Since its debut, CBS's Tracker has been positioned as network television's answer to streaming action giants. With Justin Hartley's survivalist Colter Shaw roaming the country solving mysteries each week, the show promised weekly adventure. However, as Season 3 progresses, a clear demand is emerging from its audience: it's time to shift into a higher gear and deliver more consistent, hard-hitting action sequences.
"Breakaway" Showed Glimpses of a More Action-Packed Future
The recent episode, "Breakaway," served as a powerful proof of concept. Featuring car chases, hand-to-hand combat, and tense gunplay, it demonstrated what the series is capable of when it fully commits to its thriller roots. For many viewers, these moments were a welcome adrenaline rush, yet they also highlighted a recurring pattern. These high-octane scenes feel like occasional treats rather than the series' standard operating procedure.
Hartley's Colter Shaw is established as a highly capable fighter and tracker, trained by his father to survive any situation. Yet, he's rarely pitted against opponents who truly test his limits. Seeing him disarm a thug with ease is satisfying, but fans are now craving showdowns with villains who match his skill level, raising the stakes and the dramatic tension. As seen in shows like No Filler, All Thriller: 10 Action Series Where Every Episode Is Essential, sustained action is key to building a loyal fanbase.
Learning from the Action Masters
The series has deep connections to action television royalty. Hartley himself starred alongside Alan Ritchson (Amazon's Reacher) in Smallville. Furthermore, "Breakaway" featured a guest appearance by David Ramsey, known for his role in the action-heavy Arrow. That CW series, especially in its early seasons, was celebrated for its meticulously choreographed fight scenes, proving compelling action can be achieved on a network TV schedule and budget.
This isn't about Tracker becoming a carbon copy of Reacher. The two shows have different narrative structures—Tracker is more episodic while Reacher adapts a book per season. However, the comparison is inevitable given the premise, and it sets a certain expectation for physical confrontation and spectacle. To truly own its space as a top-tier action procedural, Tracker must double down on what "Breakaway" did well.
More action isn't just about visual excitement. Well-executed sequences heighten danger, reveal character under pressure, and make the protagonist's victories feel earned. They transform a competent hero into a compelling one. The bar fight scene earlier in Season 3, with Colter and his brother Russell (Jensen Ackles) taking on a group, gave a taste of this dynamic and left audiences wanting more of that raw, physical energy.
The call for amplified action is also a strategic one. With fans of series like Reacher always looking for their next fix, a consistently action-packed Tracker could become a perfect Sunday night destination. It's about fulfilling the promise of its premise: a rugged survivalist tackling dangerous jobs across America. That life should look and feel more physically demanding.
While network constraints are real, the blueprint is there. By integrating more frequent and creatively staged stunts, Tracker can evolve from a solid mystery-of-the-week show into a must-watch action event. It has the lead actor with the chops, a premise built for conflict, and a fanbase ready for it. The next step is for the writers and producers to fully unleash Colter Shaw, letting him throw more punches, navigate more perilous chases, and solidify his status as television's next great action hero. For fans of the genre, checking out The Ultimate Action Movie Checklist: 10 Films That Have It All might help pass the time until the next episode.
Tracker airs Sundays on CBS and streams the following day on Paramount+.
