Tracker has always been a show about the thrill of the hunt, the complexity of human emotions, and the intricate web of personal and professional dynamics. In its second season, the CBS and Paramount+ drama Tracker takes the stakes even higher.
“Out of the Past,” the season opener, starts with Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley), a skilled “rewardist” — someone who tracks people for reward money — thrown into one of his most perilous cases yet.
He’s joined by his usual team: Reenie (Fiona Rene), his sharp and determined lawyer friend; Velma (Abby McEnany), his quirky handler; and Bobby (Eric Graise), the brilliant hacker who often lends Colter a hand when things get sticky in the digital realm.
Together, they face a ticking clock as they try to unravel the mystery behind the sudden disappearance of an entire family in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.
Season 2 also introduces new character dynamics, particularly a blossoming romantic interest for Colter, and it deepens the bonds between existing characters. Colter Shaw remains the man in the middle, juggling his personal connections with the heavy burden of solving life-or-death mysteries.
A Disappearing Family Sparks Urgency and Intrigue in ‘Tracker’
The mystery of the missing King family is the central thread of this first episode. The case starts when Colter is called to Pine Bluff after Craig King, a local resident, reports that his family has gone missing.
Craig’s brother, wife, and two children had all climbed out of their minivan and disappeared without a trace. This puzzling and eerie situation immediately grabs Colter’s attention — and there are warning signs everywhere.
What makes this disappearance even more unusual is the fact that four people don’t usually vanish together. Colter is no stranger to complex cases, but this one feels different from the start. Something feels off, and the deeper he digs, the more troubling the clues become.
When he arrives at the scene, Colter meets U.S. Marshal Jenny Martinez (Enuka Okuma). Martinez is the embodiment of order and control, qualities that often clash with Colter’s unorthodox methods. From their first interaction, Martinez tells Colter not to interfere with her team’s grid search and warns him to stay out of law enforcement’s way.
However, Colter is not one to take orders lightly. His experience has taught him that when something doesn’t add up, it’s usually because there’s more beneath the surface. Colter continues to investigate despite Martinez’s warning, trusting his instincts more than the protocol.
After all, his success as a tracker often depends on his ability to see what others might overlook. Martinez’s appearance isn’t just a roadblock to Colter’s investigation but a reminder of how his methods — though effective — often run contrary to traditional police work. This professional tension between Colter and Martinez sets the stage for a attractive dynamic as the case progresses.
The Appearance of a Mysterious Stranger
As Colter pokes around the search area, something strange happens. A man emerges from the woods, seemingly out of nowhere, wearing a U.S. Marshal’s jacket identical to Martinez’s. But Colter quickly notices something is wrong.
The man’s shoes are completely inappropriate for a grid search through the woods, and his behavior raises Colter’s suspicions. Yet, in a rare moment of misjudgment, Colter assumes that this stranger is Martinez’s partner, Jeremy Boyd. This assumption will prove costly later on.
Still from Tracker (Credit: Paramount+)
The stranger is cautious and doesn’t reveal much, letting Colter do most of the talking. In a quiet but calculating manner, he steers the conversation to draw as much information as possible from Colter. The supposed Marshal gets Colter to share what he knows about the case, including details about where the family might be.
It’s a clever and subtle manipulation — the kind that would raise red flags in anyone paying closer attention. But Colter, caught up in the urgency of the situation, doesn’t realize that he’s just revealed critical information to the wrong person.
This interaction with the fake Marshal is a key moment in the episode, highlighting both Colter’s strengths and vulnerabilities. His keen observational skills pick up on details like the shoes, but his singular focus on solving the case blinds him to the danger lurking right in front of him.
The audience, watching this play out, likely feels a mounting sense of dread, knowing that this stranger could very well be the key to the family’s disappearance — and possibly much worse.
The Digital Trail: Bobby’s Findings and the Mystery Deepens
While Colter is in the field, Bobby, the group’s resident tech genius, is busy digging into Craig King’s background. Bobby looks into Craig’s recent lottery win, which at first glance seems like a promising lead.
