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.
A One-Man Show with Untapped Potential
Ever feel like some shows try to do too much with too many people? Tracker, CBS’s hit procedural starring Justin Hartley, flips the script. It’s not about a crowded team of experts solving crimes. It’s about one guy – Colter Shaw – doing what he does best: finding the lost. But here’s the catch… While that laser focus keeps the storytelling tight, it also sidelines two characters who could bring depth, charm, and continuity to the show — Bobby and Reenie.
Let’s dive deep into why Tracker thrives with a small cast, but why it’s time the writers gave Bobby and Reenie a real spotlight.
The Beauty of a Minimalist Cast
Less Is More — Especially in Procedurals
Procedural dramas often go big with their ensembles. Think NCIS, Law & Order, or Criminal Minds — each loaded with specialists. But Tracker dares to be different. Colter doesn’t need a team. He is the team. That makes the series feel more like a modern-day Western — a lone ranger roaming the country with grit and intuition.
Colter Shaw: The Core of the Narrative
The entire show revolves around Colter. Every case is filtered through his point of view. And that laser focus is part of what makes the show engaging. It allows viewers to stay close to one man’s mission without getting lost in character subplots.
The Challenge With a Small Cast
Supporting Cast Needs Purpose, Not Presence
When a show builds itself around one main character, supporting roles become tricky. They either complement the lead… or they disappear. Bobby (Colter’s tech-savvy remote partner) and Reenie (a loyal contact who’s part business, part friend) fall somewhere in between. They’re there, but they’re not really there.
Wasted Talent and Missed Connections
Bobby and Reenie are interesting. They offer insight, contrast, and connection. But instead of growing their arcs, Tracker keeps them in the digital background — literally and figuratively. Their scenes are brief, and rarely allow emotional resonance. It’s a missed opportunity.
Bobby and Reenie Deserve Better
Bobby: The Brains Behind the Operation
Bobby’s role is critical — he’s the guy in Colter’s ear, feeding intel, mapping routes, analyzing data. But we rarely get to see his world. Who is he outside of Colter’s missions? What drives him? His dialogue is witty and sharp, hinting at depth, but the show doesn’t go there. Why not?
Reenie: The Heart with Hustle
Reenie’s vibe is part fixer, part confidant. She helps Colter manage his business and keep things running. But she’s often reduced to quick phone calls or brief scenes. Her perspective could add color to the show — especially about how Colter’s lifestyle affects others around him.
How ‘Tracker’ Can Do Better
Give Bobby and Reenie Standalone Moments
Instead of keeping them in the periphery, the show could dedicate episodes (or even side plots) where they operate without Colter’s direct involvement. Let Bobby track a lead that helps save the day. Let Reenie deal with a client gone rogue. Add that flavor.
Introduce Flashbacks or Parallel Arcs
Let’s see how Bobby and Reenie got into this world. Were they always part of the operation? What are their stakes? Parallel narratives can deepen the emotional investment while maintaining the show’s pacing.
Emotional Check-ins With Colter
Right now, Colter is a bit of an emotional fortress. But Bobby and Reenie are the two people he trusts. More scenes showing their emotional connection could humanize Colter, making him more relatable.
Why This Matters for the Audience
Viewer Attachment Grows With Character Depth
Audiences stick around for characters. Plot hooks them, but people keep them. Giving Bobby and Reenie more screen time could create the emotional anchors the show currently lacks. That’s what turns a procedural from “good” to “great.”
Dynamic Trios Work — Just Look at Other Shows
Think of Castle, Bones, or Veronica Mars. These shows worked because of their tight, central groups. Tracker could benefit from leaning into a core trio: Colter, Bobby, and Reenie. Each brings a different vibe — action, intellect, and emotional support.
Risks of Expanding the Cast
Diluting the Lone Wolf Appeal
Adding too many new characters or recurring roles could mess with the show’s tone. The charm of Tracker is its solo-nomad aesthetic. Crowding it could ruin the pacing and mood.
Budget vs. Screen Time
TV is a business. Adding more characters means more budget, more scenes to shoot, and less time for Colter’s storyline. That’s why it makes sense to enhance characters we already have rather than introduce new ones.
What Fans Are Saying
Social Media Craves More Bobby and Reenie
A quick scroll through X (formerly Twitter), Reddit, or Facebook fan groups shows clear demand. Fans are asking: “Where’s Bobby?” “Why isn’t Reenie in this episode?” The love is there — the show just needs to tap into it.
Opportunities Moving Forward
Midseason Arcs with Bobby and Reenie
Why not give Bobby and Reenie a midseason arc? Maybe a case that threatens the business or puts one of them in danger. Let Colter be the rescuer for once — not just the hunter.
Remote Doesn’t Mean Disconnected
Even if Bobby and Reenie aren’t physically on the road with Colter, they can still be integral. Think voiceover-style commentaries, deeper phone convos, and visual check-ins from their POV.
The Heartbeat of ‘Tracker’ Is More Than One Man
It’s Time to Let the Sidekicks Shine
Bobby and Reenie don’t need to be front and center in every episode. But their presence should feel vital, not optional. Building a stronger trio doesn’t mean compromising Colter’s spotlight — it means adding dimension to it.
Conclusion: A Strong Foundation That Could Be Stronger
Tracker is built on a smart idea — one man solving cases across America. It’s lean, focused, and cinematic. But to evolve beyond “just another procedural,” it needs character depth. Bobby and Reenie are the perfect entry points. The show already has them. Now it just needs to use them.
The bones are there. Let’s flesh them out.
