Tracker season 2 continues to depict Colter Shaw as an elite investigator who tackles missing persons cases and is rewarded for it. Shaw receives help from attorney Reenie Greene, computer scientist Bobby Exley, and handler Velma Bruin. Velma’s wife, Teddi Bruin, was a primary member of Colter Shaw’s team before she left after season 1. Out of all of Shaw’s partners in crime, Bruin is arguably the most impactful because she provides emotional support to him when necessary and expresses her sentimentality towards the people Shaw helps.
Tracker season 2 continues to depict Colter Shaw as an elite investigator who tackles missing persons cases and is rewarded for it. Shaw receives help from attorney Reenie Greene, computer scientist Bobby Exley, and handler Velma Bruin. Velma’s wife, Teddi Bruin, was a primary member of Colter Shaw’s team before she left after season 1. Out of all of Shaw’s partners in crime, Bruin is arguably the most impactful because she provides emotional support to him when necessary and expresses her sentimentality towards the people Shaw helps.
You know that feeling when your favorite show just… drops the ball on a character? Yeah, that’s where I’m at with Tracker. Season 2 took a sharp turn, and one character’s role—once promising—has become so pointless that it’s honestly frustrating. What’s worse? I don’t think even a strong Season 3 can fix this.
So, let’s dive in and break down why this character no longer fits, how it all went wrong, and what it means for the future of Tracker.
Who’s the Character We’re Talking About?
The character in question? Bob Exley, played by Eric Graise.
Once positioned as a meaningful tech asset and potential moral compass, Bob has now become a glorified background prop. His arc feels unfinished, misused, and—let’s be real—totally unnecessary in Season 2.
Bob Exley’s Original Purpose in Season 1
The Analyst With Purpose
In Season 1, Bob was that behind-the-scenes tech whiz. He was Loen’s go-to for crunching data, decrypting clues, and offering grounded insight. He wasn’t in every scene, but when he showed up, he mattered.
Emotional Weight and Representation
Bob also brought heart to the story. As a disabled character played by a disabled actor, he added diversity and representation that actually meant something.
What Went Wrong in Season 2?
Reduced Screen Time
Bob’s screen time in Season 2? Minimal. His involvement in major cases? Practically zero. He became a character who existed more in theory than in practice.
No Development Arc
Let’s be blunt—Bob had no arc. His story didn’t progress. He didn’t grow, struggle, evolve, or surprise us. He just… was there.
Tech Work Outsourced to Others
Oddly enough, other characters took over what should’ve been Bob’s duties. Tech tasks, recon, background intel—all the stuff that made him vital in Season 1—was handed off to newer characters or simply glossed over.
Signs of a Show Forgetting Its Core
When a character like Bob fades into the background without explanation, it signals something bigger: the writers might be losing track of what made the show strong to begin with.
Wasted Potential for Emotional Impact
Missed Opportunities for Tension
Season 2 had multiple chances to put Bob at the center of conflict or drama—tech gone wrong, being manipulated by villains, moments of fear or betrayal—but the writers passed on all of it.
Could’ve Been a Moral Compass
With Colter often toeing the line between legal and illegal, Bob could’ve been the one calling him out. But again, silence.
The Ripple Effect on the Story
Flat Dynamics
With Bob’s role shrinking, team chemistry suffered. There’s less banter, less debate, and fewer layered interactions.
Viewer Disengagement
Fans notice when a character fades. Online forums and fan chats are already buzzing with the same question: “What happened to Bob?”
Why Season 3 Can’t Save Bob
Narrative Damage Done
By sidelining Bob for an entire season, the writers have essentially told the audience he doesn’t matter. Rebuilding his relevance would feel forced and disjointed.
New Characters Have Taken His Place
Let’s face it—new characters have already filled the tech niche. Bringing Bob back into full force would now feel redundant or awkward unless someone else exits.
What Could’ve Been Done Differently
Give Him a Standalone Episode
Even just one dedicated episode could’ve deepened his backstory or tested his loyalty to Colter.
Tie Him to the Main Arc
Why not make Bob key to unraveling the season’s mystery? Give him a hacker rival. A personal stake. Anything.
How Other Shows Get This Right
Think of Penelope Garcia in Criminal Minds
The stayed relevant by being quirky, vital, and always involved in the action—without ever needing to hold a gun.
Garcia Flynn in Timeless
Another character who handled tech but still had emotional and narrative stakes that mattered every episode.
Was Bob Ever Truly Meant to Last?
Here’s the brutal question: Was Bob always intended to fade away? Sometimes, shows introduce characters for depth and never plan to fully integrate them long-term.
Can the Writers Redeem Themselves?
Maybe—but It Won’t Be Easy
To fix this, the writers would need a smart, emotionally charged plot twist. Something that ties Bob directly into Season 3’s central case.
But They Might Not Even Try
Let’s be honest: if they didn’t care in Season 2, why would they suddenly change direction now?
The Real Cost of Ignoring Characters Like Bob
It’s not just about one person. It’s about what it says to fans who felt seen and heard through that character. When you erase someone like Bob, you risk erasing a part of your audience too.
Conclusion: A Sad Decline That Might Be Permanent
Bob Exley had potential. In Season 1, he brought something different to the table—representation, skill, heart. But Season 2 erased all of that. His role became an afterthought, a shadow of what it was.
And sadly, Season 3 might be too little, too late.
Let this be a lesson to TV writers everywhere: characters aren’t just placeholders. They’re promises. And when you break that promise, fans don’t forget.
