Tracker, that show where Justin Hartley squints attractively and solves mysteries, takes a strange turn in “Bloodlines.” This week’s case, involving vanishing high school pitchers and the murky world of biohacked blood donations, stretches the limits of plausibility. Even Billie, Colter’s occasionally returning partner-in-crime, acknowledges the sheer weirdness of it all.
Billie’s reappearance is a mixed bag. While the easy chemistry between Hartley and his real-life wife, Sofia Pernas, remains, the spark from their previous encounter is noticeably absent. The focus shifts from their will-they-won’t-they dynamic to a more straightforward partnership, with Colter firmly in the driver’s seat. The attempt to humanize Billie by exploring her complicated relationship with her hometown falls somewhat flat, lacking the depth needed to truly resonate.
The case itself starts with a familiar missing-person setup but quickly veers into bizarre territory. The discovery of a blood bag in a railroad car signals a shift from standard teen drama to something far more sinister. While the initial focus on the pressures faced by young athletes hints at a potentially interesting storyline, it’s quickly overshadowed by the blood donation plot. The reveal of a makeshift clinic and a drained corpse pushes the episode firmly into outlandish territory.
As is often the case with Tracker, the plot twists become increasingly convoluted. The introduction of the suspiciously shady Shane, Billie’s supposed informant, feels predictable. His sudden disinterest in the case after the college rescinds Eric’s scholarship screams “guilty,” making the ensuing hostage situation feel somewhat anticlimactic. Colter’s swift dispatching of Shane, met with Billie’s surprising disapproval, provides a darkly humorous moment in an otherwise grim narrative.
Ultimately, “Bloodlines” struggles to balance its various elements. The biohacking storyline feels forced, while the exploration of Billie’s backstory lacks the necessary depth. The action sequences, though limited, feel excessive and detract from the core mystery. While the case reaches a resolution, the episode’s overall strangeness lingers.
Tracker airs Sunday evenings on CBS.
