As Tracker gears up for its highly anticipated Season 3, fans are feeling the sting of a bittersweet announcement: beloved characters Bobby Exley and Velma Bruin, played by Eric Graise and Fiona Rene respectively, will not be returning as series regulars. While the upcoming season promises new storylines and expanded world-building, the absence of these two core characters leaves a noticeable void in the show’s emotional fabric and ensemble charm.
Bobby and Velma: More Than Just Side Characters
From the very beginning, Bobby and Velma served as more than just supporting cast members in Tracker. They brought balance to the high-octane, often solitary world of Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley).
Bobby Exley, the savvy tech genius with a sharp wit and no-nonsense attitude, quickly became a fan favorite. Eric Graise portrayed him with a rare combination of brilliance, humor, and vulnerability, proving that strength comes in many forms. Bobby’s contributions to Shaw’s missions weren’t just technical—they were personal. His loyalty grounded Colter, and their long-distance friendship was a quiet but powerful emotional thread throughout the series.
Velma Bruin, on the other hand, added grit, compassion, and legal know-how. A former ally turned reluctant confidante, Velma provided moral guidance in the chaotic gray zones Colter often operates in. Fiona Rene’s portrayal was fierce yet empathetic, adding emotional weight to critical moments and acting as a moral compass when Shaw walked a fine ethical line.
Their chemistry with Hartley’s Colter made the trio feel like a tight-knit family—albeit one separated by distance and circumstance. Their disappearance from the narrative risks altering that dynamic.
Why the Exit?
While CBS has not offered a detailed public statement about their departures, multiple entertainment outlets have confirmed that both Graise and Rene will not be regulars in Season 3. The show is reportedly undergoing a creative recalibration aimed at expanding the show’s universe and making it more episodic in nature. That change may include introducing new characters or emphasizing guest-led cases over serialized storylines.
Still, for fans who formed deep attachments to the original ensemble, the shift feels personal. Social media erupted with reactions ranging from disappointment to outright frustration, with many questioning the wisdom of sidelining such impactful, well-received characters.
What This Means for Colter Shaw
Colter Shaw is, by design, a loner. His job—tracking down missing people across the country for reward money—often puts him on the road, alone, in morally ambiguous situations. Bobby and Velma helped to soften that solitary nature. Without them, Season 3 may risk tilting too far into isolation.
Yet, the showrunners appear aware of this risk. There are whispers of new recurring characters and deeper explorations of Colter’s past and emotional life—particularly regarding unresolved family trauma. The absence of Bobby and Velma could serve as a plot catalyst to push Colter into new directions emotionally. Whether that’s growth or regression remains to be seen.
Can They Return?
There’s still hope. While they won’t be series regulars, both Eric Graise and Fiona Rene could make guest appearances. The door hasn’t been definitively closed. This possibility offers fans a sliver of light—especially considering how central both characters were to Colter’s emotional journey in Seasons 1 and 2.
If Tracker is smart, it won’t fully erase Bobby and Velma but will find a way to weave them back into Shaw’s world, even if only briefly. Their absence can be felt, but their presence doesn’t have to be gone forever.
The Emotional Toll for Fans
This kind of cast reshuffle is not new in television, especially when a show transitions between seasons and creative directions. However, the emotional attachment fans formed with Bobby and Velma goes beyond routine character changes. These were nuanced, underrepresented characters portrayed by talented actors who gave the show a unique flavor.
Their exits serve as a reminder of how much representation and character complexity matter. Bobby, a disabled tech genius played by a disabled actor, was groundbreaking in quiet but significant ways. Velma, a queer woman of color, brought depth and strength to a genre often lacking both.
A Farewell—For Now
As Tracker charges ahead into Season 3, the absence of Bobby and Velma will be felt deeply. The show may still deliver high-stakes drama and riveting cases, but for many viewers, something essential will be missing.
Still, if Tracker has taught us anything, it’s that stories are never truly finished—and people, even when lost, are never beyond being found again.
So here’s to Bobby Exley and Velma Bruin. May their paths cross Colter’s again, and may their absence inspire Tracker to grow in ways that honor what these characters brought to the story.
