To many people’s surprise, Tracker lost one of its few series regulars ahead of its season 2 premiere — Robin Weigert, who played Teddi Bruin — and the show has yet to address one significant issue caused by her absence. The CBS action drama is based on Jeffery Deaver’s 2019 book The Never Game, following Colter Shaw, an expert survivalist and rewardist with a dark past. Despite being described as a “lone wolf,” Colter often relies on his friends (a group that once included Teddi) to help him solve cases. They aid Tracker’s main character in his searches for missing people and things.
Teddi, alongside her wife, Velma Bruin, worked as one of Colter’s handlers in Tracker. The couple would give Colter more insight into his cases via their research, and they were just a phone call away if Justin Hartley’s character needed their help. Unfortunately, Tracker wrote Teddi out of the show during the season 2 premiere. As fans learned, Teddi and Velma separated in the time between the events of season 1 and season 2. Consequently, Velma, who is still a main character in the series, moved her office into Reenie Greene’s new law firm, and Teddi hasn’t been seen ever since.
Tracker Season 2 was undoubtedly a thrilling continuation of a show that captured viewers’ attention in its debut. The storyline expanded, the characters evolved, and there were new twists that kept everyone on the edge of their seats. However, one significant change marked the second season—Teddi’s exit. While the show moved forward without addressing her departure in a major way, there’s one storytelling issue that still needs attention, and it’s something Season 3 must tackle head-on.
In this article, we’ll explore how Tracker Season 2 handled Teddi’s exit, why it didn’t dwell on it, and most importantly, the storytelling flaw that needs to be fixed before we dive into Season 3.
Teddi’s Exit: Why Tracker Season 2 Didn’t Miss a Beat
The Bold Choice to Move Forward Without Looking Back
One of the most notable decisions made by the creators of Tracker was how they chose not to focus too much on Teddi’s departure. While many shows would have spent time exploring the emotional ramifications of such an exit, Tracker opted to keep moving forward with its narrative. This approach was both refreshing and frustrating for different reasons.
In a world where TV shows often get bogged down by characters leaving or changing, Tracker’s decision to move on without a heavy focus on Teddi allowed the plot to continue evolving. However, this also raised questions about the storytelling direction in the long run.
Was Teddi’s Exit Handled Properly?
When a key character like Teddi leaves a show, it’s often essential to address it properly. Her departure wasn’t given a lot of screen time, and while this might have been a creative decision to keep the momentum going, it also left viewers wanting more closure. This leads us to wonder: Did Season 2 miss an opportunity to properly close that chapter? Should Teddi’s exit have been more deeply explored?
It’s a delicate balance for any show to strike—giving fans the closure they need without derailing the plot’s progression. But here’s the question: Could Tracker have done more with Teddi’s exit, or was the avoidance of her storyline just a part of a larger issue that needs addressing?
The Storytelling Issue Tracker Season 2 Overlooked
The Major Storytelling Gap: Lack of Emotional Depth
Tracker Season 2, while action-packed and thrilling, missed an essential piece that could have elevated the emotional depth of the show: the exploration of the emotional fallout from Teddi’s exit. Season 2 felt like it was running on autopilot, focusing more on the chase and intrigue rather than truly diving into the characters’ internal struggles.
Why Emotional Engagement Matters in Storytelling
Emotional depth is one of the cornerstones of great storytelling. Viewers get attached to characters not just because of their actions, but because of their emotions, struggles, and growth. Teddi’s exit should have been a moment for the show to pause, reflect, and give viewers a chance to process that loss. By not fully addressing this emotional pivot, Tracker lost a chance to delve deeper into its characters’ psyche.
This gap in emotional storytelling is especially glaring in a show that thrives on character-driven plotlines. It’s not just about the plot—it’s about how the events impact the people involved.
H3: The Missing Element: Teddi’s Impact on the Group Dynamic
Teddi was an integral part of the group dynamic in the first season. Her absence, while acknowledged in the narrative, wasn’t explored enough to show how it affected the team’s cohesion, morale, and decision-making. The lack of this emotional exploration means that the remaining characters’ actions often felt disconnected from the loss, making their growth and development seem somewhat hollow.
Season 3: The Opportunity to Address the Emotional Void
How Season 3 Can Fix What Season 2 Missed
With Tracker’s renewal for a third season, the opportunity to fix the narrative gaps left by Teddi’s exit is ripe for the taking. Season 3 can take a deeper dive into the emotional impact of her departure, both for the characters and the audience.
One way to address this issue would be to explore how Teddi’s absence has shaped the personalities of the core team. Maybe a few episodes could focus on flashbacks, showing key moments between Teddi and other characters that highlight their relationships and how they’ve evolved after her departure.
What Season 3 Needs to Bring to the Table
In order for Season 3 to succeed, it must incorporate emotional storytelling alongside the action. Viewers need to see the weight of Teddi’s exit. This isn’t just about filling in a gap; it’s about making the show richer, more relatable, and more immersive. If Tracker can balance thrilling plots with emotional depth, Season 3 has the potential to become a standout in its genre.
The Future of Tracker: What’s at Stake for Season 3
Building a Stronger Narrative with Emotional Stakes
In Season 3, the show has an opportunity to build on the momentum from the first two seasons and create a more emotionally rich narrative. It’s essential that the show explores how personal losses affect the characters’ decisions and motivations. It’s not just about the action—it’s about why they’re doing what they’re doing, and the consequences of their choices.
Emotional Stakes: The Key to Long-Term Engagement
Viewers are more likely to stay engaged with a show when they feel emotionally invested in the characters. By focusing on Teddi’s departure and the emotional stakes for the remaining characters, Tracker can foster a stronger connection with the audience, ultimately keeping them coming back for more.
Conclusion: What Season 3 Must Address for the Show to Thrive
While Tracker Season 2 had its highs, it overlooked a crucial aspect of storytelling: emotional depth. Teddi’s exit was a pivotal moment for the show, and Season 2’s lack of exploration into the emotional consequences of that departure left a gap in the narrative. Season 3 has the chance to fix this issue by diving into the emotional fallout from Teddi’s exit and building a stronger, more emotionally engaging story.
