The relationship between Velma and Teddi was a significant portion of Tracker season 1 due to the love and care they expressed towards each other and their firm work ethic when helping Shaw on his adventures. When Teddi exited Tracker after season 1 to take some time apart from her spouse, there was the question of how Velma would continue her work with Colter. Thankfully, Velma has been working with Reenie at her law firm so that they can both work diligently together to aid Shaw with all the missing persons cases.
Despite Velma’s continued persistence in her work and her ability to collaborate with a new team player in Reenie, at her office, Velma’s role has become redundant at times. Velma may be crucial to Colter’s work both legally and financially, but her characterization lacks the spark she had in season 1with Teddi by her side. With several other handlers, like Reenie, Bobby, and Randy, in certain cases, Velma’s role appears diminished in the show’s sophomore season, raising questions about whether she’ll return heading into Tracker season 3.
Season 2 of Tracker has made one thing painfully clear—Velma’s role is dangling by a thread. After the sudden and emotional exit of Teddi (played by Robin Weigert) in Season 1, fans hoped other supporting characters would step up. Instead, the opposite happened. Velma’s relevance shrank drastically, and the series tightened its focus around Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley). So what happened? Why did Velma fade further into the background when she should’ve risen?
Let’s dig into what changed, what didn’t, and how Tracker’s storytelling choices may have pushed one of its few recurring female characters into near-oblivion.
Who Was Teddi in Tracker?
Teddi – The Backbone Colter Leaned On
Teddi wasn’t just another background character—she was the emotional compass for Colter. As his loyal handler and longtime friend, her role added warmth and groundedness to the series. She acted as his point of contact, adviser, and sometimes, moral guide.
Teddi’s Exit Left a Void in the Narrative
Her departure in Season 1 left viewers with a gaping hole. It felt like losing the show’s heart. There was an expectation that someone—Velma, perhaps—would rise to the occasion. But Season 2 had different plans.
Velma’s Role in Season 1—A Quick Recap
The Tech Whiz of Team Colter
Velma, portrayed by Abby McEnany, had a clear job in Season 1. She handled surveillance, pulled background intel, and occasionally provided comic relief. Though secondary to Teddi, her contributions were essential for the show’s problem-solving structure.
A Role Meant to Grow—but Didn’t
Fans assumed that with Teddi gone, Velma might evolve from the background into a full-fledged partner. Instead, Tracker’s writers seemed to scale her back even further.
Velma in Season 2—Practically a Ghost
Barely Any Screen Time
Compared to Season 1, Velma’s presence in Season 2 has dropped significantly. She shows up only briefly, often reduced to one-liners or throwaway dialogue. Her character isn’t part of the emotional arc or action anymore.
No Personal Development or Storylines
In a show that’s increasingly about Colter’s journey, Velma’s own growth has been neglected. We still don’t know much about her background, motives, or personal stakes. She’s treated like a static utility, not a person.
The Structural Shift in Tracker’s Storytelling
Colter-Centric Plotlines Dominate
Tracker Season 2 has gone all-in on Colter. Every episode now revolves around his solo missions, his psychological past, and his family mystery. This centralization leaves little room for support characters to breathe.
Serialized Character Development Is Missing
Unlike shows like The Mentalist or Bones, which invested in their support cast over time, Tracker seems uninterested in fleshing out secondary roles like Velma’s. That choice may make the show tighter, but it also makes it feel emptier.
Why Velma Feels Redundant Without Teddi
She Was the Second Wheel to Teddi’s First
Let’s be honest—Velma worked well with Teddi. Their dynamic added a quirky balance to Colter’s stoic nature. But with Teddi gone, Velma has no narrative partner. She floats in scenes without anchoring presence or purpose.
No New Dynamic, No New Role
If the showrunners had paired Velma with Colter more directly, things might’ve turned out differently. But without that pivot, she’s simply an outdated cog in a machine that no longer needs her.
The Missed Opportunity for Representation
Queer, Neurodivergent Representation Swept Aside
Abby McEnany brought a fresh voice to the screen. As a gender-nonconforming, neurodivergent actor, her portrayal of Velma had the potential to offer unique, underrepresented perspectives. Unfortunately, the show didn’t capitalize on this opportunity.
Diversity Without Depth
It’s one thing to cast diversely—it’s another to write those characters meaningfully. Velma had the potential to be groundbreaking. Now, she’s practically invisible.
What Fans Are Saying Online
Reddit Threads and Twitter Reactions
The Tracker fandom is noticing. Reddit users have started threads titled “Where’s Velma?” and “Did Tracker Just Forget Velma Exists?” On Twitter/X, posts frequently ask why she’s been minimized or if she’ll be written off completely.
Some Are Still Hopeful
A segment of the fanbase still believes Velma could come back stronger. Maybe there’s a mid-season twist coming. But for now, her role is clearly diminished.
Could Velma’s Role Be Salvaged?
Give Her a Standalone Episode
A single, well-written standalone episode focused on Velma could shift everything. It could give her depth, backstory, and a reason to matter again.
Pair Her Directly With Colter
Building a Colter-Velma partnership would be the fastest way to bring her back into relevance. Let her into the field, make her vital to a case, give her some grit.
Lessons Tracker Needs to Learn
Supporting Characters Deserve Arcs
Teddi’s loss should’ve taught the writers the value of depth. Characters can’t just orbit around the lead—they need motivations, challenges, and growth of their own.
Don’t Waste Talent
Abby McEnany is a talented performer with comedic and dramatic range. Not using her to her fullest is a waste of potential.
What This Means for Tracker Moving Forward
Is the Show Leaning Too Hard on Justin Hartley?
He’s great, no doubt. But no lead actor can carry an entire show without meaningful support. Cutting everyone else down to cardboard cutouts may backfire long-term.
The Need for Emotional Contrast
Velma provided levity, tech support, and a different worldview. Without her, the show risks becoming emotionally one-note.
Conclusion: Velma Deserved More
Tracker Season 2 had the perfect chance to elevate Velma—and blew it. Instead of filling Teddi’s shoes or carving a new path, she was sidelined. As the show becomes increasingly Colter-focused, Velma has been reduced to a footnote.
In TV storytelling, characters who aren’t given purpose quickly become forgettable. That’s a shame, especially when there’s so much more Velma could’ve brought to the table. The question is—will Tracker course correct, or will Velma fade out for good?
