Tracker – Noble Rot – Review: Buried Sins

One of the most entertaining aspects of this episode was Colter’s interactions with Reenie, who was at the resort with a new “plus-one”—a smooth-talking lawyer named Elliott, from Reenie’s past. This unexpected tension added a new dimension to Colter’s usually unflappable demeanor, revealing glimpses of jealousy that he struggled to mask. While Reenie tried to keep things focused on finding Quinn, Colter’s curiosity about Elliott bubbled up repeatedly, highlighting a side of Colter that viewers rarely see—one that’s a little more vulnerable and maybe even rattled.

Back on the case, Colter’s investigation unfolded with clever strategy and careful manipulation. Knowing the retreat owner was blocking access to security footage, Colter relied on tech-savvy Bobby, and Reenie’s quick-thinking charm to maneuver past security and retrieve valuable footage. This turned out to be a game-changer: they found out that Quinn left the property voluntarily, meeting up with a man after seemingly self-inflicted injuries. This twist not only surprised Colter but deepened the mystery, hinting that Quinn might be fleeing something—or someone—instead of being taken.

As Colter dug deeper, he stumbled onto a horrifying discovery: decomposing bodies hidden in barrels, and fresh tracks leading to a construction site. The plot veered into chilling territory as Reenie dug further and connected the remains to missing migrant workers. This reveal brought a dark, socially charged undertone to the story, exposing the construction manager, Jesse Pardu’s, ruthlessness in covering up inconvenient truths. The vineyard’s picturesque setting became a macabre burial ground, hinting that its idyllic exterior hid years of unspeakable exploitation and tragedy.

The suspense peaked when it was revealed that Quinn was captured by Pardu and his wife, who were embroiled in their own twisted version of corporate loyalty and guilt. The climax was as horrifying as it was suspenseful: with a woodchipper ominously waiting, Pardu nearly carried out a grim fate for Quinn. But Colter’s timely arrival and his negotiation skills bought him just enough time. The unexpected intervention of Pardu’s wife, who finally broke under the moral weight of her husband’s actions and shot him, was a moment of twisted redemption, but her actions also underscored the episode’s theme of buried secrets coming to light—sometimes at a deadly cost.

The episode concluded with a poignant, personal moment. The vineyard’s security manager’s final words to Colter were, “can you imagine going years without knowing what really happened?” This obviously resonated with Colter, due to his ongoing struggle with his father’s disappearance. It was a subtle reminder that, beneath his hardened exterior, Colter is still haunted by his own unresolved trauma.

As Reenie handed him his reward with Elliott in tow, Colter’s conflicted feelings were evident. The bond between him and Reenie, unspoken but intense, is tested by Elliott’s presence, adding a human layer to the otherwise brutal, high-stakes narrative. In the end, Colter’s lone-wolf persona remains intact, but the final moments hinted at lingering emotional threads between Colter and Reenie that will likely unravel in future episodes.

Overall, “Noble Rot” was an entertaining, layered episode that was packed with mystery, a bit of social commentary, and some solid personal drama, making it engaging for viewers from start to finish. The moody Napa setting, smart twists, and those tense character moments really made this episode pop. Four episodes in and Tracker continues to get better and better. Do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments below. We’d love to hear them!