved.
Hartley praised the writing and direction of the episode, stating, “I think it’s the best episode we’ve ever done.” He added that the intense subject matter, especially involving child trafficking, required the cast and crew to be sensitive, yet authentic, in their portrayal.
What’s Next for Colter and His Family?
As Colter processes the devastating information about his mother’s involvement in his father’s death, he will face even greater emotional challenges. “What does he do with whatever his mom tells him?” Reid mused. “Can he forgive her, even if she tells him the whole truth? I don’t know.”
The complex family dynamics will continue to play a significant role in Tracker’s narrative, as Colter seeks answers while navigating his troubled past.
Will Otto Survive?
One lingering question from the season 2 finale is whether Colter will pull the trigger on Otto. The final scene left viewers wondering if Colter, consumed by emotion, will seek justice or leave Otto’s fate unresolved until next season.
Reid confirmed that the aftermath of this intense confrontation will be explored in season 3, keeping fans on edge for what’s to come.
