Introducing Bobby Exley: A Character Meant to Support—but Destined to Shine
When Tracker premiered, Bobby Exley—Colter Shaw’s tech-savvy assistant—was designed as a supporting character. Played by Eric Graise, Bobby was intended to provide logistical help and occasional comic relief as Colter moved through his reward-based investigations. But over time, something shifted. Viewers gravitated toward Bobby’s wit, resilience, and surprising emotional depth, and CBS took notice. Today, Bobby isn’t just a sidekick—he’s one of the emotional cornerstones of the show.
Graise’s portrayal has infused Bobby with layers beyond the hacker stereotype. A paraplegic actor playing a paraplegic character, Graise brings authenticity and visibility that’s rare on network television. Bobby is smart, sarcastic, resourceful, and empathetic—all while dealing with the reality of his own past traumas and physical limitations. He’s not treated as an inspiration trope—he’s treated as a person.
A Personal and Professional Bond with Colter
What sets Bobby apart isn’t just what he does on a screen—it’s how he does it with Colter. The chemistry between Graise and Justin Hartley is magnetic, grounded in mutual respect. Bobby serves as Colter’s digital eyes and ears, but their relationship is far more than professional.
In key moments throughout Season 1 and 2, Bobby acts as Colter’s emotional compass—calling him out when his obsession with justice becomes dangerous, and supporting him when he’s emotionally shut down. These scenes have struck a chord with fans, especially those drawn to Tracker for its honest depiction of trauma and moral conflict.
Off-screen, Graise and Hartley are known to collaborate closely on scene dynamics. In interviews, Hartley has praised Graise for “elevating every moment with honesty,” while Graise has spoken about feeling empowered to bring input to the writers’ room.
Fan Reactions and the Push for More Bobby
As early as Episode 3, fan forums and Twitter threads began buzzing with calls for “More Bobby.” Viewers loved his sardonic humor, but even more so, they loved how grounded he felt in a world of chaos. His scenes provided breathing room—moments of warmth, truth, and surprising vulnerability.
CBS responded. By Season 2, Bobby had his own subplots, including a deeply emotional episode involving a veteran’s missing daughter and Bobby’s own reflections on loss. The showrunners have teased that Season 3 will feature a “Bobby-centric” episode, where we learn more about his backstory and how he came to work with Colter.
Eric Graise: Representation and Resonance
Eric Graise’s presence on Tracker is more than just great casting—it’s a cultural statement. As a disabled actor, he’s part of a growing movement to bring more authentic representation to mainstream television. In interviews, Graise has said he was “done auditioning for roles that treated disability like a plot device.”
Tracker gives Bobby complexity, humor, pain, and joy. He’s not there to be saved or pitied—he’s there to drive the story. And for many viewers, especially disabled viewers, that visibility matters deeply. Social media posts frequently mention how refreshing it is to see a character like Bobby portrayed with nuance and agency.
The Future: Bigger Role, Higher Stakes
With Tracker heading into Season 3, Bobby’s role is set to expand. Showrunner Elwood Reid has confirmed that Bobby will face new emotional challenges and possibly physical danger—forcing Colter to confront how much he relies on him. There’s also speculation that Bobby may begin operating more independently, potentially leading a parallel case or investigation.
Fans are also hoping for deeper exploration into Bobby’s past—his family, his path into tech, and perhaps unresolved relationships. Graise has hinted that “Bobby’s layers go deeper than anyone expects,” and viewers are ready to see them unfold.
Conclusion: From Utility to Heart
Bobby Exley may have started as a utility character, but today he stands as one of the show’s most compelling figures. Thanks to Eric Graise’s performance and Tracker’s thoughtful writing, Bobby has become a symbol of what’s possible when inclusion is matched by rich storytelling.
He’s not just the guy in the chair—he’s the guy with a story. And as Tracker evolves, Bobby’s journey might just be one of its most powerful.
