When Tracker returns for Season 3 amid the 2025 TV schedule, it will be down two series regulars. It was previously reported that both Eric Graise and Abby McEnany wouldn’t return as hacker Bobby and Colter’s handler, Velma, respectively. This means that Justin Hartley’s Colter Shaw is officially flying solo, at least for the most part. Now, an executive producer is sharing how the characters will be written off and speaking to whether they could return.
At this point, Tracker’s series regular cast now only includes Hartley and Fiona Renee, so it was a surprise that Graise and McEnany departed. What made those exits even more shocking was that there was no indication in the second season that either of their characters was planning on heading out permanently. Ahead of the show’s Season 3 premiere, Elwood Reid, who also serves as showrunner, told TV Insider that Velma and Bobby will have new gigs, but it sounds like it won’t all be smooth sailing: Right now, Velma is going off to be with Teddi, who we’ve set up that there were some problems; that’s set up in the first episode. And Bobby has taken an interesting job offer, which we’ll hear about in the first episode.
It’s not surprising to know that Velma will be leaving to be with Teddi, who’s her wife. Given that Teddi actress Robin Weigert exited after the first season, it only makes sense to reunite the couple now that McEnany has left. What has me intrigued are the “problems” that Reid alluded to.
If you’ve been keeping up with Tracker, you already know this show doesn’t shy away from dramatic twists. But the latest news? It’s a game-changer. The executive producer (EP) finally broke silence about Bobby and Velma — two characters fans have grown attached to — and how they’re being phased out of the storyline. Even more importantly, the EP hinted at whether the door is completely closed on their return. In this article, we’ll unpack what’s happening behind the scenes, why these characters are leaving, and whether fans should hold out hope for a comeback.
The Shocking Announcement That Rocked Fans
When word got out that Bobby and Velma would be leaving Tracker, social media went wild. Fans flooded Twitter, Reddit, and Facebook with outrage, confusion, and a dash of denial. How could the writers cut out such integral characters?
According to the EP, this wasn’t a quick decision. The creative team had been weighing this move for months, considering how the narrative could evolve without them.
Why Bobby and Velma’s Exit Feels So Personal
Bobby and Velma weren’t just supporting characters — they represented the heart of many storylines. Bobby’s street-smart humor and Velma’s no-nonsense wisdom balanced out the darker, more intense arcs. Losing them feels like losing family.
But here’s the truth: in TV writing, emotional impact often drives creative choices. Cutting out beloved characters is a way to shock audiences and keep the story fresh.
How They’re Being Written Out
So, what’s the actual storyline that pushes Bobby and Velma out? According to the EP, the writers crafted a “natural yet emotional” departure.
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Bobby’s Storyline: His arc reportedly ends with a tough decision that pulls him away from the central group. It’s not death, but it’s bittersweet.
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Velma’s Storyline: Velma, on the other hand, faces a personal crisis that forces her to step back. Again, no tragic ending, but one that leaves fans with a sense of closure.
This is deliberate — by not killing them off, the writers left the door cracked open for a future return.
Creative vs. Practical Reasons Behind the Exit
Whenever a major TV shakeup happens, fans want to know: is it about the story, or is it about contracts and budgets?
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Creative Direction: The EP insisted the move was all about storytelling. They wanted to focus on new arcs and bring in fresh dynamics.
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Behind-the-Scenes Factors: Industry insiders whisper that scheduling conflicts and budget reshuffles also played a role.
Both reasons can be true — TV is as much about business as it is about art.
What This Means for Tracker’s Future
With Bobby and Velma gone, Tracker is entering a new era. The showrunners are doubling down on fresh characters and riskier storylines. Fans may hate it now, but change is often what keeps a show alive long-term.
Think about shows like The Walking Dead or Grey’s Anatomy. Cast exits felt devastating at the time, but they paved the way for reinvention.
Will Bobby and Velma Ever Return?
This is the million-dollar question. The EP’s statement was carefully worded — “Their stories aren’t over, just paused.” That’s TV-speak for: We want to keep fans guessing.
Here’s what that means:
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Guest Appearances: Highly likely. Don’t be shocked if Bobby or Velma pops up in a future season finale.
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Full Return: Less likely, but not impossible. If fan demand stays strong (and ratings dip), producers may bring them back permanently.
The Power of Fandom in TV Decisions
If you think fan outrage doesn’t matter, think again. Social media campaigns have resurrected shows (Brooklyn Nine-Nine, anyone?) and revived characters thought to be long gone. If the Bobby-Velma fanbase stays loud, the studio might reconsider their permanent exit.
Comparisons to Other TV Character Exits
TV history is full of painful exits. Let’s compare:
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Game of Thrones: Brutal, permanent character deaths. No going back.
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Grey’s Anatomy: Rotating cast exits, but plenty of returns years later.
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Supernatural: Characters died and returned so many times it became a running joke.
Tracker seems to be following the Grey’s Anatomy model — bittersweet exits with potential for return.
Why Writers Love Leaving Doors Open
Killing characters closes the book forever. But writing them off with open endings keeps options alive. It’s a clever move: fans mourn, but hope lingers. And as every TV writer knows, hope keeps viewers hooked.
The Emotional Toll on the Cast
It’s not just fans who feel the loss. Reports suggest the cast was deeply affected, especially those who filmed with Bobby and Velma regularly. On-screen chemistry is built over years, and losing that can shake up dynamics behind the camera too.
The Social Media Storm
The hashtags are everywhere: #SaveBobby, #VelmaDeservesBetter, #BringThemBack. Fan petitions are already circulating. Whether they’ll move the needle is unclear, but one thing is certain: the conversation keeps Tracker trending, and that’s never bad for ratings.
How This Could Impact Ratings
TV history shows that writing off fan-favorites is a gamble. Ratings could dip as angry fans walk away, or curiosity could pull in even more viewers. The EP is clearly betting on the latter.
What Fans Can Do to Influence Change
Want Bobby and Velma back? Here’s how fans can actually make a difference:
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Keep tweeting, posting, and tagging official accounts.
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Sign petitions — studios notice them more than you’d think.
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Rewatch old episodes to boost streaming numbers.
Remember, TV is a numbers game. If fans can show Bobby and Velma drive engagement, execs will take note.
Final Thoughts: The End, Or Just the Beginning?
Bobby and Velma’s departure is painful, but it might not be forever. The EP has carefully planted seeds for possible returns. For now, fans will have to adjust to a new Tracker era — one that may feel emptier but is also brimming with possibilities.
