Tonight’s episode of "Tracker," began with a heart-stopping moment, as a dead body was discovered near a river, setting the tone for an episode filled with suspense and mystery. The frantic man who identified the body was relieved to find it wasn't his missing daughter, Lana, whose disappearance three years earlier remained unresolved. Her friend was found dead, presumed drowned, but Lana was never found, sparking her father Gavin's unyielding hope that she's still alive.
Colter, was approached by Gavin, who was desperate for closure. Despite Teddi and Velma's reluctance to reopen a cold case, Colter was drawn in by a recent newspaper photo that Gavin believed showed Lana alive and well. As viewers know, Colter is motivated by much more than the financial reward, he really wanted to give this man closure. The episode cleverly used the newspaper photograph as a narrative device to reignite the investigation, despite skepticism from the detective originally assigned to the case, who insisted that Gavin is chasing ghosts.
"Aurora” – TRACKER, Pictured: Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw and Gavin Russo as Robert Moloney. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
The investigation took Colter to an abandoned mental facility, Harkwood, a place shrouded in eerie lore and the last known whereabouts of Lana and her friend, who were fascinated by the supernatural. This setting enhanced the episode's chilling atmosphere, making viewers feel the isolation and danger that might have been felt by the girls.
A breakthrough came when Colter obtained the original photo from the newspaper photographer, and facial recognition software confirmed that it was indeed Lana. The plot thickened as Colter discovered clues pointing to a boy named Toby from Lana's school, whose connection to Lana deepened the mystery. Toby's revelation that they encountered a "Harkwood witch" during one of their video shoots at the abandoned facility, added a supernatural twist to the story, heightening the tension.
"Aurora” – TRACKER, Pictured: Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw and Gavin Russo as Robert Moloney. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Colter’s persistence led to a harrowing discovery back at Harkwood, where he and the detective found a man lurking in the shadows, connecting the case to convicted murderer Errol Price. This character introduction brought with it a dark narrative of family abuse and perceived demonic possession, linking Errol and his sister to the kidnapping of Lana.
The episode culminated in a dramatic confrontation at Errol's sister's house, where Colter was attacked but managed to rescue Lana from a crate in the basement. The emotional reunion between Lana and her father provided a poignant resolution to the long-standing mystery, though it was laced with the grim reality of the siblings' twisted quest for revenge that was shaped by their own tortured pasts.
"Aurora” – TRACKER, Pictured: Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw. Photo: Michael Courtney/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved
Throughout the episode, personal stories from the characters enriched the narrative. The detective shared how the obsession with the case led to her divorce, mirroring Colter's own haunted past regarding his father's suspicious death, adding layers of personal stake and emotional depth to the investigation.
The episode skillfully balanced the eerie, suspenseful atmosphere of the Harkwood legend with the raw, emotional realities of its characters, making for a compelling watch. The acknowledgment of Colter's contribution by the detective, coupled with her hope that he finds peace with his family's past, closed the episode by setting up intriguing possibilities for more of Colter’s past to be revealed in future episodes.
Your turn, Tracker fans. What did you think of tonight’s episode? Were you surprised by the twist at the end, revealing Errol’s sister was responsible for the girl's disappearance? Share your thoughts below and engage with me on Twitter @middleofcanada.
