CBS Pushes Increased Danger for Tracker's Justin Hartley in Season 3

Justin Hartley, star and executive producer of the CBS series Tracker, revealed that his character Colter Shaw did not murder a man who exposed a dark family secret, despite intense moments in season 2. The show, based on Jeffery Deaver's novel The Never Game, follows Colter, a survivalist rather than a cop, as he helps find missing persons across the country. CBS is intentionally increasing the peril faced by Colter, encouraging storylines where he can be hurt, make mistakes, and face real danger, emphasizing his mortality and vulnerability. Executive producer Elwood Reid explained that the character's flaws and imperfections make him engaging, and the network has welcomed ideas that put Colter in difficult situations, including a midseason finale where things go badly. Hartley highlighted the importance of character development across seasons, focusing on Colter's growth and personal challenges, keeping the series compelling. This approach maintains suspense and emotional depth, avoiding the trope of an invincible hero.