People who come into large sums of money often find themselves the targets of unsavory characters, and Craig’s known gambling habit could easily have put him and his family in danger.
However, Bobby hits a dead end when he discovers that Craig had already paid off his debts. With no outstanding loans or major financial issues, there’s no reason for loan sharks or criminals to be involved — at least, none that Bobby can find.
But then Bobby stumbles across something even more unusual. He discovers that Craig’s wife, Connie (Lindy Booth), has no online presence past a certain date.
Her digital footprint vanishes completely after a specific point in time, raising red flags. Bobby’s research suggests that Connie may have been living under a new identity — possibly in witness protection. If that’s the case, then she, not Craig, could be the target of this disappearance.
The notion that Connie is in witness protection opens up a host of new possibilities. Bobby relays this information to Colter, who pieces together that Connie’s past may be catching up with her.
The revelation adds another layer of complexity to the case, transforming it from a simple missing persons investigation into a matter involving hidden identities and dangerous enemies.
Confronting the Truth: A Family Under Threat
After learning about Connie’s possible witness protection status, Colter quickly locates the King children, who have been left alone and scared. The kids tell Colter that their father left to get rid of an iPad, and their mother went to find him shortly after. It’s a small but significant clue.
Colter tracks the iPad to a nearby gas station, where he finds Craig King injured and fighting for his life. Armed with his gun, Colter fends off several mafia members who seem to be after Craig and his family.
In a tense and action-packed scene, Colter takes control of the situation, neutralizing the threat and rescuing Craig. But the danger isn’t over. Colter soon finds Connie, who is alive but terrified. She reveals the truth: years ago, she had testified against her ex-husband, Kirk Garner, and the Garner crime family.
After entering witness protection, she had hoped to start a new life with Craig and their children. But when Craig won the lottery, the media attention that followed led her enemies right to her door. Their photo in the newspaper had been the slip-up that Kirk and the Garners needed to track her down.
This twist adds a personal and emotional dimension to the case. Connie’s life has been defined by running from her past, but now, despite all her efforts to stay hidden, that past has caught up with her.
Colter, sympathetic to her plight, promises to help reunite her with her children and get them all to safety. However, danger still looms, and the true mastermind behind the family’s disappearance has yet to reveal himself.
A Dangerous Impostor: Kirk Garner’s Deadly Plan Unfolds
As Colter drives Connie to her brother-in-law’s house, he gets a call from Reenie with chilling news. U.S. Marshal Frank Boyd, who was supposedly Martinez’s partner, had been found dead in the woods hours before Colter arrived.
This means that the man Colter encountered, the one posing as Boyd, is none other than Kirk Garner, Connie’s ex-husband and a dangerous criminal.
Kirk’s plan becomes clear: he had been playing Colter from the start, using his fake identity to gather information and get closer to the family.
Still from Tracker (Credit: Paramount+)
Kirk’s vendetta against Connie is personal, and his willingness to go to extreme lengths to punish her sets him apart as one of the most dangerous foes Colter has ever faced. Kirk has no qualms about harming anyone who stands in his way — including his own children.
As the episode reaches its climax, Kirk storms into Craig’s house, where he stabs Craig and takes the two children hostage. The tension is palpable as Kirk holds his eldest child, his biological son, in a grip of terror. For a few agonizing moments, it seems like the situation could spiral into unthinkable violence.
But Colter, with his quick thinking and calm demeanor, manages to defuse the situation. He persuades Kirk to let the children go, and moments later, the U.S. Marshals arrive to arrest him.
The emotional weight of this scene cannot be overstated. Connie is reunited with her children, but the scars of the ordeal are clear. Kirk is finally taken down, but not before leaving a trail of fear and pain in his wake.
Colter, always the hero, refuses the reward money offered by the family. Instead, Reenie convinces the Kings to set up a charity, turning their tragedy into something that can help others.
