In an unexpected move, it was announced that Abby McEnany and Eric Graise weren’t coming back as Velma and Bobby. Supposedly, their departure was rooted in the show wanting to shake things up as the show evolves. While Colter operates on the ground usually on his own, he definitely relies on the remote help of his unofficial team, making his subsequent missions a little trickier.
Luckily, CBS has confirmed that Colter will reunite with one of his most trusted allies in Tracker season 3 — Brent Saxton’s Keaton. Introduced in season 2, the survivalist met Brent Saxton’s character by chance during a mission. They eventually teamed up to solve the Gina Picket case that had haunted Hartley’s hero for a decade. In Tracker season 3, episode 9, “Good Trouble,” it’s Keaton’s turn to ask for Colter’s help. Per the official brief, Keaton reaches out to the show’s titular character to track down his former partner. During their mission, they unexpectedly uncover a trail of bodies that is tied to a wild conspiracy. The outing is set to air on December 14 and may likely be Tracker season 3’s midseason finale.
Tracker’s third season is shaping up to be its most explosive yet — not just because of the emotional stakes, but thanks to a shocking roster shake-up. After fans mourned the departure of two longtime team members, a forgotten—but crucial—character is making a return, and it’s changing everything. In this article, we’ll dive into the cast changes, the relationships, the surprises, and why Season 3 feels like a total reset for Colter Shaw and his mission.
What’s New in Tracker Season 3
The Big Cast Shake-Up
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Departure of Bobby and Velma
Two of Colter’s core team members from earlier seasons are officially gone. Bobby, the hacker, and Velma, his handler, will not be regulars anymore. -
Why They’re Leaving
According to showrunners, Bobby accepts a new cybersecurity job, while Velma steps away to reconnect with her wife, Teddi. -
A New Team Member Emerges
In Season 3, we meet Mel Day, introduced in Episode 3 (“First Fire”), who becomes the fourth member of Colter’s team.
A Surprising Return — The Forgotten Member
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Russell Shaw Is Back
Jensen Ackles returns as Russell Shaw, Colter’s estranged brother, in a major arc this season. -
Family Secrets Unveiled
Their reunion is far from easy — it’s tangled in the mystery surrounding their father’s death, hinting at deep, family-driven drama. -
New Dynamic, High Stakes
With Russell back, we’re not just tracking missing persons — we’re tracking the Shaw family’s buried truths.
Why This Return Matters So Much
Emotional Stakes Are Higher
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Brothers Teaming Up
Colter and Russell working side by side raises the emotional temperature. The fact that they’ve been estranged makes their alliance volatile. -
Confronting the Past
Russell’s comeback forces Colter to face painful memories, especially around their father’s death and their mother’s role in it. -
Complex Family Web
Mary Dove Shaw (their mother), played by Wendy Crewson, also returns, weaving a deeper family tapestry.
The Team Gets Rewired
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Lean & Mean
Without Bobby and Velma, Colter’s core team is smaller, but potentially stronger. It’s a leaner operation now. -
Randy Steps Up
Chris Lee’s character, Randy, who already helped in Season 2, returns in a bigger way. -
Mel Day’s Fresh Energy
Mel Day is more than just a placeholder — she brings ambition and intelligence as Reenie’s assistant.
Plot Implications & Thematic Shifts
From Lone Wolf to Family Man
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Season 3 is steering Tracker away from solo missions. Family will be front and center, changing how Colter operates.
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Russell’s role isn’t just a guest spot — he’s deeply entangled in the show’s mythology.
Bigger Conspiracy — The Process
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The premiere arc is called “The Process.”” Colter and Russell tackle a two-part missing persons case.
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The case ties into a dangerous underground operation. This isn’t just about finding someone — it could upend Colter’s worldview.
A More Grounded, Emotional Tracker
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With cast departures and new arrivals, the show leans more into character and relationships than just the “track-and-rescue” formula.
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Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene) remains a constant, acting as Colter’s emotional and legal anchor.
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The scars of his past — his father’s death, his family — are no longer just background. They’re driving the narrative.
Fan Reactions & What It Means for Viewership
Social Media Buzz
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Fans online are shocked but excited — Russell’s return is one of the most talked-about moments in recent promo material.
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Some longtime viewers are worried: losing Bobby and Velma may reduce the show’s “team” feel.
Critical Response
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Critics have noted the tonal shift: more emotional weight, less procedural comfort.
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The return of Jensen Ackles is being seen as a high-stakes move by CBS — his star power could drive both story and ratings.
Behind-the-Scenes Insights
Why the Departures?
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Showrunners explained that Bobby’s exit is written as a career opportunity — not a betrayal or dramatic fallout.
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Velma’s partner (Teddi) returning makes her choice personal: her departure is framed as a reconciliation, not a punishment.
Creative Direction for Season 3
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The creators wanted to reset the team dynamic. Losing regular teammates frees up space for new relationships, greater risk, and emotional growth for Colter.
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Russell’s return isn’t just fan service — it’s part of a larger arc involving Colter’s past, his parents, and a dangerous secret.
Key Questions Heading Into Season 3
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Will Bobby and Velma ever return?
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The show hasn’t ruled it out entirely. But for now, their exits feel permanent.
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How deep will Russell’s involvement go?
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With major casting and plot implications, he seems destined to stay involved for more than a cameo.
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Can Mel Day fill Velma’s role?
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Mel brings a different kind of energy — younger, driven, but maybe not as battle-hardened. She’s a wildcard.
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Is The Process only about missing people?
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Nope — early signs indicate The Process is tied to Colter’s family history, not just a random underground group.
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Will this reset alienate longtime fans?
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There’s risk. But the emotional core — Colter, his family, his purpose — is stronger than ever.
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Conclusion
Tracker Season 3 isn’t just another batch of missing-person cases. It’s a redefinition of what Colter Shaw’s mission means. By bringing back Russell Shaw, shedding longtime teammates Bobby and Velma, and introducing fresh faces like Mel Day, the show is signaling that this season is more personal — more raw. It’s about blood, betrayal, and the dangerous ties that bind the Shaw family. For fans who’ve wondered if Colter would ever face his past, this is the moment. And for new viewers? It’s the perfect entry point into a high-stakes, heart-wrenching journey.
