‘Tracker’ Loses 2 Original Cast Members Ahead of Season 3
Eric Graise and Abby McEnany have exited the CBS procedural Tracker as the action-adventure series moves into its third season. The original cast members portrayed hacker Bobby Exley and Velma Bruin, respectively. Only two original cast members remain: Justin Hartley, who plays Colter Shaw, and Fiona Rene, who plays lawyer Reenie Green.
TVLine broke the story on July 18.
The duo follow Robin Weigert, who originally co-starred as Velma’s wife Teddi but was written out of the series after the first season.
Hartley leads the high-stakes drama as Shaw, who travels the country in an RV, helping police and private citizens solve crimes and locate missing persons. Based on the best-selling novel The Never Game by Jeffery Deaver, the show follows tracker Colter Shaw, who is described in the show’s official logline as, “a lone-wolf survivalist who roams the country as a reward seeker, using his expert tracking skills to help private citizens and law enforcement solve all manner of mysteries.”
In the Season 2 finale, Tracker brought Colter to Echo Ridge, where Colter’s mother Mary Dove Shaw (guest star Wendy Crewson) was waiting. The episode ended with Colter confronting a man his brother Russell (guest star Jensen Ackles) saw in the woods with their father the night he died. The mysterious figure named Otto (Alex Fernandez) confirms that he pushed Colter’s father off the cliff, but then offers the shocking reveal that Colter’s mother had asked for his help.
“We have so many ways to go in Season 3. We haven’t even picked up the pieces of it yet,” executive producer Elwood Reid told TV Insider after that cliffhanger.
Reid also stated in the interview, “I haven’t quite figured out the motor of the show yet, moving forward in Season 3, but it’s one of the things we’re going to talk about when the writers get back in the room.”
Tracker, Season 3, Oct. 19, 8/7c, CBS, Next day streaming on Paramount+
Conversation127 Comments
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Comments are closed on this story.
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Gees, how many cast members can a show LOSE, before you have only the main character left? (That's NOT much of a show.)
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There have been several shows where they have only the main character and then the weekly actors. The Mandolorian comes to mind, Monk, Columbo, Perry Mason, but my favorite one was with David Carridine in Kung Fu which Tracker reminds me a lot of.
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Monk wasn't like this at all! He had his permanent assistant ( although half way through he got a new permanent assistant) and he has his therapist and he has the two main cops. These people were in every episode.
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Agreed. Monk did what most episodic shows did and had its running characters then the weekly characters. That's very common and was what Tracker had. Losing 2 more originals is a departure from that. It's lucky we already have Bobby's cousin (no one seems to know his name) as already introduced, so it's not so abrupt.
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NCIS only has McGee, original character left. So many changes but love the show.
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But after only 2 seasons losing most of the cast is different than after 22 years. I would expect an NCIS office to have many personnel changes in that amount of time. Agents should promote, retire or change jobs over that time span to be somewhat realistic.
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Have you not seen Grey's anatomy?! Your comment is asinine to say the least.
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Why so angry? Just an observation.
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I don't even understand what you are reacting to since it isn't in the form of a reply.
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I like this show, but it always felt miscast to me. Colter is great. And I liked Bobby a lot. Reenie is ok, but no major sparks or dynamic to her. Maybe she can grow. Teddi and Velma felt totally out of place and forced and kind of cartoonish. I hope the changes help it find a better groove.
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The Reenie character frequently doesn't have an actual purpose in many of the stories, which makes her inclusion feel forced. There was one episode where literally all she did was tell the bad guy "we're coming for you," but the episode's conclusion was written as if she were just as critical as Colter to the outcome.
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Sure she has a purpose.... to strut around with a big ol' bag over her arm. 😆
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I really like Reenie!!! I liked Bobby a lot too!!! So very sad he isn't returning.
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I agree!
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Agree. I actually like all the original but do like the actor that played Bobby’s cousin in season 2 as well
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🥺 Hate see any characters leave when you've gotten use to them. Wish both actors the best in their next pursuits
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What is CBS thinking now about Tracker? I was considering continuing watching Tracker but if they want to continue dismissing characters I guess I will totally not watch CBS. They can screw up a program by losing so many characters so soon into a program is my thought. Did these characters leave of their own choice or were they shut out by CBS? This doesn't make sense as Bobby was well liked and Velma did her research for Coulter while he was driving to next destination. Sorry I would miss Bobby and Velma if I were to continue to watch, but since I'm not going to be watching CBS on Sunday or any other night from now on. Good luck to Eric and Abby in their future endeavors. I would miss you.
