A Rocky Road Ahead for Tracker
As Season 3 of Tracker approaches, excitement is tinged with concern. The CBS drama, known for its gripping mysteries and Justin Hartley’s emotionally driven portrayal of Colter Shaw, is now heading into uncharted territory. The unexpected absence of two central characters—Bobby Exley (played by Eric Graise) and Velma Bruin (played by Abby McEnany)—has left fans heartbroken, raising serious questions about the future tone and structure of the show.
The Sudden Exit of Bobby and Velma
Fans were shocked when news broke that neither Bobby nor Velma would return for Season 3. Both characters brought much-needed heart, levity, and emotional grounding to the series. Bobby, the brilliant yet quirky tech expert, was Colter’s closest ally behind the scenes. Velma, the sharp and often hilarious logistics coordinator, kept Colter anchored as he navigated high-risk cases. Their dynamic created balance—a family behind the lone wolf.
Their departure wasn’t given a dramatic sendoff on-screen, leading to speculation and frustration among fans. Was it creative direction? Budget issues? A deeper reimagining of the show’s formula? CBS has remained tight-lipped, but insiders hint at a major tonal shift for Season 3.
Justin Hartley Carries the Weight Alone\
With Colter now essentially the only character returning with substantial narrative history, all eyes are on Justin Hartley. His portrayal has always been the emotional and physical anchor of the show, but the burden of carrying an entire series without the support system that helped elevate his performance is significant.
Reenie (Fiona Rene) remains as a recurring character, but she has yet to fill the narrative space left behind by Velma and Bobby. The chemistry and charm of the original team dynamic will be difficult—if not impossible—to replicate.
A Series Reinventing Itself
Some fans fear the worst: that Tracker is slowly becoming just another procedural, losing its identity along the way. Without Velma’s dry wit or Bobby’s endearing brilliance, Colter risks becoming too isolated. While the idea of a lone tracker on the road may sound compelling, the show has always thrived on the interplay between its leads.
That said, showrunner Ken Olin has teased that Season 3 will explore more of Colter’s internal journey, as well as introduce darker, serialized storylines. This may give the show new life—but it’s also a gamble that could alienate long-time viewers.
Fan Reactions: Grief, Anger, and Hope
Social media has exploded with mixed reactions. Long-time fans mourn the absence of Bobby and Velma, calling their removal “a betrayal” of the show’s heart. Petitions have circulated, urging CBS to bring back the actors in some form—flashbacks, guest appearances, even dream sequences. Others, however, remain hopeful. They believe that a stripped-down cast could give more depth to Colter’s journey and allow new supporting characters to emerge.
What Lies Ahead
With the premiere of Season 3 fast approaching, Tracker is at a crossroads. It has survived its early growing pains and earned critical acclaim (including a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes), but now faces its most difficult season yet—narratively and emotionally.
Can Tracker survive without Bobby and Velma? Can Justin Hartley redefine the show once more, this time with fewer voices around him? Or will this be the beginning of the end for a series that once seemed unstoppable?
One thing is certain: Season 3 will either be Tracker’s bold rebirth—or its toughest trial yet.
