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Tracker season 3 episode 5 brings Colter Shaw right into tracking missing people instead of action, and an unorthodox way of dealing with his past. Short of beating up two random men while following a lead, The Old Ways is pretty much devoid of action. That said, the episode brings Colter on a hunt for missing teenagers in the Santa Cruz mountains, which briefly turns into a kidnapping case.
But things come together for Colter Shaw, and it quickly becomes apparent to him that it's all about the father, Richard, reconnecting with his kids. This realization, and his own upbringing, influence what Colter decides to do next. Colter decides to let Richard go, but not without the consequences of his actions.
He's free, but he won't be able to see or get in contact with his two kids in the future.
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Disclaimer: This article contains major spoilers for Tracker season 3 episode 5. Reader's discretion is advised.
Why does Colter let Richard get away in Tracker season 3 episode 5?
Colter Shaw's own upbringing with a survivalist, off-the-grid father gives him a leg up in solving the case in Tracker season 3 episode 5 without anyone getting harmed. He understands the gravity of the situation, Richard's mindset, how he operates, and how he can get through to Richard. It's also all these things that Colter doesn't turn Richard in and instead allows him to escape.
No matter how misguided his methods are, Colter understands that Richard only wants to reconnect with his kids and forge a relationship with the kids he hasn't been in contact with for many years. He may not be going at it the right way, like forcing his ideals and mentality into his kids, but Colter believes that Richard is doing what he thinks is right for his kids.
Instead of punishing Richard for what he has done, he lets the man get in the way. It's also because of Colter's understanding of Richard's mindset that he is able to convince the other man to let his kids go. He tells him that, much like what happened to him and his father, if Richard forces his kids into his way of life, they will turn on him. In the end, Richard understands why he has to let his kids go.
Read more: The Shaw brothers against "the Process" in Tracker season 3 premiere
Tracker season 3 episode 5: Why did Richard kidnap his kids in the first place?
What is initially thought to be a hike for some hidden treasure in Tracker season 3 episode 5 turns into a kidnapping case. Siblings Jayden and Sara, along with their two friends, hike through the Santa Cruz mountains. Randy finds out from Sara's socials that she's into urban legends, so they think that they are trying to hunt for missing treasure buried in the woods.
However, they later find out that Jayden and Sara's biological father has contacted them, wanting to reconnect. From Jayden's comments, he doesn't know that Richard is in the area. It's likely that he intercepted the kids and decided to kidnap the two. It turns out that they haven't been in contact for ten years, with Richard joining an offshoot of the Earth Liberation Front.
During Richard's and Colter's faceoff at the end of Tracker season 3 episode 5, he admits that he misses his kids. But he's also way over his head, thinking that his kids have gone soft. He abducts them partly because he wants to reconnect, and another part is because he plans on training them in the old ways.
Tracker season 3 episode 5: Is Randy joining the team for good?
If Reenie confirming that Randy is here is to stay in Tracker season 3 episode 3 is not enough, episode 5 gives another confirmation that Randy is staying in Colorado for a long while. He's moving to Denver full-time, telling Reenie that he's going to be staying in the apartment, which is a subtle way for the show to say that he's going to be a permanent crew member.
Randy has been an incredible help in Colter Shaw's cases, especially in Tracker season 3 episode 5. As for the new addition in the office, Mel also proves to be a useful ally to Reenie. However, there is still a lot of mystery surrounding her character.
Catch Tracker season 3 episode 5, along with the show's previous episodes, on CBS and Paramount+.
