Commentary: ‘Tracker’ Pointlessly Shifted Its Entire Cast
by Frank Martin
Although the protagonist is usually main draw for a television show, the supporting cast can be equally important. They fill in the gaps of a storyline and also offer a chance for growth outside the main plot. Tracker falls into this formula well. It centers on Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley), a survivalist who goes in search of missing people for rewards. While that has always been the main feature of the show, several characters help Colter along the way. In just three seasons, this cast has changed dramatically for a number of off-screen reasons. But since it’s never been the main point of the show, the change feels pointless.
Originally, Colter worked with Velma (Abby McEnany) and Teddi (Robin Weigert), who found him cases. He occasionally partnered up with Reenie (Fiona Rene), a lawyer, and Bob (Eric Graise), who helped him with the tech side. Eventually, Velma and Teddi were phased out and Bob was replaced by his cousin, Randy (Chris De’Sean Lee). Reenie also became a main character on the show as Randy moved into her office and became the main point of contact for finding cases. Also, Reenie hired Camille (Floriana Lima) to help in her office, finalizing the cast shift.
When the show first premiered, Colter was taking up the bulk of the action, which is what’s supposed to happen. His supporting cast had their own arcs and purpose, but they were relegated to the sidelines. After the shift, though, more time is being devoted to Reenie and her group — which isn’t what the show is about. It is difficult to give Colter and his cases all of the screen time. This slack is picked up by Reenie and the others, but they are not the point of the series. If anything, they can be a distraction from the main mystery Colter is trying to unravel. It makes the entire shift feel pointless. Hopefully, the series finds a way to tie this side plot into the larger survivalist narrative.
Tracker is now streaming on Paramount+.