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What does the network have to do with the cast changes?? That's a production company decision, if not the decision of the actor(s) themselves.
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We don't know why they're leaving!
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I wonder why these cast members are leaving?
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Probably bored with the roles. There's only so much you can do with those characters in the way the show was designed.
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Well one of them passed away, so they truly didn’t quit the show.
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I missed that. Who died?
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Who passed away
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All three actors that left are still very much alive.
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B
You are confused with Ann Burrell from Food Network. It’s amazing how people write these comments on a device that lets them search the Internet and find out these things before they post them.
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You don't think they would have stated that in the article if that's what happened? A simple Google search would tell you that you are wrong.
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Are you thinking of The Finder?
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Don't know why Eric is leaving, but Abby passed away earlier this summer.
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That was Anne Burrell from food network! Abby is very much alive. That has to be who you’re thinking of because in some strange way, they do kind of look alike with the hair.
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You don't think they would have stated that in the article if that's what happened? A simple Google search would tell you that you are wrong.
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Probably mostly about money, though I would've guessed they'd keep Bobby. The show has done very well, so my guess is that the lead has demanded more money.
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Bobby was lucky to get maybe 2 minutes of screen time a show. Less with the other two who played wives. Why tie yourself to a show and never get to play so to speak.
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Because it's on CBS and everyone is deleting them and Paramount.
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I love Colter, as the show is all about him and how he finds people. He's great. Bobby's cousin Randy is much better than Bobby I believe, especially the episode he was in where he helped Colter. Reenie is ok, don't really like her, could care less if she stays or goes. Velma was ok. Good luck to the actors who played Velma and Bobby in their next endeavors.
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I love Reenie. She's great, and the show needs her. Plus she's simply beautiful. I love Colter he's great, and I loved watching Bobby (sorry to hear hes leaving too). I'd like to see more of his brother and sister in the future, oh and his mom possibly.
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I like Randy better than Bobby anyway. He has more energy. I liked Velma’s character but not the actress who played her. And I know I’ll probably get slammed for this but I’m not a Renee fan. At least not as a romantic interest for Colter. I liked the chemistry between Colter and Camille. Hope she comes back
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Helps that Camille is his wife in real life
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Camille is not his wife. Sofia who plays Billie is his wife.
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Haha see comment below. Justin been married 3 times. He better really plan to settle down this time.
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Hartley has been acting opposite his wife several times they will probably write her in now.CBS will screw with every show now ,have to get back that $16 M.
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I hope not. Not too impressed with them together.
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Nothing really surprising about this. These characters didn't make a lot of sense as researchers, since there wasn't anything they looked up that Colter couldn't Google himself; doing internet searches was literally all Velma and Teddi did.
Bobby made a little more sense as a hacker, but not physically being present for the action was awkward.
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Not surprised Robin Weigert left after one season. She is a good actress with very small and inconsequential part. Like you said, nothing that Colter couldn't Google up himself
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How do you all miss the whole “hacker” part.. Colter isn’t a trained Hacker. Bobby is.. they done way more than “google search”
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No it wasn't! No reason for him to be there!
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I'm sad to see Bobby go, loved his character. I love having Reenie on the show & wish they had more interaction like they did in season one.
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So much for diversity in a cast on a television show. Another negative sign of the times I hope we see them elsewhere.
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It is sad that anyone is thumbs downing diversity.
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I've stood by Tracker because it offered something rare-grit, nuance, and a cast that felt like family. Bobby and Velma weren't just background characters; they brought balance and authenticity to Colter Shaw's journey. We already lost Teddi, Velma's wife and now Velma and Bobby are gone too-with little closure. That's not character evolution; it's character erasure. If the goal is to lean into a lone wolf strategy, the wristers are misunderstanding what that really means. Lone wolves don't trust easily-and when they do connect with someone, they don't swap them out season by season. They hold onto that bond. Just look at Columbo: He is the essential lone wolf, same character an structure, unwavering presence, but he had different police captains and officers who helped in each episode. There was Charlie's Angels - Charlie was just a voice, never a face, yet he remained the emotional anchor. Tracker could've have kept Bobby and Velma involved without compromising the lone wolf vibe. Bobby could've been a remote voice in Colter's ear. Velma could've stayed in the background as a quiet strategist along with the dogs, I missed them. Instead, the show feels like it's chasing formulas rather than honoring the relationships it built. And combined with fewer episodes and longer wait time for more episodes, this direction risks driving away the very audience that helped it succeed. I am just disappointed but when I invest in a show it's emotional and I hate disposable plot devices
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Adam, I mean Colter is really good in the role. Something is just missing. I’m sorry to see the two ladies go but there’s just something missing, besides that. It would be nice to introduce an occasional type of Batman/Robin scenario. But just something to add to Colter.
