If you had to distill Tracker down to a single logline, perhaps an accurate way to describe the series would be: “A well-trained survivalist travels across America collecting rewards while searching for missing persons.” While there are probably ten other ways to say that same thing, the point is that Tracker isn’t a show that needs several supporting characters. One or two, sure. We want to better understand Colter as a character, and the best way to do that is if there are people in his life he can legitimately trust. However, for a show about a self-proclaimed “lone-wolf survivalist,” Tracker has added a whole host of new characters to Colter’s life who seem in it for the long haul.
In the show’s pilot, Colter’s handlers, Teddi (Robin Weigert) and Velma Bruin (Abby McEnany), note that Colter has used several different attorneys over the years. The only reason that Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene) is called in “Klamath Falls” is that all the rest of these unnamed (and unseen) lawyers were unavailable. From here on, Tracker adds Reenie to Colter’s larger team, which also includes tech guru Bobby Exley (Eric Graise). But does the larger cast diminish Colter’s effectiveness as a solo rewardist? Do these other characters take away from what makes the premise most interesting? There’s an argument to be made that it does, but only because Tracker doesn’t use all of these characters effectively or efficiently.
If there’s one thing that Season 3 of Tracker needs to do, it’s learn to properly utilize its supporting cast. No, we don’t want Bobby and Reenie stealing all the good material from Colter, but we do want them to be important parts of the larger Tracker story. Perhaps it’s time that some of their personal plotlines overlap. There was potential in Season 2 with the Leo Sharf (Pej Vahdat) story, but the whole thing mostly felt like an aside that didn’t ultimately lead anywhere (unlike, say, “The Teacher” story from the season’s first half). Likewise, Bobby’s absence (though eventually explained) should have been a much bigger deal, and could have been more incorporated into the government conspiracy story that began in “Ontological Shock.” But instead, it didn’t amount to, well, anything. If Tracker wants to keep these characters fresh and interesting, then it needs to give them interesting material to work with, material that connects more to the reason we watch the show in the first place: Colter.
The Beauty—and Limitations—of a Solo Hero Show
Have you ever watched a show and thought, Wow, this would be perfect if they just used certain characters more? That’s exactly how many fans feel about CBS’s breakout hit, Tracker. With Justin Hartley leading as Colter Shaw, the show thrives on the thrill of one-man missions. But here’s the twist: while the series is built for a smaller cast, it’s also underusing two major assets—Bobby and Reenie. Let’s break down how this character-light format works, why it’s both a blessing and a curse, and how Bobby and Reenie could elevate the entire series if given the spotlight they deserve.
Why ‘Tracker’ Isn’t Designed for a Large Ensemble Cast
The Narrative Structure Favors Isolation
Tracker isn’t your typical ensemble drama. Unlike shows like NCIS or 9-1-1, where a full team tackles a crisis together, Tracker is structured around Colter Shaw, a lone survivalist who solves cases for reward money. Every episode feels like its own mini-movie, with new faces and locations constantly shifting.
A Rotating Cast of Episodic Characters
Because of the show’s case-of-the-week format, it leans into short-lived supporting characters who are often never seen again. This helps keep the story focused but also limits character development beyond Shaw.
The Solo-Protagonist Appeal
There’s no denying it—Justin Hartley’s magnetic presence carries the show. He’s rugged, introspective, and a master tracker. That “lone wolf” vibe works…to a point.
The Trade-Off: Minimal Cast, Minimal Connection
Emotional Anchors Are Missing
While Shaw is compelling, a one-man show can lack emotional grounding. Viewers crave connection—not just with the hero, but with the people he cares about. That’s where Bobby and Reenie should come in.
One-Dimensional Worldbuilding
Without recurring characters, the show’s universe can feel a bit empty. Think of how The Mandalorian uses Grogu and Greef Karga to build emotional continuity. Tracker could do the same—if it tried.
Meet Bobby and Reenie: Tracker’s Secret Weapons
Who Is Bobby?
Bobby Exley, Colter’s brilliant tech-savvy partner, works behind the scenes to help him navigate the digital side of tracking. He’s witty, fast-talking, and underused. He’s basically the Q to Shaw’s James Bond—if Q only got 90 seconds of screen time per episode.
Who Is Reenie?
Reenie Greene is Shaw’s business manager and part-time lifeline. She keeps him grounded and reminds us that Colter isn’t just a ghost wandering from town to town. Her potential as a moral compass and emotional anchor is enormous.
Why Bobby and Reenie Deserve More Screen Time
The Chemistry Is Already There
The rare scenes where Shaw interacts with Bobby or Reenie feel organic and fun. Their dialogue adds levity and reminds us Shaw isn’t just a brooding vigilante.
Room for Subplots and Growth
We could easily explore Bobby’s hacker background or Reenie’s reasons for sticking by a nomadic risk-taker like Shaw. There’s a goldmine of stories to tell—so why aren’t we telling them?
They Help Balance the Tone
Too much grit can be exhausting. Bobby’s humor and Reenie’s grounded presence provide tonal balance—an essential ingredient in any drama.
How More Bobby and Reenie Could Improve the Show
Add Depth Without Breaking the Formula
We’re not asking for a sudden ensemble structure. Instead, use smart cutaways or parallel storylines—similar to how Sherlock used Mrs. Hudson or Luther used DS Ripley. They weren’t in every scene, but they mattered.
Remote Connections Make Sense
Given the tech-driven nature of Shaw’s missions, Bobby and Reenie could help virtually. Think FaceTime updates, encrypted intel drops, voiceovers—they don’t even need to be physically on-site to be effective.
Bring in Flashbacks and Backstory
We barely know how Shaw met Bobby or Reenie. Short flashbacks could enrich the storyline and help tie loose ends while still maintaining the episodic feel.
The Risk of Wasting Good Talent
Viewers Notice Underused Characters
Fan forums are buzzing. Reddit threads, Twitter/X rants, and Facebook comments all echo the same sentiment: “Where’s Bobby?” or “We need more Reenie!”
Long-Term Fatigue Is Real
If Colter remains the only consistently developed character, the show risks viewer burnout. Even legends like House and Dexter needed strong supporting casts to maintain long-term interest.
Suggestions to Integrate Bobby and Reenie Better
Give Them Standalone B-Plots
Let’s see Bobby get into a situation that requires Shaw’s help. Or have Reenie pursue a lead on Shaw’s past that intersects with a current case.
Explore Their Motivations
Why do they stick with Colter? What’s in it for them emotionally or financially? That’s fertile ground for storytelling.
Drop Them Into the Field (Occasionally)
We’re not asking for a full-on road trip trio, but occasional in-person scenes would spice things up. Imagine Bobby fumbling with survival gear or Reenie negotiating with a shady client.
The Potential Upside: Ratings and Loyalty
More Character = More Viewership Loyalty
Shows that build strong side characters often generate stronger fandoms. Think Supernatural, Criminal Minds, or The X-Files. People show up for the cases—but stay for the relationships.
Social Media Engagement Spikes
People love memes, quotes, and behind-the-scenes moments. Bobby and Reenie are prime candidates for that type of engagement if they’re allowed to shine.
Conclusion: Give Bobby and Reenie the Spotlight They Deserve
Tracker isn’t broken. In fact, it’s doing incredibly well. But like any good tracker knows—there’s always a better path to take. If the writers leaned into the untapped potential of Bobby Exley and Reenie Greene, they could elevate the entire series without changing its fundamental DNA.
Small cast shows don’t need to feel small. By weaving in a bit more heart, humor, and character continuity, Tracker could go from solid to unforgettable.
