Tracker Season 3 Episode 3 Spoilers: Colter Hunts a Killer on Halloween Night

“Tracker” season 3 episode 3 is bringing a chilling Halloween story to CBS on Sunday, November 2, 2025. The episode, titled “First Fire,” follows Colter Shaw as he investigates the mysterious disappearance of an arsonist and the murder of a nurse on Halloween night. The main keyword Tracker season 3 episode 3 spoilers is already generating excitement among fans eager for a suspenseful standalone story with a holiday twist.

This episode marks a shift back to the show’s core mystery format following Jensen Ackles’ guest arc as Russell. Now, the series returns to its roots—high-stakes tracking, emotional depth, and morally gray villains, all wrapped in a Halloween atmosphere.

Tracker Season 3 Episode 3: “First Fire” Halloween Storyline Explained

According to CBS’s official synopsis, “First Fire” begins with the murder of a nurse and the disappearance of Heston Koontz, an arsonist who escapes from a psychiatric facility on Halloween night. Colter Shaw, played by Justin Hartley, is called in to assist local law enforcement as strange clues begin to surface. He partners with Officer Dundee, portrayed by Derek Richardson, to piece together the truth behind the eerie sequence of events.

The episode promises a blend of psychological suspense and emotional storytelling. Viewers can expect an unsettling tone without stepping into full horror territory. Show insiders describe “First Fire” as a mix of crime thriller and emotional drama, where Halloween becomes more than just a backdrop—it’s central to the mystery’s atmosphere.

Series creator Ben Winters previously shared that the writing team wanted to craft an episode that “pays homage to classic suspense tales while keeping Tracker’s grounded realism intact.” The storyline explores fear, guilt, and redemption—recurring themes throughout the season.

Halloween Tension and Character Development

This week’s story also allows Hartley’s Colter to face personal fears. The haunted-night setting mirrors his own internal struggles as he continues balancing his family history with his relentless pursuit of justice. The Halloween framework heightens tension, using dark visuals, foggy woods, and flickering lights to symbolize moral uncertainty.

Fans online have already begun speculating that the escaped arsonist, Heston Koontz, might not be the true villain. The clues may point toward something more psychological—a twist that challenges both Colter’s instincts and the viewers’ assumptions.

As the show re-centers on case-of-the-week storytelling, this episode also serves as a breather before a rumored major midseason arc returns later in November. While Jensen Ackles’ Russell temporarily exits, CBS executives have hinted that his character “may return sooner than fans expect.”

“First Fire” is expected to balance eerie visuals with emotional closure, giving fans a perfect Halloween-themed mystery while maintaining the grounded tone that defines Tracker.

FYI (keeping you in the loop)-

Q1: What happens in Tracker season 3 episode 3?

Colter investigates a nurse’s murder and tracks a missing arsonist who escaped from a psychiatric facility on Halloween night.

Q2: When will Tracker season 3 episode 3 air?

The episode “First Fire” airs on Sunday, November 2, 2025, at 8:30 PM ET on CBS and streams later on Paramount+.

Q3: Who guest stars in the episode?

Derek Richardson guest stars as Officer Dundee, helping Colter navigate the chilling Halloween mystery.

Q4: Is Jensen Ackles returning to Tracker soon?

Jensen Ackles’ character Russell steps away temporarily, but producers have hinted at a possible return later in the season.

Q5: Is Tracker season 3 episode 3 horror-themed?

Not entirely—it has spooky Halloween elements but stays rooted in crime and suspense rather than full horror.