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I like the episodes where th retired police officer or whoever he was helped Colter figure out what happened to that girl from years ago. I think he would be a nice permanent addition.
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One of them is a man...not 2 ladies.
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Love this show and am so happy we are having a season 3. Colter can definitely carry this show without teddies and velma and am sure Bobby's cousin randy will.become a permanent future in season 3. Shows often have cast changes and they still go on for many seasons so here's hoping tracker will do the same
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Yes shows often have cast changes. But this one has such a tiny main cast already.
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CBS just seems to be ransacking… and SACKING… every great drama/procedural in anticipation of selling off the network.
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I always liked Bobby, his energy, his confidence. I felt Colter was in strong company with Bobby. In contrast Randy seems a little immature. I worry he won’t be there for Colter. But Randy it’s growing on me. I’ll miss Velma, I like her. And I do like Reenie. For me her character adds a nice contrast.
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I Liked the Show in Season 1 and its Characters ~ Season 2 wasn't as Good, but had Some Episodes that I Really Liked ~ Bobby and Velma's Characters will be Missed ~ Season 3 🤔
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Agreed. I liked Season 1 better. In season 2 I missed Bobby. I thought he was a great part of the show. Also, I honestly don’t like that they added Justin’s real life wife in the show. I’m wondering why 3 original characters have now left. Doesn’t sound good for the show.
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I love the show. Honestly I don't like they are getting rid of any of the characters. I love Bobby
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The one gay character and the one disabled character. But I'm sure its just a coincidence...
CBS used to cast disabled actors in various shows. Think those days are over.
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Looks as though the networks are starting to follow Trump's view on diversity Shame on them!
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I want to know why Mary McDonnell as Colter's mother was replaced with Wendy Crewson... And the network is acting like no one noticed. Well, *I* did!
I quit this show mid season 2 🤷
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Don't know who to blame, but to continue dumping original cast members irritates me. After starting to watch Season 1, I read the novel the show is supposedly based on. Little resemblance IMO. Season 2, meh. Probably won't bother with next season. Screwed up a very good show and got way too violent.
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Ok, so change is inevitable, I get it, but there has to be a POC for Colter to receive assignments. Reenie's character isn't the likely source since she's a high powered attorney. However, it would be great to have a woman with whom Colter can have an attraction but bc she's an employee he's forbidden to act upon it. Like the characters in JAG (anyone remember Harm & Mac? Now that was a sensual tension viewers could feel through the TV!
We'll miss Bobby. His character was so tech savvy.
Love the show, looking forward to S3.
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Always hoped they made the women a bigger part of the show so funny. And he was just plain fun sad to see them go
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I love this show, but I will be boycotting CBS and Paramount.
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Love that Colter and Billie are also married IRL! Love this show, love Reenie and liked Bobby but definitely like Randy better for the role! And of course would love to see more of Russell (Jensen Ackles)😍
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I am saddened to hear this about Eric Graise leaving the show as Bobby. He was one of my favorites along with Colter and Reenie. I loved that episode where we got to see him outside the desk and into the action along with Colter. I didn't know his absence in 7 episodes of season 2 would lead to this. He will be missed and all the best to the actor in his future endeavors. They are probably going to have his Cousin Randy as a cast member now...
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I loved Bobby on the show. He played an integral part in helping Colter. I like Tracker but sometimes the producers make it hard for us to watch shows when they cut people out.
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Seems like they're ( CBS) I s making those cast budget cuts like they are on other networks and shows.
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Is this CBS Starting to get rid of its most popular shows? Colbert..next dramas???
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It is so very disappointing and also disheartening.
