Colter’s Dad’s Homicide: Justin Hartley’s Insight on Season 3

SPOILER ALERT: This interview contains significant spoilers regarding the Season 2 finale of CBS’ gripping series “Tracker,” specifically focusing on “Echo Ridge.”

Colter Shaw (played by Justin Hartley), who identifies as a self-proclaimed lone wolf survivalist, has leveraged his extensive professional skills in monitoring to solve various mysteries, assisting both local residents and law enforcement across the United States. Over the course of two intense seasons of the CBS drama “Tracker,” Colter has gradually peeled back the layers of a decades-old mystery surrounding the tragic death of his father, Ashton. Ashton’s deep-seated paranoia about government surveillance compelled the entire family to live off the grid, embracing a survivalist lifestyle that shaped Colter’s character and his quest for truth.

For years, Colter harbored a strong suspicion that his estranged older brother, Russell (played by Jensen Ackles), was responsible for the fatal push that sent their father over a cliff during a stormy night in the woods. Despite Russell’s insistence of his innocence and claims that another man was involved that fateful evening, Colter felt an unsettling lack of closure. This theory was also echoed by their sister, Dory (portrayed by Melissa Roxburgh), who presented a box filled with their father’s journals and research papers that she had received from Lizzy (played by Jennifer Morrison), a family friend whose deceased mother had a secret affair with Ashton.

In the thrilling season finale that aired on Sunday, Colter returned to Echo Ridge, the California town of his childhood, to investigate the mysterious disappearance of a diner owner (played by Brian Keane). In a shocking turn of events, he discovered that this diner owner had been murdered after uncovering a horrifying child trafficking operation. Teaming up with his childhood friend Joe Marsh (played by Drew Powell), Colter managed to thwart the smuggling of victims from a decrepit farm in the dead of night. However, his pursuit of justice against Carl Murphy (portrayed by Shane Leydon), a registered sex offender suspected of murdering the diner owner, was fueled by a far more personal motive.

In the course of his investigation, Colter came across Carl’s trailer, where the perpetrator had hidden his victims. Among the disturbing findings was a carving of a wolf with the name “Ashton” etched beneath it. During a tense confrontation where Colter was held at gunpoint, Carl divulged that he acquired that figurine from his uncle, Otto Waldron (played by Alex Fernandez), a lineman who had assisted the Shaws in installing their wind turbines. In a shocking revelation, Otto confessed that he had pushed Ashton off the cliff at the urging of Colter’s mother, Mary (played by Wendy Crewson), leading to a dramatic climax that left viewers reeling.

“I believe what’s truly fascinating about the storyline is the lingering question: ‘Why would she do that?’ — if, in fact, this revelation is accurate. I am inclined to believe it is true, because I wouldn’t approve that [otherwise],” Hartley, who also serves as an executive producer, shared with Variety. “I believe she certainly had a role in it, and while it unfolded as he described, we still need to explore the motivations behind why people resort to desperate actions like that. Was it justified? How could such an act possibly be justified?”

In the following discussion, Hartley elaborates on how this shocking cliffhanger will further complicate Colter’s already strained relationship with his family. He also sheds light on the unique elements that have transformed “Tracker” into the most-watched show on network television, captivating audiences week after week.

Exploring Character Evolution: Colter’s Journey from Pilot to Season Two

We discuss this character development extensively. Our show combines serialized storytelling with procedural elements, and one of my main objectives has been to make it distinct from conventional procedurals. Not that traditional formats lack merit, but I believe it’s important for our character to evolve over time. In classic 1970s procedurals, characters remain static week to week, which offers viewers a sense of comfort. However, I felt it would be compelling to allow our protagonist to grow and change.

Essentially, by the conclusion of a case, Colter learns valuable lessons that he carries into subsequent episodes. Throughout the second season, he encounters some grim realities, which has made him more cautious and aware of the complexities of human nature. He begins to see why people may not share his optimistic view that everyone has a good heart. Previously, Colter held the belief that, “At the core of every person, there exists a kind soul.” While he hasn’t abandoned this belief entirely, he now recognizes that individuals might feel differently based on their life experiences, which adds layers to his character.

During Season 2, I reflected on Colter’s solitary lifestyle. He often finds himself isolated, with limited social interactions, primarily through phone calls or digital communication. This season, I introduced a unique quirk where he converses with himself to maintain his confidence. He might say something like, “Well, this is certainly a bloody trail, isn’t it?” and respond, “…Yep.” This self-dialogue underscores his loneliness and adds depth to his character. As we look ahead to Season 3, I’m contemplating introducing additional nuances, perhaps even a tic or another behavioral trait, to reflect his ongoing development. It’s fascinating to create a continuity that allows the audience to recall moments from earlier episodes and witness Colter’s growth.

