Tracker Season 3 Episode 3: A Chilling Case That Misses the Mark
Tracker Season 3 returns with another eerie case, but Episode 3, titled “First Fire,” doesn’t quite live up to its haunting premise. While the setting and tone carry the familiar suspense fans love, the story itself falls short of expectations, with uneven pacing and a predictable twist that keeps it from becoming one of the show’s stronger hours.
Tracker Season 3 Episode 3 Recap
The episode begins with a fierce storm hitting New England, causing a blackout at a psychiatric facility. During the chaos, a patient named Heston kills a nurse and escapes. His parents, who have long struggled with guilt over his past, reach out to Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) to find him before tragedy strikes again.
Heston’s background is disturbing—he previously suffered a psychotic break that led to an arson attack, killing an innocent family. While his parents claim they just want to prevent further harm, it’s clear they have already emotionally detached from him.
Colter teams up with local officer Dundee, and together they begin tracking Heston’s path. The investigation reveals a trail of secrets, including a dead orderly, a stolen keycard, and the involvement of Sister Carlotta, a nun who appears to know more than she’s letting on. It doesn’t take long to realize she’s part of a religious sect determined to “purify” Heston through a ritual sacrifice.
By the time Colter uncovers the truth, Heston and an innocent woman named Emily are tied up in a dark underground chamber. The final act is filled with tension and fire—literally—as Colter risks everything to save them. In a grim conclusion, Heston kills Sister Carlotta before dying himself, while Dundee survives a seemingly fatal stab wound.
Weak Spots in the Story
While the premise offers potential, the episode struggles with its pacing and predictability. The investigation feels repetitive, with Colter and Dundee following one obvious clue after another. The reveal of Sister Carlotta’s cult is telegraphed early on, removing much of the suspense.
The emotional beats also miss the mark. Heston’s parents show almost no reaction to his death, making the ending feel hollow. The lack of genuine resolution, combined with some rushed storytelling, turns what could have been a chilling episode into one that feels unfinished.
New Character: Mel Joins the Team
Away from the main plot, there’s a subplot that could shape the season moving forward. Reenie expands Colter’s team by hiring Mel, a new assistant who immediately comes across as overly eager. She claims her motivation stems from her mother’s death, but her behavior hints that she might have a hidden agenda.
Whether Mel is a genuine ally or someone with deeper connections remains unclear, but her introduction adds a layer of intrigue that could pay off later in the season.
What Tracker Still Gets Right
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Even when an episode falters, Tracker continues to deliver strong character moments and visual appeal. Justin Hartley anchors the show with his calm intensity, and the stormy, candle-lit visuals of this episode give it an unsettling, cinematic edge. The series still thrives when it focuses on Colter’s quick thinking and moral code—traits that set him apart from standard TV detectives.
Tracker Season 3 Episode 3 had the right ingredients for a compelling thriller—atmosphere, mystery, and danger—but failed to pull them together in a satisfying way. It’s eerie and ambitious, but the predictable twists and rushed ending make it one of the season’s weaker entries.
Still, the new addition of Mel and the promise of more complex storylines suggest that stronger episodes may be just ahead.
Rating: 3/5 – A creepy setup with plenty of potential but limited payoff.
FAQs
1. When did Tracker Season 3 Episode 3 air?
It aired on Sunday, November 2, 2025, on CBS at 8/7c, with next-day streaming on Paramount+.
2. What was the episode about?
In “First Fire,” Colter investigates the escape of a psychiatric patient during a storm, uncovering a fanatical cult led by a nun who believes in purging evil through sacrifice.
3. Who is Mel, the new character introduced in this episode?
Mel is Reenie’s new assistant who joins Colter’s team. Though she seems loyal, her backstory and motives remain unclear, leaving fans suspicious of her true intentions.
4. Does Dundee survive the stabbing?
Yes, surprisingly. Despite a severe chest wound, Dundee survives and appears alert in the closing scene, though viewers questioned how realistic his recovery seemed.
5. How does the episode end?
Heston kills Sister Carlotta in the final confrontation before dying. Colter rescues Emily, but the emotional resolution between Heston’s parents and the tragedy feels underdeveloped.
6. What’s next for Tracker Season 3?
The next episodes are expected to return to Colter’s ongoing family storyline and further develop Mel’s mysterious connection to the team. The season appears to be building toward a deeper conspiracy that could tie multiple cases together.
7. Where can I watch Tracker?
New episodes air every Sunday at 8/7c on CBS and are available for streaming on Paramount+ the next day.
8. Is Tracker renewed for another season?
While there’s been no official confirmation yet, Tracker’s consistent ratings and audience engagement make another season highly likely.
Conclusion
Tracker continues to walk the fine line between action and psychological drama, and while “First Fire” may not have been its strongest outing, the setup for future storylines keeps fans invested. Catch new episodes every Sunday on CBS, and visit InvestRecords.com for more updates, recaps, and entertainment coverage.