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I liked Velma and her wife, but get that it didn't work. I really wanted to like Bobby and especially loved that his character has two prosthetic legs. I have titanium right leg skeleton. So I found his character cool. However, I like his cousin in the role way better.
I'm keen to see the changes.
Really enjoying series
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I just hope the brother Russell (Jensen Ackles) shows up more in this next season, he was a really interesting character and I was disappointed that we didn’t get to see more of him in the show. Since the show started the brother was always portrayed as the bad guy, and now that the truth is coming out more I feel bad for the brother for living on the run with a burden of lies on his shoulders. So now that the truth is coming out, why not bring the brothers back together. Please bring Russell back.
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Totally agree loved his brother. And his sister they can utilize in some matter. Include the mom for a short period then have her die after finding out the truth she was responsible for their fathers death.
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They should bring back the Sister) and the brother maybe make it a family business.
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I would love for them to bring Jared padalecki as well. They worked so amazing as brothers like no other series ever. Out the three together and you will have a number one hit.
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His brother, who’s is his real brother already has his own show
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I agree but he has a show of his own and other projects so I don’t think it will be much… I HATE they are losing Eric Graise (AKA Bobby) he was fantastic in the role. I don’t think the guy they have that filled in for him is that great. He just doesn’t sell it for me and my husband. We both really like Eric as the role of Bobby!!
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agreed
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100% agree!
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I didn't see in article when he is not returning, last season was production cost a season hit #1, only hit show not making bank! Made some h8gh payers take smaller cut!
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I'm so sorry to see them both leave. I really loved Bobby and was happy to see that they had someone with a real disability playing that part. His cousin is interesting and would like to see more interaction between him and Bobby. I guess now that won't happen. I loved the ladies, and they did more then do "Goggle searches". And I definitely love Rennie I love the playing around between her and Colter. I hope this will not change the flow of the show.
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100% agree
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CBS is doing exactly what it always does. Screw up everything it touches. I can’t believe what that company turned into
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Again, what does the network have to do with this?? They don't dictate who does and who doesn't appear in every TV show. 🙄
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Budgets and cost cutting I think
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I would think that would still fall under the production company's responsibility / decision.
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Like Randy. But didn’t care for the others. They just didn’t seem to fit or make sense.
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That's BS. I don't even want to watch it anymore. They take a decent show and screw it up.
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Liked all the characters and their supporting roles! Good ensemble cast. Won’t be the same and don’t think it will hold as much interest with missing players!! 🙁👎🏻
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I like shows with a team of supporting characters. Especially when those characters are funny or clever. This was great about tracker. I think CBS/Paramount are removing or decreasing cast members with demographics they think Trump/MAGA don’t like - for instance - people with disabilites, people of color, people who are gay.
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For all those that dislike Renie (or even if you like her), the actress who plays her is in the TV show the Lincoln Lawyer, and she is fantastic. You really see a whole different side to her when she is given a more complex character and challenging role. The contrast really made me realize how much the part can determine how well an actor does.
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I think tracker is a great clean tv show ! It’s about time tv had guy so bad everything is trashy Justin plays a good hones wholesome character that everyone can love ! It’s a fantastic show!
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Why have they got rid of the Actor who played Bobby I really liked him he was a great addition to the Show and he really helped Colton Shaw don't understand
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Why change if it's not broken. I am convinced that these creators of the shows and the people involved in these decisions are terrible. They need to be replaced. There are so many good actors who really fit in the roles given that are being replaced. I think if we stop watching those shows and let them know we disagree they will either hear us or be axed. They don't want a top rated show to end. It's either that are we are going to keep being frustrated 🤷.
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Welp, I'm done with that show. It was hard enuff to watch with the original cast but I really can't stand randy! He's so annoying!
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Very much enjoyed the computer expert and he will be missed... Velma and Teddy did not add anything to the show in my opinion
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No more Bobby??!!! That's so sad, loved him. Does that mean Randy is back full time? Its hard to believe good as Bobby but his character is great too. Hopefully he's here to stay.
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All the best characters are now gone. Sorry... I won't be watching s3
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I enjoy the show and the actors. I felt, however, that season 2 was taking a darker turn and I had to space my viewing.
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Reenie is the eye candy. She can't leave. The show would lose a lot of it's male audience. The writers need to make her character more inclusive. Besides she is beautiful. The rest I won't miss. The brother and sister are interesting and their story needs to be included.
