Tracker - Out of the Past - Review: A Haunting Cold Case Reveals More About Colter

The second season premiere of Tracker on CBS kicked off with a gripping and intense first episode, diving straight into Colter’s relentless pursuit of justice. From the very first scene—where Colter breaks into a man’s house, armed with a cool demeanour and a piece of meat for the guard dog—hinting that he has been at this house before-you can tell this episode is packed with tension and unresolved mysteries. The man is revealed to be Frank, who Colter believes is tied to the disappearance of a woman named Gina Pickett. Colter’s mission to uncover the truth about Gina’s disappearance a decade earlier is at the forefront, with his unwavering determination to prove Frank’s guilt setting up an emotional and deeply personal storyline.

When Colter finds a bag of dirt in Frank’s freezer, it’s a bizarre and chilling discovery, hinting at something more sinister beneath the surface. His yearly visits to Frank on the anniversary of Gina’s disappearance show how deeply haunted Colter is by this case, but the why isn’t immediately revealed. The tension between them finally boiled over into a physical confrontation, but Frank refused to admit guilt. Colter’s frustration was palpable, and his vow to prove Frank was responsible for Gina’s disappearance added a strong undercurrent of obsession to the episode.

The episode also introduced a new, intriguing case involving a missing family in Arkansas. What started as a search for a family of four, spiralled into a tangled web of witness protection, mob connections, and dangerous enemies resurfacing. Colter uncovered the truth about Ted’s wife, Connie—who had been in witness protection for turning on her mobster ex-husband—and faced off against a fake U.S. Marshal who had sinister motives. The action ramped up, especially during the gas station scene where Colter confronted an attacker and learned that Connie’s past was catching up with her. The final showdown with her ex, who held their child hostage, was both tense and emotional, with Colter and the US Marshall’s narrowly saving the family.

Amid all the chaos, we got a glimpse into Colter’s emotional vulnerability. His connection to Gina’s sister played a key role, offering a softer, more personal side to his character. After the main case was resolved, Colter went to visit Gina’s sister, sharing a quiet moment of solace in each other’s company. It’s clear they have a romantic history, and Colter’s deep commitment to finding Gina is tied not just to his sense of justice but also to his feelings for her sister. He tells her about the bag of dirt he found in Frank’s freezer, a strange clue that he believes will help prove Frank’s involvement. His vow to never stop until he finds out what happened to Gina added a heavy emotional layer to the episode, showing that this case will likely drive much of his actions this season.

The ensemble cast also shined, with Velma and Reenie providing lighter moments of support. Their concern for Colter’s well-being added a human touch to the high-stakes drama, but Colter’s obsession with Gina’s case kept him from relaxing, even when they offered a pizza night. His emotional investment in Gina’s case was clearly weighing on him, and it is something that will likely evolve over the course of the season.

Overall, this episode masterfully balanced two storylines: the immediate missing family case and Colter’s long-term quest to find Gina. The action, tension, and emotional stakes were high, and the episode did a great job of setting up deeper threads that will keep viewers hooked. The discovery of the dirt in the freezer, the emotional moment with Gina’s sister, and Colter’s vow to prove Frank did it all add to the intrigue, making for a compelling start to season two. What did you think of the opener, Tracker fans? Are you intrigued by the Gina case? What are your thoughts on how Colter got so deeply involved in it? Share your thoughts below, I’d love to hear them!