Where Has Velma Been?
Abby McEnany, who plays the warm yet witty Velma Bruin, has noticeably faded from Tracker’s spotlight in Season 2. Since her wife Teddi’s departure, Velma was initially meant to fill the void—until she, too, began disappearing from plotlines.
Fans noticed her absence as early as Episode 19 of the season. Velma wasn’t just off-screen; she was not even mentioned until a brief call near the episode’s end. This silence felt abrupt, almost as if the show had quietly sidelined one of its most emotionally resonant characters.
Showrunners Speak—But Fans Want More
Velma’s Season 2 absence only added to concerns. SoapCentral criticized CBS for not giving Velma a more impactful arc, noting that her storyline received little narrative care—no updates, no mention—not even a line acknowledging her while she was away.
Rather than completely write her off, Season 2’s premiere offers a brief update:
“Teddi is going to be there for a while, helping her mom… so I came back [to work]. Don’t worry—I’m keeping busy,” Velma explains.
It felt more like a placeholder than a heartfelt goodbye.
Season 3 Brings Velma Back—with New Purpose
Good news: Velma will return in Season 3—though perhaps with a fresh angle.
Screen Rant reports that Velma stays on Colter’s team, albeit with a slightly reduced focus season‑over‑season. Executive Producer Elwood Reid shared that Velma will play a modest, but still meaningful, role in the new season’s storyline.
With the central conflict shifting to Colter’s evolving family saga—exploring his mother’s secrets and sibling fallout—Velma’s presence may serve as an emotional anchor even as she takes a backseat to the main arc .
Why This Matters
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Emotional resonance: Velma has often served as a caring, stabilizing figure for Colter—a counselor, supporter, and occasional mother‑figure. Her absence was keenly felt .
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Audience attachment: Fans miss her grounded perspective and gentle, heartfelt presence, which balanced the procedural intensity.
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Creative opportunity: Bringing her back in Season 3 offers a chance for redemption—giving Velma a satisfying arc beyond mere logistical support.
What Might Season 3 Look Like for Velma?
Here’s what fans can hope to see:
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Meaningful Scenes with Colter
A confidante during his emotional upheaval as he unravels family secrets. -
Teaming Up with Reenie
Strengthening the platonic bond that was only hinted at before Season 2. -
Grown‑Up Growth
Exploring her own point of view—moving from behind‑the‑lines support to a more vocal presence.
Final Take
Yes, Abby McEnany will be back as Velma Bruin in Tracker Season 3. But fans rightly expect more than just a symbolic return. The hope is that Velma will receive the meaningful attention her character deserves—both from Colter and from the show itself.
After being “quietly pushed aside,” Velma needs more than a cameo. In Season 3, she deserves to matter again—on her own terms.
Tracker returns for Season 3 on CBS and Paramount+. Keep an eye out for Velma’s story—she may hold the heart of Colter’s next big shift.