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CBS sold out to a dictator so now they have to recuperate some money. LOL. CBS is soon to be a thing of the past.
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Like this show and Hartley along with Bobbie. Missed Bobbie when Randy took over..sorry to hear about Bobbie's exit!
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Ridiculous to write off cast members so soon in a series. Love the show but not sure i want to keep watching.
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I so loved these characters !!! If they cannot come back please have another lesbian couple
Love the show
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This show has potential but the writing has always struggled to me. Extremely weak at times. Average, at best, in others. The stories feel 'one note' with paper thin plot lines. It always remined me of Danny Devito's character in THROW MAMA FROM THE TRAIN and the 'mystery' story he wrote for class. "One guy shot the other guy" and that was the end of the story. No depth. Also, the Rennie character is bland with zero chemistry to Shaw. Yet they play it like it's there. Force it. Almost with a hammer. I think there's a good show in there somewhere but unless they find their groove, this show is showing signs of going down and down fast. Hopefully, these changes will keep it afloat until it finds its way to shore.
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Always ruin a good thing
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Velma and Teddy were just horribly underwritten characters from the very beginning. They just served zero purpose other than giving Coulter his assignments and I'm sure there must be a more interesting way to do that. While it's admirable that the producers wanted to give an actor with disabilities a series regular role, Bobby was just a completely non dynamic actor. Which they quickly realized and replaced him with his charismatic cousin. Reenie and Coulter have zero chemistry. If they don't find a more compelling reason to keep her, she'll be next to go.
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I personally like the original cast I really loved Velma she was great! I prefer Bobby’s cousin who played while Bobby was out not sure of his real name or his character name but I loved him in legacies also!! I really like reenie I’m not fond of colters sister but love the brother!! I really REALLYYYY love Justin Hartley he was amazing in “this is us” and he’s veryyyyy attractive so that’s a plus!! I’m kinda sad about Velma but I know it will be great!!
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The Actor playing Bobby is... average. At best. Local theater level acting but.. i mean the dude has np legs so good on em for casting him. The velma actress tho... UGH! Her line readings...She sounds like she's reading the daily specials off the menu and then TRYING to sound impressed with ur order of grilled cheese.which wasnt on it..ya know? Forced. Oh and Reenie is so miscast it's embarrassing. Her badass "im tougher and smarter and I know it" finger wag and head bob schtick followed by overtly friendly?!... cringe worthy bad
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The 1st season of TRACKER was really good & then it seemed like they were surprised it did well & couldn't figure out how to proceed with the following seasons & just threw scripts together to keep it going. Too many useless characters & they introduced Colters personal life then dumped it for too many shows. Very disorganized show.
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😢
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Reenie does well with what she’s given (her written lines). She has good energy and style. Randy and/or Bobby are necessary - they have advanced, instant access to sophisticated data streams to move the story along (this helps the quick pacing). Velma’s character was a quick, introductory character to set the problem of the story, I like the formula of the story; it’s works and is a huge contributing factor towards the success of the show.
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Renie isn't given much to work with. You can see how talented she is in other series.
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Tracker has some potential but as a whole its poorly cast and poorly written. The lead character is fine and most of the stories are pretty good but the supporting cast, especially Reenie, is really bad. And some of the episodes are laid out sloppy.
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I don't like the character of Reenie at all, and definitely not as a love interest for Colter. I preferred Bobby to Randy. I liked Velma; they will need somebody in the position of finding jobs and information.
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Teddi and Velma were Colton's Handlers ~ 🤔
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Don't like that they're cutting characters that we've grown to care about just to fill their bank accounts! Happens so much now adays and then they wonder why people stop liking their show! Greedy! Sucks!
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I liked Bobby and his cousin. I never liked the lawyer.
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Eric wasn't even really in the new season.
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Who is Eric?
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I believe one of them passed away not to long ago,
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Whats with all the constant changes in the cast or just losing cast members all the time?? I love Reenie and the fans want to see her and Colter get closer if you know what I mean! Come on writers get it together.
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I watched the show but the longer it runs, the staler the plots.
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I heard that someone who had been integral to the show's development is no longer involved with it. (I don't recall who that person was or the role he/she played in it.) In any case, I think this show is grossly overrated. It's just another procedural.
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