Tracker Season 2: Trading a Slow Burn for a Red-Hot romance!
Reenie and Colter: A Slow-Burning Romance That Never Quite Took Off
CBS's Tracker, starring the charismatic Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw, has a fantastic supporting cast, and Fiona Rene as Reenie Green brought some seriously electric chemistry to the show's first season! Their interactions sparked huge interest. Yet season 1 ended without them becoming a couple – creating many unanswered questions! And there was hope they'd finally get together. Yet we get another surprising reveal in season 2 that changes this aspect significantly, and creates some additional dramatic tension. And honestly, the resulting relationship ends up working even better.
We know that Rene left after the first season; leaving an uncertain situation that raised doubts among audiences concerning that intended storyline development. Those concerns get alleviated by an important fact: Hartley himself said, early in the production of Season 2 (July 2024) that the intended outcome never intended to focus on any romantic element in that specific duo; explaining the heroic aspects that make his character work and wouldn't really be emphasized in such a relationship and shows why he isn't likely going to engage in these romantic pursuits in that manner. Even though some people might believe their interactions seemed compelling enough to actually merit such a pairing and continuation, these interactions were simply never going to develop further. And there are a multitude of other compelling characters who appear; thus it is a little surprising exactly just how many reasons might have existed why such an interaction wasn’t ultimately prioritized!
Enter Russell Shaw: A Love Triangle Ignites in Tracker Season 2
Season 2, despite losing some main cast members including that infamous and sudden exit of Robin Weigert, kept those popular elements; making sure to involve those actors returning such as Rene, and bringing Jensen Ackles back as Colter's brother, Russell Shaw. This introduction starts an immediate love triangle! The arrival of Russell in episode 12 of season 1 sets this thing up. His season 2 return brings an interesting plot to the forefront. It adds to existing tension while developing those new narrative threads involving a key cast member in Reenie, resulting in a compelling alternative romance which, for most people watching, ends up becoming a more compelling pairing than the original storyline involving Colter.
Why Reenie Deserves Better Than Colter: A Comparison
It’s a bit unfortunate exactly just how little Colter and Reenie’s romance actually worked! Despite their amazing chemistry; many aspects existed why that storyline would fail entirely; there wasn’t the same effort for developing any sort of relationship—even their shared moments remain somewhat aloof.
Let’s take that incredibly brief and intimate encounter in season 1. He dismisses Reenie's concerns! Yet Russell is the complete opposite— head-over-heels, genuinely appreciating Reenie's intellect. Those key contrasting comments (Colter calls Reenie a “compliment fisher” whereas Russell immediately affirms “I think she’s awesome”) really highlights the massive and incredibly significant difference these kinds of actions would convey: One takes her for granted; the other actively values her abilities and respects her intelligence; two completely different things and completely highlighting why such a development would be more meaningful for her.
This creates even more differences. That "off limits" comment from Colter only reveals that even though the writers had created potential scenarios that had compelling, intriguing and dramatic results that could've potentially unfolded, it instead becomes a non-issue; demonstrating a far less interesting narrative direction. Yet it serves to further highlight just why this romance in season 2 has immense potential which actually improves that narrative structure from earlier moments within season 1.
Can Reenie and Russell's Relationship Survive the Distance?
The only really massive potential problem: Russell's job with the Horizon Group involves lots of global travel. And Reenie is focusing on that new law firm. This raises the prospect that a long-distance relationship would seriously jeopardize the sustainability for that new romance. However, those past encounters when Colter, Russell, and Reenie met showed great effort made, and these encounters all show their ability to come together and travel extensively across long distances which showcases the practicality and determination implied; it becomes the greatest assets!
Plus; that intense jealousy from Colter could also make problems: Although Colter claims Reenie is “off-limits” but that’s out of his hands! He doesn’t oppose this new romantic venture. It leaves it unresolved – yet it adds tons of potential future conflict! He either remains respectful and supporting– or acts out.
Conclusion: A Better Romance for Reenie: That New Direction For Season 2
Reenie's relationship with Colter wasn't poorly done; they just lacked compelling moments and didn’t add any necessary depth to her storyline which, to be fair; had many interesting storylines which kept fans completely invested and wanting to keep following Reenie. Russell however changed everything. It delivers an infinitely better relationship, and with greater potential and a compelling love triangle for greater dramatic interest!
That geographical separation is an apparent problem—yet these characters' resilience shows this wouldn’t be insurmountable. The fact that jealousy would impact those relations provides further intrigue. And Colter's reactions make us completely wonder what might possibly come. It’s clear: Tracker's season 2 romance decision greatly benefited Reenie’s story.
