S02.E12: Monster

[AnimeMania]

Colter is hired to find a mother in Ohio who went missing after tucking her son in for the night.

Premiere Date: March 9, 2025    CBS     8pm

William Kosovic as Miles

Brenna Llewellyn as Beth

Claude Duhamel as Ron

Jonathan Whitesell as Paul James Hamilton

[LexieLily]

Three weeks and still no Bobby, but we got split-second Velma this week and Colter mentioned his mom and dad. Is that storyline still ongoing? 

Why would Reenie willingly close the door to a storage unit when she was inside? 

Colter's racked up a decent kill count by now. Even if they are all in self-defense, wouldn't he have to be interviewed by cops?

Edited March 10 by LexieLily

[stonehaven]

I hadn't watched this in awhile but the plot seemed interesting to me. Turned it off the moment they showed the headless body. Completely unnecessary especially given the early time slot. Yeah, I think I'm done.

[johntfs]

I predict the show will end with the cops arresting Colter for like 5000 instances of unlawful entry.

Also, what was that movie/show being played TV in PJ's house?

[Kleav]

It seemed like 85% of the episode was Colter searching rooms. 

[ahrtee]

Well, that was...disgusting.  And so illogical/stupid, in oh, so many ways. 

I should have waited for the reviews here.

 

 

[possibilities]

Yeah... I'm done. 

[preeya]

This show is getting farcical. I think I'm also done.

[threebluestars]

The books focus a lot more on his tracking and survivalist abilities and how he uses them to find people, I wish we'd get back to that.

[Josette]

2 hours ago, johntfs said:

 

Also, what was that movie/show being played TV in PJ's house?

Gentlemen Prefer Blondes

[Dowel Jones]

Is it a TV requirement that any action scenes in an amusement park involve a fun house with mirrors?

[abbyzenn]

This half of the season has really been a let down.  I don't think I've enjoyed any of the episodes.  Too dark - both literally and story wise.  Did they change writers?

[TheCathedral]

12 hours ago, LexieLily said:

Colter's racked up a decent kill count by now. Even if they are all in self-defense, wouldn't he have to be interviewed by cops?

If this show has a ten year run Colter is going to have more confirmed kills than Chris Kyle, the funny thing is that he leaves town immediately after the mayhem and never faces any repercussions.

 

7 hours ago, Dowel Jones said:

Is it a TV requirement that any action scenes in an amusement park involve a fun house with mirrors?

I was thinking the same thing, I was like "is this going to end like Tango and Cash?" but nope Colter didn't do anything clever with the mirrors.

 

2 hours ago, abbyzenn said:

This half of the season has really been a let down.  I don't think I've enjoyed any of the episodes.  Too dark - both literally and story wise.  Did they change writers?

I haven't done the research but it feels really different, a new writer team or showrunner could explain why the show is so dark now.

 

I don't wanna sound like a jerk but this season really blows, the first season wasn't a masterpiece but it was really entertaining, it was a really unique show with breathtaking scenery and really good cast, now? it's extremely dark, Colter rarely uses his tracking skills, the violence is really unnecessary and the team is borderline useless now, Velma has like 20 seconds of screen time per episode, Bobby is MIA but I like his cousin. The show is a success ratings wise and its already renewed so I really don't understand the changes. Robin Weigert picked the right time to leave the show.

 

This episode was bad, not as bad as the alien episode but bad,  most of the kills Colter is involved in are avoidable, like he could've just rescued the woman he was hired to find and let the authorities deal with the unhinged killer but nope lol the lead detective had one scene in the entire episode, what's up with that? and why didn't Colter warn the attractive clerk that the psycho was obsessed with a clerk? I was impressed with performance by the bad guy, really good acting. The Reenie situation was odd, I'm no lawyer but I'm pretty sure she had no right to search that storage room like that and the guy was just being a jerk? lol

[possibilities]

I agree! I was horrified that she threatened and intimidated the storage clerk into letting her into someone's storage without a warrant or really ANY identification at all. I thought he locked her in so he could call the police o come and get the fraudster, but apparentlyu not, he was just trying to punish her for threatening him.

