If you haven’t been hooked on CBS’s Colter Shaw yet tracker You’ve just been given a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to fall head over heels for this rugged investigator. Fittingly centered around an adorable German shepherd named Buckley, this week’s episode was a masterful blend of heartfelt moments, gripping tension, and riveting mystery. The result? The one-hour television show warms the heart and keeps viewers glued to the screen.
Colter’s soft side
From the moment Colt (Justin Hartley) spots Buckley rummaging through trash at a gas station, we see a softer side to our usually stoic stalker. His immediate sympathy for the injured dog gave a new layer to his character. Whether it’s caring for Buckley’s punctured paw or being steadfast in her determination to reunite the dog with her family, Colter’s relationship with Buckley is pure and endearing.
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| Man’s Best Friend – Tracker, pictured: Justin Hartley as Colt Shaw. Photo: Darko Sikman/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved |
If you think this is just a simple missing dog story, think again. The writers of “Stalker” are always showing off their talents, and tonight’s episode was no exception. Colter’s mission quickly takes a turn when Buckley is stolen from a truck on his way to reunite with his family, engulfing him in a web of danger and deceit. Yet his tenderness remains paramount, especially when interacting with the dog’s owner, young Aidan, whose relationship with Buckley tugs at Colter’s and ours’ heartstrings. When Aidan offers Colt birthday money in exchange for Buckley, we know Colt has the boy completely in his hands.
The mystery at stake
What begins as a dog rescue quickly turns into a high-stakes thriller. Buckley’s kidnapping is linked to a dark chapter in the life of his original owner Max, involving a stolen statue, betrayal and a vengeful criminal named Lawson. The writing here is sharp, peeling back the layers of the story at a satisfying pace while keeping the audience invested in Buckley’s fate.
Max’s connection to Barkley and his desperate efforts to save his wife, Chelsea, add emotional weight to the mystery. Max not only seeks to right the wrongs of the past; He is fighting for his family’s survival. When Colter, characteristically cool under pressure, uses Barkley’s instincts to find Chelsea, it’s an emotional, heartbreaking moment that solidifies Barkley’s character as more than just a lovable addition to the plot.
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| Man’s Best Friend – Tracker, pictured: Justin Hartley as Colt Shaw. Photo: Darko Sikman/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved |
The climax of the episode brought adrenaline and tears. Barkley leads Colt to Chelsea’s hideout, a moment that’s both hilarious and poignant, proving the dog’s loyalty and training are as sharp as ever. Max’s brush with death and Chelsea’s rescue were both well-executed, but it was Barkley’s emotional reunion with Aidan that really stole the show.
Aidan hugged Buckley, who cried at the sight of Aidan, and viewers reached for tissues. Colter thoughtfully gave Buckley a new dog tag with the family’s phone number on it, which was just the icing on the cake. The final dialogue about Charles Barkley (“Who?” Aidan asks, hilariously aged Colter) adds perfect humor to the episode.
Reenie, Velma and team dynamics
This week we also got a glimpse of the camaraderie between Colt and his team, especially Renee and Velma. Renee’s eloquence yields crucial intel about Lawson, while Wilma uses her tech wizardry to keep the investigation flowing. Their newly renovated office, complete with Colt’s dash cam, is a sweet and funny moment that adds to the sense of levity and showcases their growing connection as a team. So far in the series, we haven’t seen Colt and Velma interact in real life, although they talk almost every week. This moment makes the trio no longer just a team, but the family that Colt has found.
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| Man’s Best Friend – Tracker, pictured: Justin Hartley as Colt Shaw. Photo: Darko Sikman/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All rights reserved |
final thoughts
‘Man’s best friend’ isn’t just another tracker This is an excellent series that perfectly balances heartfelt storytelling with heart-pounding action. It’s compelling to see another layer of Colter’s character, and the supporting cast, including Buckley himself, brings depth and warmth to the story.
Whether it’s Colt’s tender interaction with Aidan, the suspense of tracking down Chelsea, or the heartbreaking reunion between the boy and his dog, this episode hits every emotional note. While Colter melted hearts, Buckley might just have stolen the show — and our hearts — in the process.
