Justin Hartley Reveals the Truth About Colter Shaw's Shady Past: Was There a Murder Before Season 3 of 'Tracker'?

Fans of CBS's hit series "Tracker" have been captivated by the enigmatic past of Colter Shaw, the skilled survivalist portrayed with compelling intensity by Justin Hartley. With a knack for finding missing persons, Colter's own history remains shrouded in mystery, leading to widespread speculation about the darker corners of his life before he became the "rewardist" we know.

One burning question has lingered: has Colter Shaw ever committed murder?

Justin Hartley, the man behind the stoic facade, recently offered a revealing glimpse into Colter's moral universe, addressing directly whether his character has taken a life in cold blood. While acknowledging that Colter has undoubtedly found himself in perilous situations where lethal force was necessary, Hartley firmly distinguishes these actions from premeditated murder.

"Colter has certainly done bad things," Hartley admitted, hinting at a past filled with high-stakes encounters and difficult choices. However, he emphasized that these 'bad things' are a far cry from the actions of a conventional killer.

Hartley elaborated on Colter's unique ethical framework.

He suggested that Colter operates under a stringent, albeit unconventional, moral code. Any lethal actions Colter has taken would have been driven by self-preservation, the protection of others, or in defense against immediate threats. It’s a nuanced take that paints Colter not as a villain, but as a survivor hardened by circumstances, always striving to do what he believes is right, even when the choices are grim.

This perspective adds layers to Colter's character, explaining his guarded nature and his often solitary existence.

This insight from Hartley provides crucial context for understanding Colter's emotional depth and the internal conflicts that simmer beneath his composed exterior. It suggests that while Colter is capable of extreme measures, his heart remains tethered to a sense of justice and a desire to help, albeit through unconventional means.

His past isn't clean, but it's not maliciously stained. It's a testament to the character's complexity, allowing for rich storytelling opportunities as viewers continue to uncover the full breadth of his journey.

As "Tracker" looks ahead to its anticipated third season, Hartley’s comments set the stage for further exploration of Colter’s origins and the events that shaped him.

The ongoing unraveling of his backstory promises to delve deeper into these challenging moments, revealing how Colter reconciles his past actions with his present mission. It's clear that Colter Shaw's journey is far from over, and with Justin Hartley's nuanced portrayal, audiences are eager to uncover every piece of the puzzle.