Reenie and Velma: A New Dynamic in ‘Tracker’ Season 2
As the dust settles from the intense family rescue, the focus shifts back to the internal dynamics within Colter’s team. With Teddi (Robin Weigert), Colter’s former handler, out of the picture for this season due to personal obligations, Velma steps up to fill the gap. Velma has always been a supportive yet quirky presence in Colter’s life, but without Teddi, there’s a noticeable shift in the team’s dynamics.
Teddi’s departure leaves Velma in a unique position. She hints at some marital troubles, suggesting that her relationship with Teddi has been strained due to their obligations and emotional burdens.
Velma reveals to Reenie that she had gone to help Teddi with her mother but felt like a third wheel, prompting her to come back home. This personal struggle adds depth to Velma’s character, showing that even those who support Colter face their own battles.
While the main plot revolves around finding missing persons and solving crimes, the show cleverly interweaves the personal lives of its characters into the narrative.
Velma’s vulnerability opens the door for her to bond with Reenie. The two women, often sidelined in the action-packed chaos surrounding Colter’s pursuits, find common ground as they show their own feelings of uncertainty.
Reenie, having faced her own challenges as Colter’s lawyer and friend, takes the opportunity to help Velma set up her new law office.
This partnership not only strengthens their characters but also offers viewers a view into the different ways women support each other in a world often dominated by male heroics. The nurturing camaraderie between Reenie and Velma adds a refreshing layer to the show, highlighting that strength comes in various forms.
As they work together, Reenie gains insights into Colter’s methods, and Velma provides valuable support that helps them both understand the intricacies of Colter’s work. This collaborative dynamic is a breath of fresh air, showcasing how teamwork and unity are essential to overcoming personal and professional challenges.
Colter’s Haunting Past: A Cold Case Returns
While the immediate crisis has been resolved, a lingering mystery haunts Colter. The episode opens with a chilling flashback. Colter breaks into a seemingly normal house, where he knows the owner, Frank (Ryan Dorsey). Their brief interaction reveals a deep connection — one rooted in a haunting memory.
It is the ten-year anniversary of the disappearance of a girl named Gina Pickett. Colter is determined to prove that Frank was involved in her disappearance, a case that has haunted him for years.
Colter’s obsession with Gina’s case becomes apparent as he confides in Frank during their confrontation. He has been checking in on Frank annually, but this year, he has taken it a step further by breaking into his home. Their tense conversation reveals layers of emotion and unresolved guilt.
Frank claims that he has been testing a bag of dirt for toxins, but Colter is not convinced. The confrontation becomes physical, highlighting Colter’s frustration and desperation to seek justice for Gina.
Still from Tracker (Credit: Paramount+)
The weight of this unresolved case hangs over Colter, providing a view into his psyche. It demonstrates how deeply he feels for the victims he tracks and how personal stakes drive him to pursue justice relentlessly. Colter’s determination is admirable, but it also raises questions about his methods.
Is he crossing ethical lines in his pursuit of the truth? The audience is left wondering about the consequences of his obsession as he promises to return in a year for more answers.
At the end of the episode, Colter visits Gina’s sister, Camille (Floriana Lima), and their relationship adds another layer of complexity. The two share a close bond that crosses into romantic territory, as they engage in casual intimacy to escape the pain of their shared loss. This connection emphasizes Colter’s emotional vulnerabilities, illustrating that even heroes grapple with personal demons and unresolved grief.
The unresolved mystery of Gina’s disappearance will likely play a significant role in the season, serving as a backdrop for Colter’s character development. This subplot promises to deepen the narrative and engage viewers who crave character-driven storytelling alongside the thrill of the main plot.
Colter’s Struggles and Triumphs: Balancing Work and Life
As the season progresses, viewers will witness Colter grappling with the duality of his life. On one hand, he is a skilled tracker, driven by his passion for solving mysteries and helping others.
On the other hand, he faces the emotional toll of his work, including the haunting memories of past cases that continue to haunt him. The juxtaposition of these two aspects creates a rich scheme of character development, allowing audiences to connect with Colter on a deeper level.
