Hartley’s Colter Shaw is in a new place in nearly every episode of the series. He has returned to some locations, but the show largely sees him on the move. While he travels with a trailer and prefers to camp while tracking down his missing people, the people he relies on for help have their home bases instead.
…the actors are not getting to work with one another in different combinations. Lawyer Reenie (Fiona Rene) and handler Velma (Abby McEnany), as of Tracker season 2, work out of the same office. The same is true of Bobby (Eric Graise) and Randy (Chris Lee), cousins who provide Colter with technical support. These two groups of people, however, are not in the same location, and they spend most of their scenes talking on the phone with Colter to provide him with information about his missing persons cases rather than getting to interact with Colter or one another too often.
While this means that Reenie and Velma have developed a friendship and a great dynamic, and that Bobby and Randy have a contentious relationship like siblings, the actors are not getting to work with one another in different combinations. Without cultivating different dynamics and different friendships, the series is missing out on potential storylines and cast chemistry that could bring a whole new dimension to the show.
Ever felt like something was off in The Tracker? Like you’re watching a one-man show with a few familiar voices chiming in through a phone speaker? That’s because Colter Shaw, our rugged lead, rarely interacts face-to-face with Velma and Bobby. And honestly? That’s a huge missed opportunity.
In a show built on tension, teamwork, and the thrill of the chase, relying solely on phone calls strips away emotional depth, character growth, and, frankly, a lot of the fun. Let’s break down how this affects the cast, the storylines, and why fans deserve better.
Why Phone-Only Interactions Are A Problem
TV Is Visual — So Show Us The Team
Think about it. Would Stranger Things be the same if Eleven only called Mike? Or NCIS if Gibbs texted Abby? The Tracker is a visual medium. Seeing the characters together matters.
Lack Of Chemistry = Weak Connections
Chemistry doesn’t develop over calls. Period. Velma and Bobby are smart, sharp, and funny — but their brilliance gets muffled through a screen. We never feel the spark of real-time banter or the warmth of loyalty.
Colter’s Lone-Wolf Vibe Is Getting Old
It’s cool at first — the mysterious man, solving cases solo. But by episode four, we’re craving more than just rugged stares and solo missions. A hero needs a team. Even Batman had Alfred and Robin.
The Underrated Potential of Velma and Bobby
Velma Isn’t Just Tech Support
She’s a complex character with depth. But reducing her to “voice in Colter’s ear” waters her down. We never see her environment, emotions, or personal stakes.
Bobby Deserves Screen Time, Not Just Lines
He’s got charisma. He’s got flair. So why is he stuck behind a phone line? Giving Bobby a more active presence could add humor, insight, and dynamic pacing.
The Show’s Pacing Suffers Without In-Person Drama
No Confrontations, No Climax
Tension builds when characters clash in the same space. Colter arguing with Velma or Bobby over a risky call? That’s gold. But we miss it all with call-in commentary.
Emotional Payoff Needs Eye Contact
We want to see reactions, feel tension, witness breakdowns. Phone calls rob us of that intimacy.
The Writing Gets Boxed In
Limited Dialogue = Stunted Growth
Phone convos are short and task-based. That leaves little room for character development, backstory, or spontaneous magic.
Repetitive Structure Kills Surprise
Every episode feels formulaic: Colter finds clue → calls Velma → makes move. Shake it up! Surprise us with an in-person visit or a team mission.
Viewer Engagement Drops Without Real Team Moments
Fandoms Thrive On Team Dynamics
Just look at the fanbase for shows like Supernatural, Criminal Minds, or The Mandalorian. They love the group — the interactions, fights, inside jokes. The Tracker is missing that.
Emotional Investment Needs Face Time
We care more when we see the bonds. When Velma gets mad or Bobby jokes in real-time, we feel involved. That’s how shows build loyalty.
How The Tracker Can Fix This
Bring The Team Together — Physically
It’s time. Let’s see Colter walk into Velma’s lab. Or Bobby show up unexpectedly at a crime scene.
Rotate Locations To Include Everyone
Instead of Colter always being on the road, why not bring Velma or Bobby into the field now and then?
Develop Side Plots That Highlight Velma and Bobby
Give them their own mini-arcs. Let them shine outside of Colter’s story.
The Benefits Of More In-Person Scenes
Better Pacing, Deeper Drama
Face-to-face scenes allow for more natural rhythm, unexpected twists, and deeper character moments.
Stronger Ensemble = Stronger Series
When every cast member feels essential, the show becomes tighter, more compelling, and binge-worthy.
What This Says About Modern TV Tropes
Audiences Crave Connection, Not Isolation
We’ve had enough of loner heroes. Today’s fans want bonds, flaws, and found families.
One-Man Shows Are A Tough Sell In 2025
It’s not the early 2000s anymore. Even procedurals are evolving. The Tracker should too.
What Fans Are Saying Online
Reddit Threads Are Buzzing
A quick scroll shows the pattern: fans love Colter but want more Velma and Bobby. They’re begging for deeper group dynamics.
Twitter Highlights The Disappointment
“The show has potential, but why is everyone a voice on speakerphone?” That tweet? Over 4K likes. Enough said.
