When Tracker returns for its third season on October 19, the team dynamic will look very different. Two key members of Colter Shaw’s support system, Velma (Abby McEnany) and Bobby (Eric Graise), will not be returning as series regulars. The show’s producer has explained their departures, which are addressed within the story, and detailed how new and existing characters will step up to fill the void.
Where Did Velma and Bobby Go?
The show will not leave fans guessing about the whereabouts of these two beloved characters. According to showrunner Elwood Reid, their absences are properly explained in the season premiere.
For Velma, her exit is a personal decision. Reid stated, “With Velma’s character, she’s going off to be with Teddi.” This reunites her with her estranged wife, a character played by Robin Weigert who left the show after its first season.
As for Bobby, his departure is a professional one. Reid explained that the character “seized on a good opportunity.” This suggests that Bobby’s cybersecurity business, which was always his primary focus outside of helping Colter, presented him with an offer he couldn’t refuse. The showrunner was quick to note that the door remains open for both characters to potentially return in the future.
A New Team Dynamic at Reenie’s Office
With Velma and Bobby moving on, the show is consolidating its action around Reenie’s world. The character, played by Fiona Rene, is the last original supporting cast member alongside Justin Hartley’s Colter. After the traumatic events of Season 2, which saw a security breach at her company and her being kidnapped, Reenie is in a fragile place.
This sets the stage for a new operational base. Showrunner Elwood Reid shared his plan to “consolidate and build out Reenie’s office a bit more.” This shift allows the show to explore Reenie’s life and work more deeply when she is not assisting Colter with his cases.
“One of the things that she does is she brings Randy out to get her security up to snuff. That sparks a conversation about him perhaps sticking around and working out of her office — both with Colter and helping her with her law practice,” Reid said.
Randy Steps Into a Bigger Role
The character stepping up to help is Randy, played by Chris Lee. Introduced in Season 2 as Bobby’s cousin, Randy quickly became a fan favorite with his energetic and charming personality. He will now have a significantly expanded recurring role.
Reid highlighted the great on-screen chemistry between Chris Lee and Fiona Rene, noting that having them share a space has been beneficial for the show.
“Having Chris Lee in the same space that Fiona Rene is in just gets you [more]. The stuff we’ve seen so far is so much fun. It has made a huge difference,” Reid explained. He described this move as part of his “evil plan’ to use Fiona more — the more you can build out her world, the more the show benefits.”
The producer was clear that this is not a simple one-for-one character replacement. “We didn’t ‘replace’ Velma or Bobby. It’s about where I get the most creative juice,” he said, emphasizing that the dynamic between Randy and Reenie opens up new storytelling possibilities.
Fan Reactions to the Cast Changes
The news of the cast changes has generated mixed feelings among the show’s followers. On social media and in comment sections, some fans expressed their disappointment and will miss the original characters.
One fan commented, “I am going to miss Bobby a lot!!!!!” while another stated, “I think Velma was an important part of the equation. It feels wrong.” Another viewer noted that they found the Randy character “annoying” and much preferred the calm demeanor of Bobby.
However, many viewers are excited about the expanded role for Randy. One fan shared, “I liked Randy better. I thought he had more personality than they gave to Bobby.” The shift highlights how cast changes can be divisive, even as the show attempts to evolve.
Ongoing Mysteries
While the team behind the scenes changes, the show will continue to explore the central mystery that gripped viewers at the end of Season 2: the shocking truth about the death of Colter’s father. The premiere episode, titled “The Process,” will see Colter grappling with this revelation.
He will team up with his brother, Russell Shaw, played by returning guest star Jensen Ackles. The brothers will work together to find a missing wife and daughter for one of Reenie’s clients, a case that involves a sinister underground operation.
Another familiar face, former cop Keaton (Brent Sexton), is also expected to appear at Reenie’s office later in the season, adding another layer to the reshaped team.
Also Read: Tracker Season 3 Explains Major Cast Exits and Introduces New Dynamics