Colter’s relationship with Reenie will also evolve throughout the season. Their professional bond, initially rooted in the pursuit of justice, has the potential to grow into something more personal.
Reenie’s unwavering support for Colter through his darkest moments strengthens their connection, suggesting that their relationship could blossom into a romantic partnership. However, the challenges they face as they face their complicated lives may lead to difficult choices and tests of loyalty.
Additionally, the introduction of Velma’s character arc adds further depth to the storyline. As she confronts her marital troubles, viewers will likely see her transform. This could result in her finding a renewed sense of purpose within Colter’s world, allowing her to carve out her own identity and strengthen her bond with Reenie.
Their collective journey to support Colter while dealing with their own challenges will undoubtedly resonate with viewers who appreciate nuanced storytelling.
Tracker Season 2: A Thrilling Start with Endless Possibilities
The season premiere of Tracker sets the stage for an intense and thrilling ride. The gripping storyline of a missing family intertwined with Colter’s haunting past establishes a compelling foundation for the rest of the season.
Viewers are left eager to see how the various character arcs will develop, particularly Colter’s struggles with unresolved cases, his romantic entanglements, and the dynamics between him and his supporting cast.
As the season unfolds, audiences can expect a blend of high-stakes drama, emotional depth, and intricate character relationships.
The show has always thrived on its ability to balance intense action with thoughtful storytelling, and this season promises to deliver even more. With the stakes raised and new challenges on the horizon, Tracker is poised to attract viewers with its powerful narrative and complex characters.
This episode unfolds with a mix of danger, intrigue, and a deeper look at the characters. It shows the lengths to which people go to survive and the emotional struggles they face in a world filled with walkers.
Carol’s Journey to Paris
At the beginning of this episode, Carol has just reached Paris with Ash after a harrowing journey that started with her confronting two dangerous women in Greenland.
Throughout this journey, Carol wrestles with her feelings of guilt. She has lied to Ash, telling him she wanted to cross the Atlantic to find her daughter. In reality, her main goal is to locate her close friend Daryl Dixon (Norman Reedus).
Carol feels remorse for deceiving Ash. She realizes that her lie could have consequences for both of them. While Ash is a new ally, she knows that he deserves the truth. This internal conflict weighs heavily on her as she shows her feelings and her mission.
Carol convinces Ash to stay behind while she sets off on her own search for Daryl. Although she does not find him in this episode, she is closer than she thinks, having been captured by Marion Genet’s (Anne Charrier) army.
A New Threat: Marion Genet
Marion Genet is introduced as a formidable antagonist in this episode. She has a complicated backstory that explains her cruel nature. The episode titled “L’Invisible” begins with a flashback to a time before the walker outbreak, showing Marion in a very different light.
At this point, Marion is just a janitor at the Louvre Museum in Paris. Her life is filled with struggles and disrespect. She is often bossed around and labeled as lazy by her co-workers.
During a break, her co-workers discuss their frustrations with the government, expressing a desire to fight for better healthcare. However, Marion’s perspective is more cynical. She believes that the government does not care about them or their issues. Her views reflect a deep sense of hopelessness, which sets the stage for her transformation later in the story.
The situation escalates quickly when alarms begin to ring inside the museum. Marion receives a phone call from her husband, who is waiting outside to pick her up. He warns her that chaos is erupting, with police everywhere.
They agree to meet at the Louvre Pyramid, but the police do not allow Marion to leave or her husband to enter. The tension builds as they helplessly watch each other through the glass, leading to a heartbreaking moment when walkers attack. Marion can only stand by and watch as her husband is killed in front of her.
Still from The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon (Credit: AMC+)
Weeks later, Marion survives in the Louvre with other survivors. The museum, once a place of art and culture, becomes a dark shelter where they try to face their new reality. Marion regularly visits the Mona Lisa, weeping over the world that has been lost. This emotional connection to the painting symbolizes her longing for a time before the outbreak.
