CBS' Tracker quickly became a breakout hit when it premiered in early 2024, driven by Justin Hartley’s compelling portrayal of Colter Shaw—a modern-day bounty hunter who travels the country solving disappearances for cash rewards. With its procedural format, weekly guest stars, and a gritty, boots-on-the-ground protagonist, Tracker checks all the boxes for primetime appeal. But as season 2 rolls on, it’s becoming increasingly clear that the show is severely underutilizing one of its most dynamic characters—and surprisingly, it's not the lead.
Enter Reenie Greene, played with sharp wit and grounded charm by Fiona Rene. First introduced in season 1 as a legal ally to Colter, Reenie has gradually carved out her own space within the Tracker universe. She’s not a bounty hunter, nor does she operate in the shadows like some of the show’s more mysterious characters. Instead, she offers a grounded, intellectual counterbalance to Colter’s rugged, lone-wolf style. And in season 2, episode 4—titled “Noble Rot”—Reenie finally gets the spotlight she deserves, reminding viewers why she’s the series’ most underrated asset.
Reenie and Colter: A Duo That Just Works
In “Noble Rot,” Colter teams up with Reenie to tackle a missing persons case in Napa Valley. It's the first time this season they share significant screen time, and the chemistry is immediate. There’s a rhythm to their dynamic—sharp banter, mutual respect, and a shared ability to think outside the box—that elevates the entire episode.
Their connection isn’t just about flirtation or unresolved romantic tension (though fans have speculated). It's about balance. Colter often carries the weight of the narrative, and while Hartley’s earnestness anchors the show, it can sometimes border on monotone. Reenie, with her sarcasm, intelligence, and emotional complexity, brings out a different side of him—one that’s lighter, funnier, and more relatable. The result is a more layered and engaging version of the lead character.
The Problem: Reenie’s Potential Is Going to Waste
Despite her clear value, Reenie remains frustratingly sidelined. She appears in multiple episodes, but more often than not, her contributions happen off-screen or over the phone. When she does step into the spotlight, like in “Noble Rot,” the payoff is immediate—so why doesn’t Tracker lean into that more?
The show thrives on Colter’s weekly cases, often introducing new guest stars to spice up the formula. But in doing so, it neglects its own recurring characters—especially ones as promising as Reenie. Unlike many side characters in procedurals, Reenie isn’t just support. She’s a narrative driver in her own right. Whether she’s helping navigate legal red tape or confronting moral dilemmas with disarming clarity, she brings depth and versatility to the table.
Why Reenie Deserves More Screen Time
Reenie isn’t just a smart sidekick—she’s a powerhouse of potential. Her legal expertise offers an entirely different lens through which to explore Tracker's cases, and her ambition to start a law firm with Velma hints at untapped storylines waiting to unfold.
Imagine this: instead of solely following Colter from case to case, the show interweaves a subplot centered on Reenie’s law firm. This B-plot could not only expand the world of Tracker but also give Fiona Rene more room to shine while relieving some of the narrative pressure on Hartley. It’s a win-win, especially as season 2 gears up for a longer episode run.
Moreover, Reenie offers something rare in procedural dramas—a female character who’s neither a romantic prop nor a damsel in distress. She’s smart, self-reliant, and confident in her capabilities. Giving her a larger role wouldn’t just make the show more compelling—it would also modernize its perspective.
How Tracker Can Fix This Without a Major Overhaul
The good news? Fixing this doesn’t require a drastic narrative shift. Tracker can still keep its case-of-the-week format and Colter-centric storytelling. All it needs to do is integrate Reenie more organically into the main plots. Bring her out from behind the desk. Let her join Colter in the field more often. Allow her legal battles to run parallel to the physical ones he fights.
Even when she’s not on the ground with Colter, her story deserves equal footing. A few dedicated episodes to her law firm, moral quandaries, or even past backstories would enrich the show’s world and deepen its character arcs. With CBS ordering over 20 episodes this season, there’s more than enough room to develop this without sacrificing the show’s pace or formula.
Final Thoughts
Tracker has proven it knows how to craft compelling mysteries and action-driven narratives. But great shows aren’t just built on plot—they’re built on characters who resonate. Reenie Greene is one of those characters. She brings humor, heart, and intelligence to a show that could sometimes use a bit more of all three.
If Tracker truly wants to keep evolving and avoid becoming formulaic, it’s time to stop sidelining its best character and give Reenie the spotlight she deserves. Because Colter may be the tracker—but Reenie is the anchor that could make this show truly great.
