Tracker showrunner and executive producer Elwood Reid explains the show’s recent cast departures. The hit CBS procedural, led by Justin Hartley, is mere weeks away from returning. Tracker season 3 will be back on Sunday, October 17 at 8 PM ET. But it will be missing a few familiar faces.
Abby McEnany and Eric Graise both departed the action drama earlier this year, leaving behind the respective roles of Velma and Bobby. Their exits follow the departure of Robin Weigert, who left after the end of Tracker season 1.
In comments to TVLine, Reid shared the explanations for why Velma and Bobby will be absent. The showrunner mentions that Velma will attempt to repair her relationship with Teddi, who is played by Weigert. As for Bobby, he received an interesting job opportunity. In the quote below, Reid also talks about being open to the possibility that these characters could return down the line:
“Both get explained. With Velma’s character, she’s going off to be with Teddi.”
“[Bobby] seized on a good opportunity. That doesn’t mean these people can’t come back, but we wanted to consolidate and build out Reenie’s office a bit more.”
What Tracker’s Absences Mean For Season 3
Tracker cast members Abby McEnany, Fiona Rene, and Eric Graise on set laughingImage for CBS via MovieStillsDB
In an effort to address the gaps in the Tracker main cast, viewers will see more of Randy. Played by Chris Lee, Randy was introduced in season 2 as Bobby’s cousin and could serve as a connective link to the characters who have moved on from the series. Reid, who serves as executive producer with Hartley, Ken Olin, Sharon Lee Watson, and creator Ben H. Winters, also mentioned wanting to focus more on Reenie’s side of the story.
Played by Fiona Rene, Reenie is positioned as a potential love interest for Colter (Hartley). She is the last remaining member of the original supporting cast, with Weigert, McEnany, and Graise all gone, and it’s an interesting spot for a procedural to be in. Most viewers tune in to weekly network dramas because they’ve grown fond of the characters on some level.
But while the regular supporting characters continue to shrink, the Tracker season 1 ending does point to an increased spotlight on Colter’s family life. In the shocking finale, Colter learns that his mother hired someone to kill his father. It’ll spill into season 3, most likely, with Jensen Ackles reprising his guest role as Colter’s older brother, Russell.
Our Take On Tracker’s Cast Changes
Colter with his hands behind his head in Tracker
The CBS show is making a calculation that Tracker can still maintain its place as the most-watched show on network TV with a mostly rotating line-up. Deeper into the season, we may hear of a new main or recurring character coming on board. But for now, it seems the spotlight will shift more fully to Colter and the future he may still have with Reenie.
Tracker season 3 premieres Sunday, October 17 at 8 PM ET on CBS
0 Comments