Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for Tracker Season 3, Episode 5. Reader discretion is advised.
Tracker Season 3 Episode 5 Review: An Unorthodox Pursuit in The Old Ways
Tracker Season 3, Episode 5, titled The Old Ways, takes a refreshing turn by bringing Colter Shaw into the world of tracking missing persons, focusing less on action-packed sequences and more on emotional depth. Aside from a brief moment where Colter takes down two men while following a lead, the episode is notably low on action.
In this episode, Colter embarks on a search for missing teenagers in the Santa Cruz Mountains, which soon evolves into a kidnapping case. As the mystery unfolds, it becomes clear to Colter that the situation is fundamentally about a father, Richard, trying to reconnect with his children. This realization, shaped by Colter’s own upbringing, influences his next steps.
Ultimately, Colter decides to let Richard go. However, this freedom comes with strings attached: Richard won’t be able to see or communicate with his children in the future.
Why Does Colter Let Richard Get Away?
Colter Shaw’s own childhood, raised by a survivalist off-the-grid father, gives him unique insight into Richard’s mindset and motives. This background helps Colter navigate the case without harm coming to anyone.
Understanding the gravity of the situation, Colter recognizes that, despite Richard’s misguided methods, the father’s primary intention is to reconnect with his kids—whom he hasn’t contacted in years. Although Richard tries to impose his ideals and survivalist mentality on the children, Colter empathizes with his desire to forge a relationship.
Instead of turning Richard in and punishing him, Colter chooses to let him go. This choice is rooted in empathy and the understanding that forcing Richard’s way on his children could ultimately backfire. Colter also uses this understanding to persuade Richard’s companion to release the kids, explaining that if Richard pushes his survivalist expectations too hard, the children may rebel just like he once did.
In the end, Richard comes to understand why he must let his children go, showing growth and acceptance.
Why Did Richard Kidnap His Kids?
What begins as a presumed hike in search of hidden treasure quickly turns into a kidnapping case. Siblings Jayden and Sara—along with two friends—venture through the Santa Cruz Mountains. Through Sara’s social media, Randy discovers her interest in urban legends, leading the team to initially believe they are on a treasure hunt.
However, it soon emerges that Jayden and Sara’s biological father, Richard, who joined an offshoot of the Earth Liberation Front, has contacted them in an attempt to reconnect after ten years of no contact. Unbeknownst to Jayden, Richard is in the area and intercepts the children, deciding to kidnap them.
During a faceoff between Colter and Richard, Richard admits he misses his children deeply. He also believes they have grown “soft” and wishes to train them in “the old ways.” His actions, while misguided, stem from a desperate desire to reconnect and prepare his children for the survivalist life he endorses.
Is Randy Joining the Team Permanently?
Randy’s presence in the office becomes more permanent in this episode. Following Reenie’s earlier confirmation in Season 3, Episode 3, Randy reveals he is moving to Denver full-time and will be staying in the apartment. This signals that Randy is set to become a long-term member of the team.
Throughout the episode, Randy proves to be an invaluable asset to Colter’s investigations. Likewise, the new addition to the office, Mel, demonstrates her usefulness as an ally to Reenie, though much about her character remains mysterious.
Where to Watch
Catch Tracker Season 3, Episode 5, along with previous installments, on CBS and Paramount+.
