The Comic Backbone of Colter Shaw’s Operation
In CBS’s action-packed drama Tracker, most eyes are drawn to Justin Hartley’s rugged and resourceful Colter Shaw. But for audiences paying close attention, Abby McEnany’s Velma “Vel” Davis is the unsung hero anchoring the show’s operations. Vel, a logistics wizard with a dry wit and encyclopedic knowledge of systems, provides critical support from behind the scenes—and delivers much-needed levity in a series otherwise charged with tension.
Abby McEnany, known for her breakout role in Work in Progress, brings a grounded authenticity to the character that has quickly made her a fan favorite. While her screen time may be more limited than Shaw’s or Reenie’s, every moment Vel appears feels essential, whether she’s coordinating helicopter logistics, hacking a closed system, or delivering the perfect one-liner to break up the show’s emotional weight.
Vel: A Logistician with a Heart and Humor
Velma Davis may not be chasing criminals in the field, but she’s the engine that keeps Colter Shaw moving. With a headset on and multiple screens in front of her, Vel is the one who finds hidden access points, alerts Colter to security threats, and digs through public records in record time. She’s an information powerhouse—and she knows it.
What sets Vel apart, however, is her personality. She doesn’t play into any tired stereotypes of tech-savvy sidekicks. Instead, McEnany portrays her with quirky realism: a character who’s sharp, impatient with nonsense, but clearly loyal to the team. She’s sarcastic, unfiltered, and occasionally blunt—but always in service of the mission.
In episode after episode, Vel acts as a foil to Colter’s idealism. Where he’s willing to risk everything in the name of justice, she’s there to remind him of real-world consequences. “You jump, I make sure there’s a net. But you better tell me before you jump next time,” she says in one memorable exchange, illustrating their dynamic of reckless action tempered by grounded reason.
Abby McEnany: A Comedic Trailblazer Steps Into Drama
Casting Abby McEnany in Tracker was a bold move by CBS—one that’s paid off tremendously. Best known for her deeply personal, semi-autobiographical role in Showtime’s Work in Progress, McEnany brings a layered performance to Tracker, balancing humor with emotional resonance. Vel isn’t just comic relief; she’s a lifeline to normalcy in Colter Shaw’s chaotic world.
McEnany has long been celebrated for her raw, no-holds-barred honesty as a performer and writer. An openly queer comedian who has spoken candidly about mental health and identity, she brings a real-world complexity to Vel that’s rare in network TV. She doesn’t fit into neat boxes, and that’s exactly what makes her character refreshing. In a genre that often prizes machismo and stoicism, McEnany’s Vel offers a glimpse into vulnerability and care—even when cloaked in sarcasm.
A Fan-Favorite in the Making
Since the show’s premiere, fans have flocked to social media to praise Vel as “the glue” of Shaw’s team. Reddit threads and fan forums highlight her as the “MVP of every operation,” with many calling for more Vel-centric episodes. Viewers particularly love her rapport with Colter—equal parts exasperated coworker and protective big sister—and her dry zingers have become some of the show’s most quoted lines.
Some of the most engaging speculation from fans centers on Vel’s backstory. How did she become such a logistics expert? What secrets does she keep hidden behind that sardonic smile? There’s growing hope that future seasons will explore Vel’s life outside the headset—perhaps even revealing how she and Colter first crossed paths.
Looking Ahead: A Bigger Role for Vel?
With Tracker gaining momentum and already renewed for a second season, many are hoping Abby McEnany’s Vel will get her time in the spotlight. Showrunner interviews have teased the possibility of a bottle episode focused entirely on the support team, which could give Vel a more emotionally resonant arc. Imagine an episode where she has to step out from behind the screens and take action in the field—or reckon with a past case that haunts her.
As the show expands its universe, there’s plenty of room for Vel to evolve beyond her current role. McEnany has the comedic and dramatic range to handle more screen time, and fans would surely welcome a deeper dive into Vel’s emotional world. There’s something undeniably powerful about a character who supports others so fiercely—and seeing her supported in turn would be a meaningful narrative shift.
Conclusion: More Than Comic Relief
In Tracker, Abby McEnany’s Velma Davis proves that support roles can be just as vital—and as compelling—as the leads. Vel’s no-nonsense efficiency, biting humor, and surprising empathy make her one of the most memorable characters in a show full of big personalities. Thanks to McEnany’s unique presence and talent, Vel doesn’t just assist the mission—she elevates the entire series.
As Tracker heads toward what promises to be an even more ambitious second season, one thing is clear: Velma “Vel” Davis is no longer just the voice in Colter’s earpiece. She’s a breakout character ready for center stage.
