After three seasons of crisscrossing the country in search of missing persons, Justin Hartley's Colter Shaw is back on CBS for a fourth season that promises to shake things up. The network procedural has built a loyal following by sticking to a winning formula: a lone wolf tracker with a moral compass, a new case each week, and just enough personal drama to keep things interesting. But Season 4 isn't content to coast. It's moving Colter to sunny California, giving him more to do, and peeling back layers of his life we've never seen before.
The first two episodes, "Safe Harbor" and "Switchback," set the tone for this new chapter. Colter is still the same efficient, resourceful rewardist we've come to admire, but the backdrop has changed dramatically. The grey skies of Vancouver have been swapped for the golden glow of Los Angeles, and the shift is immediately noticeable. The vibrant visuals give the show a fresh energy, even if the core formula remains intact. It's a smart move that keeps the series from feeling stale, and it's clear the production team is embracing the change.
One of the biggest adjustments this season is the absence of Colter's brother, Russell (Jensen Ackles), who made a deal with shady government types at the end of last season to keep Colter out of trouble. Ackles is confirmed to return later, but for now, Colter is flying solo. That's not necessarily a bad thing. The show has always thrived on Colter's independence, and Season 4 leans into that by giving Hartley more opportunities to showcase his character's physicality and intellect. From high-octane stunts to moments of pure deduction, Colter is back to being the lone wolf we first met.
But there's a new layer to Colter this year. With the mystery of his father's death finally resolved, he's left with a sense of aimlessness. The showrunner has teased that Season 4 will explore the more intimate details of Colter's life, and the premiere offers a glimpse of that. It's a welcome change of pace, adding emotional depth to a character who's often defined by his actions rather than his feelings. We're likely to see more of this as the season progresses, and it could be the key to keeping the show fresh.
Of course, Tracker wouldn't be Tracker without its supporting cast. Reenie (Fiona Rene) and Randy (Chris Lee) are back, though they're given less to do in these early episodes. That's a bit of a shame, because the show's ensemble has always been one of its strengths. But when the focus is on Colter, the series is at its best. The weekly cases are still engaging, and the show continues to find creative ways to subvert expectations. It's a reminder that, in a world of prestige TV and streaming giants, there's still a place for a well-crafted network procedural.
That said, Season 4 isn't without its flaws. The shift to California, while visually appealing, could become monotonous if the writers don't vary the settings. And the supporting characters deserve more screen time than they've gotten so far. But these are minor quibbles in a season that feels reinvigorated. Hartley is clearly having fun, and his energy is infectious.
If you're a fan of the show, you'll find plenty to enjoy in these first two episodes. And if you're new to Tracker, this is a great jumping-on point. The show has always been about Colter Shaw's relentless pursuit of justice, and Season 4 doubles down on that while adding a fresh coat of paint. It's a winning formula, and it's not going anywhere anytime soon.
