Tracker Season 3 Episode 13 Review: Breakaway
Tracker Season 3 Episode 13, “Breakaway,” pulls Colter into the stunt-performing industry in an action-packed episode.
What initially begins as a simple task to find a famous stunt performer takes Colter on a shocking journey as he encounters organized crime and street racing.
However, one of the best parts on “Breakaway” involves the exciting Smallville reunion between Justin Hartley and Erica Durance.
Erica Durance is a special guest star on this episode, portraying Laura, Hale Ripley’s girlfriend. Laura and Colter share many scenes because they work together to take down Virgil’s criminal crew.
It is an absolute delight to see Hartley and Durance on screen again. Their dynamic is just as magical as it was two decades ago, despite portraying completely different characters on Tracker.
Laura actually hires Colter to find Ripley, and his search for the stunt performer is riveting because of the constant ambiguity.
Every new turn Colter takes during his investigation adds another layer to this thrilling mystery. “Breakaway” does not answer most of the narrative questions until toward the end — a bold movie that benefits the story.
The missing pieces are not so excessive as to cause a loss of interest; they are just enough to want to see the storyline through.
The showdown between Colter and Virgil’s men is also exhilarating, considering all the action. Naturally, Colter takes them down.
It might seem inconceivable on any other show, but Tracker has already portrayed Colter’s incredible skills. There is no suspension of disbelief because Colter has endured these scenarios time and again.
Hale Ripley: I really didn’t mean to drag you into all this. Maybe I should have went to the cops earlier, I don’t know, just . . . I was just looking out for my boy.
Colter Shaw: You’re his dad; you don’t have to explain yourself. I get it.
“Breakaway” also hints at an eventual return to the mystery surrounding Ashton Shaw’s death.
Colter’s father is consistently on his mind, as seen at the beginning of this episode. His search for Hale Ripley becomes about fatherhood and the lengths a parent will go for their child.
Ripley loves his son so much that he is willing to break the law for him. Risking his significant career is not even something Ripley has to think about — it is automatic because Dalton will always come first.
Colter considers this fact, raising new possibilities about Ashton’s death. He still cannot fathom his mother ordering someone to kill his father. However, there could be an underlying reason involving a parent’s fierce, protective love for their child.
It is possible that Colter’s parents tried to protect their children from something dangerous, but it is unknown what that danger could be.
There is much more Colter has to uncover to learn the full truth behind his father’s death. Nevertheless, the theme of fatherhood on “Breakaway” and its connection to Colter suggests another domino will fall soon.
Tracker Season 3 Episode 13, “Breakaway,” also continues Reenie’s storyline now that she has officially agreed to work with Maxine’s law firm.
In fact, Fiona Rene’s performance is an episode highlight as Reenie continues to face the trauma of her kidnapping that occurred on Tracker Season 2 Episode 19, “Rules of the Game.”
Reenie is already a complex character, but Rene adds significant depth by making poignant choices to convey how she continues to struggle with the aftermath.
When Reenie and Maxine meet for dinner, they reveal something about themselves to one another, but they are both cautious in how they do so.
This action illustrates that neither Reenie nor Maxine underestimates the other. Reenie is fully aware of Maxine’s power and capabilities, while Maxine knows about Reenie’s past and the lengths she would go to for an objective.
It spices up their juicy dynamic, raising the stakes for when this storyline reaches its climax.
What did you think of this episode of Tracker? Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t forget to leave your own rating!
Critic Rating:
Audience Rating:
Tracker airs Sundays at 9/8c on CBS.
Check out our latest TV recommendations, updated weekly!
Want more from Tell-Tale TV? Subscribe to our newsletter here!
Sarah Novack
Sarah has been a passionate writer and blogger about various forms of media for as long as she can remember, and her favorite method of expressing this passion is through writing and discussion. She loves way too many TV shows, books, and movies, specializing in book-to-screen adaptations, fantasy, sitcoms, and procedurals.