‘Tracker’ Needs a Major Change If It Wants To Remain One of CBS’ Biggest Shows
The article argues that *Tracker* needs to give its supporting characters stronger, more engaging stories if it wants to keep them compelling alongside Colter Shaw. The CBS drama’s weekly cases remain its main draw, but the show has struggled to make the characters working away from Colter feel equally important.
Season 4 delayed Reenie Greene, Randy Davis and Mel Day’s move to a Denver office across several episodes, while Reenie and Mel’s murder mystery is described as lacking momentum. The episode “Purification” offered a more promising approach by having Mel help interpret evidence in Colter’s case, but the article questions whether that can sustain the supporting cast’s stories. It also notes that past Reenie subplots have tended to end without a satisfying connection to the wider story.
In short
- Colter’s weekly cases remain the show’s strongest draw.
- Reenie and Mel’s separate storylines lack momentum.
- The article wants supporting characters to play a bigger role.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Stronger supporting-character stories could give viewers more reasons to stay invested between Colter’s cases and make the series feel like an ensemble rather than a show carried largely by its lead. Connecting Reenie, Randy and Mel’s work to the weekly investigations may also give their storylines clearer momentum and make their skills matter to the plot.
The case against
Keeping Colter and the weekly cases at the centre may be essential to the show’s appeal, and expanding the supporting cast’s stories risks diluting that focus or making the drama feel crowded. The characters can still add value through selective contributions to cases, without each needing a substantial parallel arc that competes for screen time.
Explained simply
Tracker is a CBS crime drama centred on Colter Shaw, a lone investigator who travels around the United States helping people find missing relatives and solve other cases. Its episodes usually focus on a new case, while recurring characters support Colter’s work from elsewhere.
Reenie Greene is a lawyer who helps with investigations, Randy Davis provides technical support, and Mel Day is part of their working circle. Their stories take place alongside Colter’s cases, so the show’s balance between its travelling lead and its supporting cast shapes how the wider group features in the series.