SPOILER ALERT: This interview reveals key plot points from “Echo Ridge,” the Season 2 finale of CBS’ “Tracker.”

Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley), a self-proclaimed lone wolf survivalist, has leveraged his exceptional tracking abilities to solve various mysteries for both private citizens and law enforcement across the United States. Over the course of two seasons in the CBS drama “Tracker,” Colter has gradually unraveled the long-standing mystery surrounding his father Ashton’s death, a tragedy that stemmed from Ashton’s paranoia about government surveillance, ultimately leading their family to live off the grid.

While Colter has long suspected his estranged older brother, Russell (Jensen Ackles), of being responsible for their father’s fatal fall off a cliff during a stormy night, he has always felt that there was more to the story. After seeking Colter’s assistance in a case involving a missing Army friend in Season 1, Russell maintained his innocence, suggesting that another man was responsible for Ashton’s death—a theory echoed by their sister Dory (Melissa Roxburgh). In the penultimate episode of Season 2, Dory finally presented Colter with a box of Ashton’s journals and research papers, which she had obtained from Lizzy (Jennifer Morrison), a family friend whose late mother was revealed to be Ashton’s mistress.

The season finale saw Colter returning to Echo Ridge, the California town of his upbringing, to investigate the disappearance of a diner owner (Brian Keane). Colter discovered that the owner had been murdered after uncovering a disturbing child trafficking ring. With the help of his childhood friend Joe Marsh (Drew Powell), Colter managed to prevent the victims from being smuggled away from an old farm late one evening. However, he had a more personal motive for pursuing Carl Murphy (Shane Leydon), the registered sex offender believed to have killed the diner owner.

During his investigation, Colter stumbled upon Carl’s trailer, where he found a carving of a wolf with the name “Ashton” etched on the bottom. While being threatened at gunpoint, Carl disclosed that he had received the figurine from his uncle, Otto Waldron (Alex Fernandez), who had worked as a lineman for the county and assisted the Shaws in installing their wind turbines. In the final scene, after an unannounced visit to Otto’s home, Colter learned that Otto had indeed pushed Ashton off the cliff—at the request of Colter’s mother, Mary (Wendy Crewson).

“What’s intriguing is that we still need to explore, ‘Why would she do this?’—if it’s even true,” Hartley, who also serves as an executive producer, shared with Variety. “I believe it is true, as I wouldn’t endorse it otherwise. I think she had a role in it, and it unfolded as Otto described, but we still need to understand the motivations behind such desperate actions. Was it justified? How could it possibly be justified?”

Below, Hartley discusses how this cliffhanger complicates Colter’s already strained family relationships and reveals the unique elements that have propelled “Tracker” to become the most-watched show on network television.

Character Evolution in “Tracker”

You’ve mentioned in recent interviews that the Colter we see now is quite different from the one introduced in the pilot. How has the character evolved over these two seasons, and what new dimensions have you discovered in portraying him this time?

We discuss this frequently. Our show combines serialized elements with procedural storytelling, and it’s essential for me to differentiate it from typical procedurals. While classic 1970s shows often feature static characters, I wanted Colter to evolve. By the end of each case, he learns something that influences his next encounter. In Season 2, he has faced some dark realities, making him more cautious and understanding why others might not share his belief in the inherent goodness of people.

In this season, I noticed that Colter spends a lot of time alone, relying on phone calls or FaceTime for social interaction. To reflect his loneliness, I incorporated moments where he talks to himself to maintain his confidence. For instance, he might say, “This is a blood trail, isn’t it?” and then respond, “Yep.” This adds a layer of depth to his character, allowing viewers to see his growth and the impact of his experiences.

Significant Episodes Reflecting Character Growth

Is there a particular episode or storyline this season that exemplifies Colter’s growth?

Episode 15 stands out when Colter’s ex, Billie (played by Hartley’s real-life wife, Sofia Pernas), returns. He asks her to infiltrate a women’s prison, believing it to be a simple favor. However, she nearly loses her life, which is a wake-up call for Colter. It highlights his recklessness and the dangers he imposes on others. This realization will undoubtedly shape his character moving forward. Additionally, in Episode 19, when he senses something is wrong with Reenie (Fiona Rene) and rushes to her aid, it showcases his growing instincts and emotional depth.

Unraveling the Mystery of Ashton’s Death

Much of the show’s premise revolves around the mystery of Ashton’s untimely demise. What discussions did you have with the creative team regarding the final twist involving his death?

We always knew the mother was involved, but the specifics of how that would unfold were not clear until showrunner Elwood Reid pitched the idea. It’s fascinating because we still need to explore the motivations behind her actions. If we discover in Season 3 that Otto was lying, it would undermine the narrative. I believe she played a role, but we need to understand the justification behind such desperate actions, especially in light of Colter’s moral code.

Colter’s Internal Conflict

Can you articulate Colter’s internal dialogue in the finale as he confronts Otto?

Colter approaches Otto with hope, believing he might uncover valuable information. He’s driven by the carving he found, which haunts him. He’s grappling with the belief that his mother has withheld the truth from him, and he seeks clarity to find peace. However, the revelations he uncovers are far from what he anticipated.

Impact on Family Dynamics

Otto has implicated Mary in Ashton’s death. How would you describe Colter’s relationship with his mother, and how will this revelation further complicate it?

Colter has long believed his brother was responsible for their father’s death, filling in the gaps with his imagination. He shared his suspicions with his mother, who remained silent, allowing him to believe a false narrative. Discovering that she was involved—and possibly orchestrated the act—will undoubtedly fracture their relationship. It’s a complex situation that Elwood will need to navigate as the story progresses.

Future Directions for Colter

As an executive producer who has been deeply involved in this project, how much influence do you have over the story’s direction? Are there specific arcs you’d like to explore for Colter?

I’m intrigued by the idea of Colter taking on a seemingly straightforward job that spirals into a setup, forcing him to go on the run. This could create a thrilling narrative arc as he evades authorities while uncovering the truth behind the murder. I have several pitches that I believe could resonate with audiences, and I’m eager to share them with the team.

Success of “Tracker” in a Crowded Genre

The procedural format can be limiting, yet “Tracker” has consistently ranked as the No. 1 show on network television. What do you attribute this success to, and how have you managed to stand out in such a saturated market?

Initially, we were fortunate to have a supportive studio and network that believed in our vision. They provided us with the necessary resources and promotional opportunities. However, sustaining viewership requires delivering compelling stories that resonate with audiences. We strive to place Colter in believable yet harrowing situations that keep viewers engaged.

We aim to avoid clichés, such as overly dramatic music cues that dictate audience emotions. Instead, we focus on authentic dialogue and interactions between characters. While we respect the procedural formula that provides comfort to our audience, our goal is to continually improve and deliver the best show possible with each episode.

This interview has been edited and condensed for clarity.