Highlighting Significant Character Progress: Key Episodes of Season Two

One standout moment occurs in Episode 15 when Colter’s ex, Billie [played by Hartley’s real-life wife, Sofia Pernas] returns, requesting a favor. He asks her to infiltrate a woman’s prison under the pretense of a minor favor, but the situation spirals out of control, and Billie nearly faces dire consequences. This represents a pivotal realization for Colter, highlighting the dangers involved in asking someone to undertake such risky tasks. As a meticulous planner who typically assesses risks, he overlooks the potential dangers, leading him to question his own recklessness. This serves as a significant moment of introspection for Colter, forcing him to reevaluate how his decisions impact those he cares about.

Unraveling the Mystery of Ashton’s Death: Creative Discussions and Plot Twists

The foundational premise of our show revolves around the mystery surrounding Ashton’s untimely death, and we were aware that the mother had some involvement. However, specific details regarding the nature of her involvement were not fully fleshed out until Elwood [Reid] pitched the final twist. It’s fascinating because it leaves us with the question: “Why would she take such a drastic action?” If this revelation holds true, I feel strongly that it’s a critical plot point. If we enter Season 3 only to discover that it was a fabrication, it would undermine the narrative.

It’s clear to me that she had a role in this, and it played out as described, but the motivations behind such actions remain to be explored. We need to understand the justifications behind these desperate measures. A mother may feel compelled to act against someone endangering her children, but justifying such actions, especially in light of Colter’s ethical code, is complex. As we head into Season 3, there’s a lot to unpack, and I appreciate how Season 2 concluded, as it resolved some lingering storylines effectively while leaving us with new questions to ponder.

Colter’s Internal Conflict: A Tense Confrontation with Otto

As Colter approaches Otto’s door with determination, he isn’t merely seeking information; he’s driven by a desperate hope that Otto holds the key to unraveling his family’s dark secrets. Colter is relentless, much like a dog with a bone, pursuing every lead in his quest for answers. He is haunted by the carving he discovered, believing that Otto might have critical insights into his father’s death. However, he grapples with an internal struggle, feeling betrayed by his mother, whom he suspects of lying about the circumstances surrounding his father’s demise. Ultimately, he believes that uncovering the truth will bring him peace, yet the shocking revelations he encounters are far from what he anticipated.

The Impact of Family Secrets on Colter’s Relationship with Mary

For years, Colter had been convinced that his brother was the one responsible for their father’s tragic fall. He had constructed a narrative in his mind, filling in the gaps based on his own perceptions. This led him to distance himself from Russell and confide in their mother, who remained silent, allowing him to cling to a false belief while knowing the painful truth. This betrayal is deeply unsettling; it’s one thing for a mother to question her son’s accusations, but it’s entirely different to enable such misconceptions. Now, with the revelation that she may have had a hand in Ashton’s death, the emotional turmoil in Colter’s relationship with Mary escalates to a critical point.

Learning that Mary might have orchestrated a hit against Ashton adds a layer of complexity to their already strained relationship. This revelation forces Colter to reconsider everything he thought he knew about his family dynamics. The intricate web of deceit and betrayal that has unfolded challenges him to confront his mother in a way he never anticipated, leaving both characters in a tumultuous emotional state that will undoubtedly shape the narrative moving forward.

Executive Insights: Shaping the Future of “Tracker” and Colter’s Journey

As an executive producer who has been involved in the development of this project from its inception, I have a vested interest in the narrative direction of “Tracker.” I am particularly excited about the potential for Colter to take on a more conventional job [gone wrong] in the future. Imagine a scenario where he receives a call about a reward for solving a case, only to discover too late that he’s been set up. This twist could place him in a position where he must evade law enforcement while simultaneously uncovering the truth behind a murder pinned on him. I find this concept fascinating, as it introduces a fugitive element that could extend over several episodes, adding layers of suspense and intrigue to the story.

Understanding the Success of “Tracker” in a Competitive Landscape

That’s an insightful question, and I believe the show’s success has evolved over time. Initially, we were fortunate to have a studio and network that fully supported our vision, providing us with the necessary resources and promotional opportunities, especially after the Super Bowl [premiere slot]. Following that initial surge, we had to prove ourselves with substantive storytelling; a strong pilot alone wouldn’t retain viewers who are busy and have many entertainment options. Therefore, we strive to craft compelling stories that resonate with audiences while placing Colter in scenarios that are both believable and harrowing.

One aspect we focus on is avoiding clichéd storytelling techniques that can diminish the viewing experience. For instance, I’m not a fan of shows where the music cues dictate the emotional responses of the audience. I believe in allowing scenes to unfold organically, without unnecessary musical manipulation. An example I often cite is when Colter hasn’t even answered his phone yet, and the music is already setting the mood, which can feel disingenuous. We aim to push the boundaries of storytelling while maintaining respect for our audience’s expectations, ensuring that we deliver a consistently high-quality show. My goal is to exceed the standards of each previous episode, always striving for excellence.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.