Tracker season 3 delivered a suspense-filled Halloween episode on November 2, 2025, with Derek Richardson joining Justin Hartley in a tense manhunt for a deadly arsonist. The episode, titled “First Fire”, aired on CBS at 8:30 PM ET/PT and featured Richardson as Detective Dundee, a local cop assisting Hartley’s Colter Shaw. The mystery centers on a nurse’s murder and the escape of arsonist Heston Koontz from a psychiatric facility. The episode is now streaming on Paramount+ for all subscribers.
Tracker season 3, episode 3 titled “First Fire”, aired on Sunday, November 2, 2025, on CBS. The episode stars Justin Hartley as Colter Shaw and introduces Derek Richardson as Detective Dundee, a local officer aiding in the investigation. The plot unfolds in a psychiatric facility, where a nurse is murdered and arsonist Heston Koontz escapes. The episode was directed by Aprill Winney and written by Ryan O’Nan and Annakate Chappell. It blends crime drama with Halloween suspense, offering viewers a gripping seasonal installment.
Cast, Plot, and Production
- Episode Title: “First Fire”
- Air Date: November 2, 2025
- Time: 8:30–9:30 PM ET/PT
- Network: CBS
- Streaming: Paramount+ (available next day)
- Director: Aprill Winney
- Writers: Ryan O’Nan, Annakate Chappell
- Guest Star: Derek Richardson as Detective Dundee
- Plot: Murder of a nurse, escape of arsonist Heston Koontz, Halloween night investigation
The episode also features Fiona Rene as Reenie Greene and Karin Konoval as Mother Superior.
Quotes and Reactions
CBS Official Synopsis:
“On Halloween night, when a nurse is murdered and arsonist Heston Koontz disappears from a psychiatric facility, Colter follows a trail of unsettling clues to uncover the truth.”
Fan reaction on X:
“Derek Richardson was a great addition. His scenes with Hartley were intense and well-paced.”
Rotten Tomatoes critic:
“Tracker’s Halloween episode proves the show can seamlessly blend horror elements with procedural drama.”
The episode has received strong early reviews for its atmosphere and pacing.
Viewer Engagement and Series Momentum
“First Fire” capitalizes on the Halloween season to deliver one of Tracker’s most suspenseful episodes to date. The addition of Derek Richardson brings fresh energy and depth to the cast, while the arsonist subplot adds urgency and danger. The episode’s streaming availability on Paramount+ ensures broad accessibility, keeping Tracker trending across platforms. With Hartley’s fanbase and CBS’s prime-time slot, the show continues to dominate viewership charts.
The episode sets up emotional stakes and potential future storylines for Colter Shaw.
What’s Next: Future Episodes and Character Arcs
- Next Episode: Tracker season 3, episode 4 airs November 9, 2025
- Watch For:
- Fallout from “First Fire” case
- Possible return of Detective Dundee
- Colter Shaw’s evolving emotional arc
- New standalone mysteries with seasonal themes
CBS may explore recurring guest roles based on audience response to Richardson’s performance.
