Tracker isn’t exactly Reacher 2.0, but it comes close enough to serve as a decent distraction. The show has its virtues, even if, as a TV series, it’s largely forgettable. After watching, it’s hard to recall a single standalone plot, let alone the overarching series mythology, which is far less compelling than the show seems to think it is. However, in Justin Hartley, Tracker boasts a solid action leading man and the premise, while not groundbreaking, is interesting enough to warrant tuning in weekly. The show’s strength lies in its ability to entertain without demanding too much from its audience, making it a suitable option for casual viewing.
Hartley portrays Colter Shaw—yes, Colter, not Colt—a so-called “rewardist.” This means that Colter, cruising through the Northwest in a rugged GMC truck with a gleaming Airstream trailer in tow, utilizes a unique set of skills honed during his upbringing with a paranoid survivalist father to collect rewards for locating missing persons and solving various mysteries of that nature
Much like Jack Reacher, Colter is a wandering lone wolf, attracting trouble merely by his presence. However, unlike Reacher, Colter doesn’t operate entirely on his own. He is supported by Teddi (Robin Weigert) and Velma (Abby McEnany), a duo of dispatchers who spend their days at home surrounded by rescue pets and pottery, who provide Colter with assignments and basic research. He has Bobby (Eric Graise), a skilled hacker who specializes in uncovering information online. Then there's Reenie (Fiona Rene), an attorney with the time and resources to fly to wherever Colter is, often bailing him out of jail and generally giving him a hard time for that one-night stand he never followed up on.
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It’s clear why Tracker has garnered such popularity. CBS strategically aired it right after the Super Bowl, capturing a massive audience that stayed loyal throughout the season. With Colter spending significant time in the wilderness, the show exudes an outdoorsy charm. Each episode follows him as he tracks down a different missing person, providing that crime procedural vibe. Additionally, there’s a wealth of dramatic backstory: Colter’s own deeply buried family trauma and the personal stories of those who seek out his services.
The main issue is that unlike Jack Reacher, who has a clear sense of purpose fueled by a deep-seated hatred of injustice, Shaw's motivations are murky at best. He has a vague inclination towards righting wrongs and possesses survivalist skills that need an outlet, but it's unclear why someone like him is essential for tasks that law enforcement can handle. This leaves Shaw stranded in an unappealing middle ground, being neither likable or intriguingly unlikeable. His backstory feels obligatory—his father taught him survival skills and then died under mysterious circumstances—but it fails to add any real depth to the episodic storylines.
Speaking of episodic storylines, they are merely adequate. Each episode follows a formula: an initial premise, a poorly executed action scene or two, and a rushed conclusion, occasionally interspersed with snippets of Shaw's past. Unfortunately, these storylines are too thin to support even a single standout guest appearance.
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For his part, Hartley swaggers with a certain charm. He growls in a good-natured way throughout and possesses the stature to intimidate, even if the action choreography leaves much to be desired. Hartley manages to convey a sense of maximum proficiency and his demeanor is just tolerable enough to keep audiences engaged.
There’s a touch of Sherlock Holmes, albeit exaggerated to a cartoonish degree. Colter possesses an uncanny ability to crack seemingly unsolvable mysteries, thanks to his preternatural talent for spotting lies and his tremendous social awkwardness. He likes dealing in odds and sees details that others miss. This combination of sharp intellect and gruff exterior makes him a captivating, if not entirely approachable, character.
Overall, Tracker isn't a show to get too caught up in the details. It's nice, easy viewing, designed for distraction and perfect for those times when you want to unwind. Everything in Tracker is crafted to be so quick and disposable that if you're asking questions, you're probably watching the show too closely. Don’t try picking apart the plot or characters, but will instead find more joy in multitasking—whether that's checking your phone, folding the laundry, or just relaxing after a long day. In this sense, Tracker feels well-suited for a lengthy broadcast run, offering a comforting backdrop rather than demanding your full attention.
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