I sure hope that's not standard process-- just let anyone into anybody's storage! And let them take stuff!!

[Dowel Jones]

Part and parcel of a TV law degree is that you have to be able to bluff and bluster your way through most any situation.  There must be a course in that during their apprenticeship, learning the uses of "Let's see what your boss thinks about you standing in my way", or "I'm going to cite vaguely threatening legal terms and rely on your ignorance of the law to get what I want."

[marceline]

Reenie telling the storage creep that lying to her meant he could be arrested for obstruction drove me crazy. She literally told him she wasn’t working with the cops so that made no sense.

So many of these shows (Tracker, Equalizer, Found, etc…) are just copaganda without actual cops.

I’m probably out too.

[Snazzy Daisy]

A decapitated body on network TV! 

COTW takes a darker turn with very minimum presence from the police.

Another body is added to Colter’s kill count — no legal troubles, no questions asked. As usual, he can simply leave town after getting “rewarded”. 🙄

It’s scary to think that Reenie could’ve been assaulted at that storage unit. Why would she be looking for physical evidence? It’s beyond the scope of her usual “legal work”.

Logically, the storage unit guy would not have the key to the unit. He needs a bolt cutter to remove the lock.

What’s really happening with Bobby? He has been MIA for 3 episodes now. Am worried. Colter, you need to find Bobby! 😣

[Beezella]

2 hours ago, marceline said:

So many of these shows (Tracker, Equalizer, Found, etc…) are just copaganda without actual cops.

Thank you. I learned a new word. Add me to the list of those not liking the violent turn this show has taken.

[MissLucas]

It's starting to feel like the writers were handed a note for season two to go darker. Not sure why, since I thought they had a pretty good formula in season one to build upon only some minor tweaks were needed IMO 🤷‍♀️

Going darker is not just turning people off who want to shut off the world for 45 minutes it also makes plot holes and lack of realism more obvious - a bit ironic but here we are - and less easy to forgive/handwave. And showing gory details while brushing over legal procedures is not a winning combo.

[ahrtee]

These weren't plot holes...this was a thin line of plot barely strung together, like a fishing net that a whale swam through.  My handwaving was more like an airplane propeller at full speed.  

[peeayebee]

Yeah, this was a bad episode. Of course the dead body was decapitated. Why. No good reason other than for the titilation.

Reenie going to the storage facility was stupid. She wasn't a cop, no warrant, just threats to some guy she knew nothing about. And I hate the way she walks around with her purse like she's modeling it.

And why did the guy lock her in there? He was just waiting outside. Just dumb.

The fun house mirrors. The best this was done, maybe the original one, was the Orson Welles film Lady from Shanghai.

I'm not out. I'll just hate watch.

[Msample]

It’s only the second season and they already seem to be in cost cutting mode; that’s the only explanation for Bobby’s “vacation “. 

[ahrtee]

I want to know how he managed to decapitate an adult male with just a little switchblade knife.  With no hacked or sawed edges, either.  

[possibilities]

1 hour ago, Msample said:

It’s only the second season and they already seem to be in cost cutting mode; that’s the only explanation for Bobby’s “vacation “. 

Would he be more expensive than the guy who replaced him?

[TheCathedral]

8 hours ago, ahrtee said:

I want to know how he managed to decapitate an adult male with just a little switchblade knife.  With no hacked or sawed edges, either.  

 

9 hours ago, peeayebee said:

 

I'm not out. I'll just hate watch.

I usually reserve hate watches for Taylor Sheridan's shows but I think I'm gonna join you, it makes sense to at least finish the season right?

8 hours ago, ahrtee said:

I want to know how he managed to decapitate an adult male with just a little switchblade knife.  With no hacked or sawed edges, either.  

Good point! even the great Jack Bauer needed a hacksaw!

[preeya]

Just found this article re: Bobby's absence:  https://bitl.to/48kb

[peeayebee]

I found this article.

Quote

Some suspect that Graise’s absence could be part of a cost-cutting measure for the show. Many networks have been employing a cast rotation strategy to help reduce costs, and Graise may have been a victim of that. It’s worth noting that Rene also did not appear in the episode “Nightingale.” Shows like Grey’s Anatomy have recently cut the number of guaranteed episodes for some of its cast members to save money. Tracker could be doing the same.

