Tracker Character Dropped After Lead Actor Leaves Show
As Tracker prepares for its second season, the hit series has seen a significant drop in casting. According to an exclusive report from TVLine, actor Robin Weigert, who played Teddi Bruin, one of Colter Shaw’s sidekicks in Season 1, will not be returning as a lead in the second season. The departure of one of the show’s main stars certainly leaves a gap in the main storyline, but neither CBS nor 20th Television have explained how they will explain the character’s departure.
Fortunately, despite Weigert’s departure from Tracker, Abby McEnany, who played Teddi’s wife Velma Bruin on the show, will still be returning for the next season in a very interesting role. In fact, Tracker executive producer Elwood Reid told TVLine that Velma will open the second season, “taking on a very interesting role with something that Reenie’s character has hinted at in the last few episodes.” How Reid will justify bringing in Teddi’s wife but not Teddi remains a mystery at this point, though it has led some to believe that Teddi will be killed off. Along with McEnany, several other cast members will be returning to the show, including Justin Hartley, who plays lead character Colter Shaw, a lone survivor who travels across the country to assist police in tracking down criminals and missing people. Additionally, Jensen Ackles will reprise his highly anticipated role in Tracker Season 2. During the Television Critics Association summer press tour, Hartley and Elwood Reid addressed the topic. They said: “We’ve got him [Ackles], he’s coming back. We’re having a lot of fun with it, it’s a great story. I’ve worked with Jensen before [on Big Sky], and Justin’s friends with him. It’s like family. When we texted him [he said], ‘Tell me where and when,’ and he showed up. He’s just that kind of guy.” Robin Weigert, best known for her role as Calamity Jane on Deadwood, is an essential part of Tracker, but her absence may not have much of an impact on the story. Teddi and Velma have both done great work as handlers, helping Colter Shaw in his altruistic acts, but how will the series wrap up her story? Could Tracker kill the character off? The season one finale built up some suspense with a few reveals about Colter’s father and sister, but nothing related to Teddi’s character, as both handlers faded into the background. While it wouldn’t be too difficult to change Teddi’s involvement in the story, things get complicated by her relationship with Velma, a character who will play a major role in the upcoming season. While it’s too early to discuss Teddi’s potential storyline, Velma sharing moments with Reenie, a possible love interest of Colter’s, could just be evidence that Teddi will meet a tragic end before season two. There are other possibilities, though, as the pair seemingly happily parted ways, so we’ll have to wait and see what Tracker has in store for us in season 2.
