As Tracker is gearing up to release its second season, the hit series has seen a significant casting setback. As exclusively reported by TVLine, actor Robin Weigert, who played Teddi Bruin, one of the handlers that assisted Colter Shaw in Season 1, will not return as a series regular for the second season. The departure of one of the show's main stars certainly leaves a void in the main storyline, but neither CBS nor 20th Television have addressed how they are going to explain the character's exit.
Fortunately, although Weigert is parting ways with Tracker, Abby McEnany, who plays Teddi's wife, Velma Bruin, in the show, will still return for the next season to play a very interesting role. As a matter of fact, Elwood Reid, an executive producer of Tracker, told TVLine that Velma will open the second season, “taking on a very interesting role with something that was hinted at by Reenie’s character in the final couple of episodes." How Reid will justify including Teddi's wife but not Teddi is a mystery at that point, though it has led some to believe that Teddi will be killed off.
Along with McEnany, many other actors will be returning to the show, including Justin Hartley, who plays the lead character Colter Shaw, a lone-wolf survivalist who travels the country assisting the police in tracking down criminals and missing people. In addition, Jensen Ackles will reprise his highly anticipated role in Tracker Season 2. During the Television Critics Association's summer press tour, Hartley and Elwood Reid addressed the subject. They said:
" We got him [Ackles], he's coming back. We're having fun with that, it's a great story. I've worked with Jensen previously [on Big Sky] and Justin's friends with him. It's like family. When we text him [he says], 'Tell me where and tell me when,' and he shows up. He's just that kind of guy."
How Robin Weigert's Absence Might Be Addressed in Tracker Season 2
Robin Weigert, who is best known for her portrayal of Calamity Jane in Deadwood, was an essential part of Tracker, but her absence might not have as much of an impact on the story. Teddi and Velma have both done an excellent job as handlers, helping Colter Shaw in his selfless acts, but how would the series end her story? Is it possible that Tracker would kill off the character? The first season finale did build some suspense with a few revelations about Colter's father and sister, but nothing concerning Teddi's character, since both handlers sort of faded into the background.
Though it won't be too difficult to twist Teddi's involvement in the story, things will get complicated because of her relationship with Velma, a character who will be crucial to the upcoming season. While it's still too early to discuss Teddi's potential storyline, Velma sharing significant moments with Reenie, a possible love interest of Colter's, might just be evidence that Teddi meets a tragic end ahead of the second season. Nonetheless, there are other possibilities as well, like the seemingly happy couple splitting up, so we'll just have to wait and see what Tracker has in store for us in Season 2.