The Encounter Between Carol and Marion
After Marion’s flashback, the story returns to the present where Carol is in Marion’s compound. She is looking at the Mona Lisa in a dining hall when Marion approaches her. The encounter reveals the shift in Marion’s character. She is no longer the weak janitor; she is now a strong and dangerous woman.
When Marion asks Carol who she is, Carol lies again, saying she is a tourist who got stuck in France when the outbreak began. The lie is a strategic move to protect herself. Carol understands that revealing her true identity could put her in danger. She knows that Marion is not someone to be trifled with, especially after witnessing her treatment of a guard who makes fun of a kitchen staff member. Marion’s authoritative response to the guard shows that she will not tolerate disrespect.
Marion’s strong personality shines through as she forces the guard to eat food off the floor. This moment is significant as it establishes Marion as a ruthless leader. Carol watches this interaction and realizes that Marion is a threat. The tension between them grows as Carol tries to show her way through this hostile environment while secretly searching for Daryl.
Daryl’s Struggle to Protect Laurent
Meanwhile, the episode also focuses on Daryl and his efforts to protect Laurent (Laïka Blanc-Francard). At the Nest, Sylvie is desperately praying for the strength to keep Laurent safe, even though Losang (Joel de la Fuente) is holding her captive. Sylvie manages to escape her cell just as the Union prepares for a ceremony to showcase Laurent’s supposed special abilities.
Sylvie is deeply afraid for Laurent, believing that he will be killed during the ceremony. As she fights off Losang’s men, she tragically falls from a balcony to her death. Despite this loss, the ceremony continues as planned. Laurent is given a drink to calm him before being taken to the courtyard in front of everyone.
During the ceremony, an undead Sylvie is released to prove Laurent’s significance as their Messiah. Losang, who orchestrated this plan, mistakenly believes that Sylvie will not attack Laurent. This underestimation highlights Losang’s misguided thinking. Thankfully, Daryl, Isabelle (Clémence Poésy), and Fallou (Eriq Ebouaney) arrive just in time to stop the walker Sylvie and save Laurent.
The danger in this scene emphasizes the stakes involved in their fight for survival. Daryl and his group risk their lives to protect Laurent, showcasing their loyalty and determination in the face of adversity.
Daryl and Laurent’s Escape Plan
After the rescue, Daryl and Laurent hide in a cave in the woods. Laurent is tormented by the idea that others are suffering because of the fabricated story about him being special. He understands that he is not truly special and that a walker bite would have ended his life. This revelation weighs heavily on him.
While Laurent grapples with these thoughts, he admires Daryl for never buying into the lie about his supposed special abilities. Daryl’s steadfastness provides comfort to Laurent. The bond between them strengthens as they face these challenges together.
Meanwhile, Daryl finds himself in a precarious situation. He is now imprisoned, and Isabelle is with him. To comfort her, he tells her a story about a man who desperately wanted to go home. Daryl dreams of a future where they can escape this chaos, take Laurent with them to America, and allow him to go to school. For Isabelle, this dream symbolizes hope amidst their current struggles.
The moment is tender as Isabelle expresses her love for Daryl. She holds his hand and assures him that they will get through this together. However, their hope is tested when Losang comes to their cells, wanting to explain himself to Isabelle. She is past the point of wanting to help him, showcasing her determination to survive without his interference.
Still from The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon (Credit: AMC+)
Losang orders his men to take Isabelle away, leading to Daryl’s desperate attempt to protect her. He offers to take them to Laurent, hoping to barter for her safety. However, Losang dismisses Daryl, indicating that he believes Daryl is “beyond hope.” This moment highlights the dire situation they are all in, where survival is not guaranteed.
Carol’s Determination to Find Daryl
Meanwhile, back in Marion’s compound, Carol is sent to work in the kitchen. This task frustrates her because she knows she will not find Daryl there. Despite her dissatisfaction, she tries to stay focused on her goal. She makes a new friend, Remy, who shares important information with her. He tells her that their group is preparing to attack the Union.
