Tracker has made a triumphant return with its highly-anticipated Season 3 premiere, ushering in a wave of changes that longtime fans of the series will certainly notice. While the show continues to captivate audiences with its intense survivalist drama, the departure of key characters has left many wondering about the future landscape of the series.
In Season 1, viewers were introduced to Abby McEnany’s character, Velma Bruin, who played a pivotal role alongside her wife Teddi, portrayed by Robin Weigert. This dynamic duo engaged viewers as they assisted the protagonist, Colter, in tracking new cases. However, the landscape shifted dramatically in Season 2 when Weigert was written off the show. Despite Teddi’s absence, Velma remained a staple of the series, providing support to other characters. Yet, with the onset of Season 3, both McEnany and her character have departed, alongside Eric Graise, who played Bobby.
The narrative surrounding these departures is addressed in the Season 3 premiere, titled “The Process,” which aired on October 19. For those eager to uncover the details behind Velma’s exit or McEnany’s real-life reasons for leaving, here’s an in-depth look at the situation.
The question on many fans’ lips is: why did Abby McEnany leave Tracker? While the specifics surrounding her departure remain largely unspoken, reports from July 2025 indicated that both McEnany and Graise had exited the series. Showrunner Elwood Reid provided some context in a recent interview, explaining his creative direction for the show. He noted, “I don’t want the show to be phone-a-friend every week. I think that gets old.” This sentiment reflects a desire to evolve the narrative and focus on the central character, Colter, rather than rely on past relationships for storyline development.
Reid further elaborated on the changes, sharing insights into character dynamics. He emphasized that the decision to let go of Velma and Bobby was not merely about casting replacements but rather about enhancing the creative depth of the series. He mentioned that new characters could bring fresh stories to light, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of existing characters. For example, the absence of Velma and Bobby has opened up opportunities to delve deeper into Reenie’s character, who faces her own struggles after a traumatic experience in the previous season.
As for how the show handled Velma’s departure, it was woven seamlessly into the narrative. Approximately 13 minutes into the Season 3 premiere, a conversation between Reenie and Randy reveals that Velma has gone to support Teddi in her marital struggles. This provides a natural explanation for Velma’s absence without leaving fans in the lurch. Bobby’s exit is similarly addressed, with a text message indicating his successful transition to a new career as an encryption specialist, suggesting that he is thriving despite not being on the show.
Fans may be left wondering if this is the last they will see of Velma and Bobby. Reid hinted at a possibility for their return in a September 2025 interview, stating, “There’s a possibility, but right now, in this first block, no.” This leaves the door ajar for future appearances while acknowledging the current focus on developing Reenie and Randy’s evolving dynamic.
In conclusion, as Tracker embarks on Season 3, it is clear that the series is not just reshuffling its cast but is strategically evolving to enhance storytelling. With a renewed focus on character depth and new dynamics, fans can expect a season filled with engaging narratives and unexpected twists. New episodes air Sundays on CBS, with next-day streaming available on Paramount+, ensuring that audiences remain connected to the unfolding drama.
