Justin Hartley Explains Why ‘Tracker’ Is Getting Darker in the Final Season 2 Episodes

The last episodes of Tracker season 2 are on the horizon … and Justin Hartley (who plays Colter Shaw) has some thoughts about what fans have seen from the show as of late.

Viewers of the popular CBS drama continue to tune in Sunday nights at 8 p.m. ET, and they couldn't help but notice season 2 has gone in a more ominous direction as of late. While Colter regularly puts himself in danger for his job (it does come with the territory of being a tracker), folks are getting concerned that Tracker is taking on twists and turns that are more terrifying from one episode to the next.

So, what's going on and why did Tracker suddenly change the tone of the show? When speaking with The Hollywood Reporter for an interview published on April 20, Justin defended the show's decision in going a bit darker for the final episodes. As he explained to the outlet, there's a good reason behind it — and one fans should understand.

"I think it's important to keep upping the stakes," he said. "I like being Colter as a hero, finding people and all that. I also really like seeing him in a suspenseful thriller and a dangerous situation. I don't want our audience to forget that this man is mortal, he's not a superhero. He can die! The things he is doing are very very dangerous."

Advertisement – Continue Reading Below

Well, this makes a lot of sense! And with the last episodes of Tracker season 2 really exploring how Colter is changing both in the field and in his personal life, Justin (who is also an executive producer on the show) added that it's important for the show to grow along with the character.

"[Colter's] core values aren’t changing. So when you watch the show, you’re still going to see it’s the same man," he said. "But he definitely gets affected by these things … I didn’t just want it to be this thing where when you watch it you go, 'I know how this is going to happen,' or 'Oh, I know how he would react here.' I wanted the character to be forever evolving. I think our audience deserves that."

Well, it seems like Justin's plan is working, and fans will have to keep tuning in to see what happens to Colter and his comrades with each job he takes. And with Tracker already getting renewed for season 3, we're sure Colter will take on more heart-pumping cases that will raise plenty of goosebumps along the way.

Who's ready to tune in and see what's next?

Related Posts

Tracker Season 2 Hints at Perfect Spinoff With Reenie’s New Legal Venture

With Tracker rapidly climbing the ranks as one of CBS's most successful recent dramas, talk of a spinoff seems not only possible but inevitable. While Tracker thrives…

Billie’s Return in Tracker Season 2 Exposes Why She’s All Wrong for Colter

In episode 3 of Tracker season 2, titled “Bloodlines,” Billie Matalon makes a long-awaited return—and with it, a clear reminder of why she and Colter Shaw are…

Justin Hartley’s Secret Past as a High School Baseball Star Surfaces in Tracker

On-screen, Justin Hartley’s character Colter Shaw in CBS’s Tracker is a man of action—resourceful, agile, and seemingly prepared for anything. But in season 2, episode 3, fans…

Tracker Season 2 Sparks With Colter & Reenie’s On-Screen Reunion

As Tracker returns for its second season, the pulse-pounding drama takes a nostalgic yet electrifying turn. Episode 4, titled “Noble Rot,” brings back one of the show’s…

Tracker Season 2 Finally Breaks Its Villain Slump With a Gripping Twist

After a rocky start to its sophomore season, Tracker has finally delivered the kind of thrilling, unpredictable episode fans have been craving. Episode 4, titled “Noble Rot,”…

Jensen Ackles’ Return in Tracker Season 2 Reveals a Tough Truth About Colter Shaw

Jensen Ackles’ highly anticipated return to Tracker in season 2 has not only reignited excitement around the series—it’s also drawn attention to a difficult truth about Justin…