As Carol learns about the handcuffed hostages being led away, she and Remy decide to follow. They hide as chaos unfolds, witnessing captors being shot and killed. A scientist then injects the hostages, bringing them back as walkers.
Remy explains to Carol that Genet is trying to create a stronger breed of walkers. Carol sarcastically responds, “Great, that’s just what the world needs.” This comment captures her frustration with the current situation.
Realizing that she must take action, Carol decides it is time to search for Daryl and Remy’s husband. She goes around the dining room, asking if anyone knows Daryl Dixon.
In a moment of hope, a beaten and chained Stephane Codron (Romain Levi) calls out to her. He recognizes Daryl but is hesitant to help Carol. To gain his trust, she lies again, saying Daryl is her brother and her only surviving family member.
Codron eventually reveals information about an island fortress where Daryl is located. However, he warns Carol that she must hurry because Genet will kill him if she reaches Daryl first. After speaking with Remy, who refuses to leave his husband behind, Carol makes the difficult decision to leave Marion’s compound.
Carol’s Risky Escape
Carol’s escape is fraught with danger. She briefly manages to sneak out of Genet’s fortress on a horse, feeling a sense of hope. However, her escape is cut short when she is quickly caught and brought back. This twist is shocking, highlighting the precariousness of her situation.
It is revealed that Remy betrayed her in exchange for being reunited with his husband. Marion, the ruthless leader, threatens to make Carol part of her walker experiments unless she confesses her true intentions.
In a moment of vulnerability, Carol admits that she manipulated Ash into bringing her to France to find her daughter. However, she only shares part of the truth.
When Marion questions her further about why she wants to find Daryl, Carol smartly claims that she wants to kill him. This declaration intrigues Marion and leads her to believe that Carol is on her side. Marion then informs Carol that Daryl is indeed with a group of religious zealots on an island fortress. She plans to attack them the next day and offers to take Carol with her if she wants to kill Daryl.
This moment is pivotal as it presents a potential alliance between Carol and Marion, though it is based on manipulation and deception. Carol knows that she must face this dangerous alliance carefully if she wants to reach Daryl.
The Build-Up to the Final Confrontation
As the next day arrives, Marion rides with Carol through Paris, sharing her past. Another flashback reveals Marion’s life with other frightened survivors. They seek hope in a chaotic world, turning to God for strength. However, Marion has a cynical view of religion, believing it to be merely a tool for control.
Marion’s determination to show others that their faith is misguided drives her actions. As they approach the Nest, she prepares her soldiers for an attack. The tension builds as they rally the troops, but the speech Marion delivers is chilling. Instead of a typical motivational talk, she plans to send these soldiers to become Genet’s super walkers, who will fight the Union.
In this moment, Carol realizes that her goal is not just to reach Daryl but to survive the impending chaos. Marion’s intentions become clearer, and Carol must now face a dangerous path ahead.
As the episode draws to a close, Carol is gathered with the others at gunpoint, feeling the weight of her situation. She is trapped with nowhere to escape, and the stakes have never been higher.
Conclusion: The Unfolding Story
As The Book of Carol continues to unfold, viewers are left on the edge of their seats, wondering what will happen next. The episode expertly weaves together the struggles of various characters, highlighting their motivations and the desperate lengths they will go to for survival.
Still from The Walking Dead Daryl Dixon (Credit: AMC+)
Carol’s journey is a testament to her strength and resilience, but she faces challenges that test her resolve. The connection between her and Daryl remains strong, even as they are separated. Meanwhile, Daryl’s determination to protect Laurent showcases the theme of loyalty amidst chaos.
The introduction of Marion as a formidable antagonist adds layers to the story. Her tragic past shapes her into a ruthless leader who will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. The interplay between these characters creates a gripping narrative filled with tension and emotional depth.
As the series progresses, fans eagerly anticipate how these storylines will converge and what fate awaits their favorite characters.