 

[TheCathedral]

20 minutes ago, peeayebee said:

I found this article.

 

that's not a good sign, Grey's anatomy has been on the air since I was like 7 years old so it makes sense that they're saving a few bucks now, but for a show that started last year? yikes! I wonder if they're cutting corners with the writers too, that would explain the quality downgrade.

[mythoughtis]

12 hours ago, possibilities said:

Would he be more expensive than the guy who replaced him?

I wouldn’t think so.  The actor playing Bobby wasn’t a really well known actor.  Having someone replace him in every episode means someone is getting paid.  Plus wouldn’t the original actor be getting some sort of minimum retainer to keep him from being unavailable at some future date?  So now you are paying more than just paying the original actor.  

[PokerDot]

1 hour ago, peeayebee said:

I found this article.

I wonder if the writer was paid by the word. Certainly it wasn't for succinct writing which, ultimately, revealed nothing.

[mythoughtis]

15 hours ago, possibilities said:

Would he be more expensive than the guy who replaced him?

I wouldn’t think so.  The actor playing Bobby wasn’t a really well known actor.  Having someone replace him in every episode means someone is getting paid.  Plus wouldn’t the original actor be getting some sort of minimum retainer to keep him from being unavailable at some future date?  So now you are paying more than just paying the original actor.  
 

The screen time for Colter and Reenie has expanded while that of Velma has been reduced.  Bobby has disappeared while we’ve added a new character. Teddy is gone( by the actor’s choice).  it seems to me that the lead characters got their feelings hurt that Velma and Booby were well liked by the viewers. 

Edited March 11 by mythoughtis

[possibilities]

2 hours ago, mythoughtis said:

Teddy is gone( by the actor’s choice,  it seems to me that the lead characters got their feelings hurt that Velma and Booby were well liked by the viewers.

If that's true, then I really am disgusted. Did RW give an interview or something, saying that? Or are we still guessing what happened?

She was a well-known actor and probably cost more than some of the others, so if they are cutting costs, I had thought that she'd be the first to go. Or, that she left out of boredom since they weren't doing  much of anything with her.

But if there really was some ego crap going on where the tokens being liked upset the leads who get 95% of the writing and screentime wanted ALL the glory, that speaks very badly for the leads.

[peeayebee]

I'm skeptical that more people liked Velma than liked Teddy.

I don't know how TV actor contracts are made. Maybe they get paid so much for a certain amount of episodes, then extra if they exceed that amount. So furloughing one and getting a replacement could be cost-saving. Kind of like giving restaurant workers limited hours to save money. I'm just speculating here.

[mythoughtis]

3 hours ago, mythoughtis said:

Teddy is gone( by the actor’s choice).  it seems to me that the lead characters got their feelings hurt that Velma and Booby were well liked by the viewers. 

Here’s my edited post,  note that I’ve added the ending parenthesis and a period.  I didn’t mean to imply that Robin  left because of hurt feelings.  Just that she left, which would reduce costs.  My comment about hurt feelings was that maybe the actors playing Colter and Reenie didn’t like Velma and Bobby stealing their limelight. And I’m guessing - I have no inside information. 

[MissLucas]

I don't know - if Hartley was such a diva we would have heard something about it during his 'This Is Us' years but I don't remember anything in that vein. I think the cost cutting argument makes more sense. 

[preeya]

2 hours ago, peeayebee said:

I don't know how TV actor contracts are made. Maybe they get paid so much for a certain amount of episodes, then extra if they exceed that amount. So furloughing one and getting a replacement could be cost-saving. Kind of like giving restaurant workers limited hours to save money. I'm just speculating here.

Found this by Googling:

TV actors, depending on their role and contract, can be paid a daily rate, by the episode, or through a combination of these methods, with potentially extra compensation through residuals and backend points, especially for stars. 

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

Initial Payments:

Daily Rate: Many actors, especially those with smaller roles, are paid a daily rate for the time they spend filming. 

