In “Collision,” Episode 18 of Tracker Season 2, it seems as though the story is merely filling time before the season finale. While the case-of-the-week is resolved satisfactorily, providing a clear start and finish, it doesn’t quite measure up to the excitement and uniqueness that Colter Shaw has previously encountered in his investigations. It could be argued that this episode isn’t the best allocation of their storytelling resources.
In “Collision,” former model Riley Adams has a car accident shortly after returning to her home in Michigan and subsequently vanishes. Upon the urging of Riley’s mother, Colter joins forces with the local sheriff’s department to find her. The storyline involves unraveling Riley’s major secret, but viewers are likely to figure it out ahead of time, as well as other characters’ secrets. This episode feels more like a prelude to bigger events that are coming up in the future.
Tracker Season 2, Episode 18 Plays With Too Many TV Tropes
There’s Too Much That Feels Familiar About the Plot
As a devoted fan, I can appreciate the role filler episodes play in long-running series – they provide breathing space between major plot twists and character developments, making those key moments all the more impactful by their irregularity. However, it’s disappointing when an episode like “Collision” falls short of expectations. This installment seems to follow a formula that’s quite familiar to avid watchers of crime and mystery series, with a few puzzling moments that leave one scratching their head.
Three individuals are under suspicion for stalking Riley at different times, and they all fit typical stereotypes. It could be the overly zealous coworker, the vengeful ex, or the overly attached friend. As it turns out, the last one is indeed the case, which isn’t particularly surprising given the numerous similar plots seen on Lifetime. The audience is familiar with the obsessive friend who seeks to control another person’s life from countless Lifetime movies. When the true perpetrators are unmasked, their motivations also follow well-worn paths. They are individuals longing for a family but unable to conceive, and they will stop at nothing to take one away from someone else. However, the Harpers’ history of two miscarriages does little to elicit sympathy as they are never portrayed in a genuinely vulnerable manner.
There are instances where Colter seems to clarify matters for Detective Katie Douglas that a detective of her caliber might already know. For instance, when Riley’s friend Cheryl is discovered murdered, Colter suggests that it wasn’t a suicide because if the victim were writing in their own blood, the message wouldn’t be so tidy. This is a relatively simple observation, and while Douglas doesn’t appear entirely unaware, there are enough such exchanges that their partnership appears less effective as a result.
Tracker Mercifully Avoids This One Frustrating and Harmful Trope
Season 2, Episode 18 Could Have Been a Lot Worse
One notable aspect of this Tracker episode that deserves recognition is its avoidance of a predictable downward spiral often seen in TV dramas, especially when it comes to female characters. While the portrayal of guest characters may lack depth, the script refrains from the overused trope of choosing unfortunate outcomes, such as those seen in certain shows where women face relentless hardship. For instance, a storyline featuring a troubled female suspect seeking a family was the focus of a show that was essentially an hour of distressing events for women. More recently, Chicago Med portrayed a character struggling to conceive who not only suffered a miscarriage but required an emergency hysterectomy – seemingly for dramatic effect. Such harsh conclusions can be intensely emotional, yet they may not always be the most judicious choices.
The tracker ensures Riley endures the bare minimum of distress, focusing primarily on highlighting her danger. During the climactic showdown with Colter and Detective Douglas, Monica Harper restrains Riley using a scalpel, but there are no instances showing Riley being hurt or tormented to emphasize the gravity of the situation. Fortunately, she doesn’t miscarry while fighting for her life. In the end, she returns home safely, reuniting with her mother. While this resolution may be somewhat predictable and sentimental, it’s undeniably satisfying to see a positive outcome in a TV show more frequently than just a few times per month.
On this series, other secondary characters have been more fully fleshed out compared to those in Riley’s life. With the exception of Cheryl’s fixation on Riley becoming apparent, most characters do not undergo significant development beyond their initial portrayals. Vincent Rourke, Riley’s ex-boyfriend, receives some credit for wanting to help with the pregnancy, rather than embodying the stereotype of a self-centered man. However, Tracker may follow a predictable plotline, but it avoids sensationalism and leaves viewers contented at its conclusion.
Tracker Season 2, Episode 18 Feels Like It’s Biding Time
What Does the Show Have in Store for the Season Finale?
This episode, titled “Collision,” is simple enough to comprehend but forgettable once the end credits play. Despite Detective Douglas suggesting they stay in touch, it’s clear to viewers that this is a standalone episode with no long-term impact on Colter Shaw or the overall series. The most significant character revelation comes when Colter mentions trying to reach out to Monica’s husband, Tyler. Unfortunately, this feeling of insignificance detracts from the episode, making it less engaging both in the short term and for future re-watches.
With only two episodes left in Season 2 of Tracker, this installment seems to serve as a brief interlude, setting the stage for the climactic stories to come. The season is still brimming with intricate plotlines, including those revolving around the mysterious artifact and, undeniably, the ongoing exploration of Colter’s past. “Collision” may not stand out on its own, but it effectively carries out its purpose in the grand scheme, and there’s nothing amiss about that.
Tracker airs Sundays at 8:00 p.m. on .
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2025-04-29 20:21