Tracker Season 3 Episode 5 “The Old Ways” cast and characters: Here’s who brings the CBS action drama to life

Tracker Season 3 has been dropping some seriously wild episodes, and episode 5, “The Old Ways,” might be one of the most emotional ones this season. It mixes danger, family drama, and crazy “off the grid” chaos in a way that hits hard.

And honestly, a lot of the power comes from the cast. These actors make the whole story feel real and keep you glued to what happens next. So here’s a full guide to everyone who brings this intense chapter to life and makes Tracker Season 3 feel bigger than ever.

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Tracker Season 3 Episode 5 “The Old Ways” Recap

Episode 5 follows Colter as he dives into a missing hiker case that turns out to be way messier than anyone expected. A group of teens disappears in the Santa Cruz mountains, and Colter jumps into full rescue mode.

What starts as a normal search slowly turns into this creepy journey through closed trails, shady camps, and people who really don’t want to be found. The more he follows their tracks, the worse things get. One of the teens is found hurt, the others are taken, and there’s almost no clue why.

Then the episode drops the biggest twist. The teens were taken by Jayden and Sara’s dad, a man who completely rejected modern life and thinks he can raise his kids using “old ways.” Watching Colter and Luke chase them through the mountains while Sara struggles to breathe gives the whole episode this scary, real feeling.

And when Colter finally confronts their dad, it’s emotional in a quiet way. Colter understands him more than he wants to admit. That moment gives the whole episode its heart and shows why Tracker Season 3 is so good at mixing action with real feelings.

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Tracker Season 3 Episode 5 “The Old Ways” cast & character guide

1) Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw:

The main protagonist, a "tracker" hired to find the missing hikers. He coordinates the search, follows clues, and ultimately confronts the kidnapper.

Justin Hartley is also known for: This is Us & The Noel Diary

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2) Chris Lee as Randy:

Colter's associate/researcher. He handles background checks, searches Russell's files, traces IP addresses, and analyzes social media/app data (Wiisp).

Chris Lee is also known for: Legacies & Star Wars

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3) Emerson Brooks as Luke Parsons:

A member of Search and Rescue (S&R). He works with Colter on the ground, providing local knowledge and S&R context.

Emerson Brooks is also known for: Uncoupled & Station 19

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5) Fiona Rene as Reenie Green:

An attorney or legal consultant who assists Colter with his legal troubles. She rushes in late with a legitimate excuse (finding a non-compete clause for a client) and later talks to Jayden’s mom about Richard.

Fiona Rene is also known for: The Lincoln Lawyer & Jane the Virgin

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6) Cassady McClincy Zhang as Mel Day:

An associate in the office of Reenie. In Tracker Season 3 Episode 5, she is worried sick about Reenie's tardiness.

Cassady McClincy is also known for: The Snare & Love, Simon

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7) Jensen Ackles as Russell Shaw

Colter's brother, who sent the box of files Colter is having Randy research. After his faked death at the end of Season 3's premiere, Russell Shaw is no longer dead and is back.

Jensen Ackles is also known for: Supernatural & The Boys

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“The Old Ways” isn’t just another case for Colter, and that’s what makes Tracker Season 3 Episode 5 stick. You see the teens fighting to stay hopeful, Luke stepping up in all the right ways, and Colter quietly dealing with memories he never talks about.

The episode leaves you with the feeling that healing is possible, even when the path there is messy.

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