Per Episode: Series regulars, those in recurring roles, and guest stars are often paid a fee per episode, which can vary widely depending on the show's budget and the actor's experience and status. 

Weekly Rate: Some actors are paid a weekly rate, especially for longer-term roles. 

Additional Considerations:

Union Agreements:

Most network television actors are covered by the Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists (SAG-AFTRA), which sets minimum rates for various roles and provides protections for actors. 

Negotiation:

Actors, especially those with established careers or strong agents, can negotiate for higher pay and better terms, including backend deals and residuals. 

Residuals:

Residuals are payments actors receive beyond their initial compensation for the use of their performance in reruns, streaming services, or other formats. SAG-AFTRA calculates residuals based on a formula considering the actor's contract, time spent on the production, the production type, and the market where the show appears. 

Backend Points:

Some actors negotiate "backend points," which means they earn a percentage of the show's or movie's profits, allowing them to continue earning money from a show or film's success. 

Other Income:

In addition to their initial pay and residuals, actors may also earn money from merchandising, appearances, signings, or other activities related to their roles. 

[Dowel Jones]

Sounds like there might be a crossover episode with Suits LA.

[proserpina65]

On 3/10/2025 at 9:30 PM, Msample said:

It’s only the second season and they already seem to be in cost cutting mode; that’s the only explanation for Bobby’s “vacation “. 

It's possible the actor wasn't available for some reason.

On 3/11/2025 at 10:06 AM, peeayebee said:

I found this article.

 

That's still just speculation, though.  It doesn't actually give the reason.  Which could indeed be cost-cutting but not necessarily.

22 hours ago, peeayebee said:

I'm skeptical that more people liked Velma than liked Teddy.

Yeah, just because this might be the opinion of people on one site, doesn't mean it carries over to the general audience.

 

[astrohip]

On 3/11/2025 at 8:27 AM, preeya said:

Just found this article re: Bobby's absence:  https://bitl.to/48kb

FWIW, that article says nothing. I appreciate your sharing it, but it has NO info in it.

[Trini]

Did the show lose its Airstream/GMC(or whoever) sponsorship?

[ahrtee]

4 hours ago, astrohip said:

FWIW, that article says nothing. I appreciate your sharing it, but it has NO info in it.

Well, it does say Bobby will be back this season.  

[TheCathedral]

1 hour ago, Trini said:

Did the show lose its Airstream/GMC(or whoever) sponsorship?

they replaced the shameless ads with gratuitous violence and dark storylines!

Justin must charge extra for shirtless scenes because that's gone too!  I'm a guy so idc about that but it was a staple of season 1!

[Tachi Rocinante]

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this show needs to be renamed "Trespasser".  It's ridiculous.

And Preenie with her purse posing is exhausting.

Edited March 13 by Tachi Rocinante

[kickingnames]

On 3/11/2025 at 6:44 PM, Dowel Jones said:

Sounds like there might be a crossover episode with Suits LA.

Is this real or a joke? I don’t generally care for crossovers or stunt casting, but I’m totally willing to tune in for two Green Arrows at once, even if neither of them are in their comic hero prime anymore.

[Dowel Jones]

Joke only.

[MarylandGirl]

On 3/13/2025 at 9:03 AM, Tachi Rocinante said:

I've said it before and I'll say it again, this show needs to be renamed "Trespasser".  It's ridiculous.

And Preenie with her purse posing is exhausting.

Agreed on both points. And I love "Preenie"!

At the beginning of the ep, with the victim's disappearance, I thought, "Oh, good, this seems like it's back to more normal storylines." Just finding a missing mother. My mind changed quickly after seeing the headless body.

Not sure how much longer I'll continue watching either if it stays like this. I mean, it took me almost a week to watch this one from my DVR. I used to watch the next day.

[surfgirl]

Just joining the chorus if 'thus show really blows". And the gore is unnecessary. I'll watch one more but if it's like this then I'm out. Something drastic has changed with rhis show and it is NO BUENO.

[Cowgirl]

I just wrote a long post in the last episode thread, but let me reiterate:  BRING BACK THE RURAL TRACKING!!! CUT OUT THE STUPID VIOLENCE!!!