Spoiler alert: The following article contains spoilers from the Tracker season 2 premiere, "Out of the Past."
After only one season and 13 episodes, Tracker lost one of its five original cast members — Robin Weigert. Weigert starred as Teddi Bruin, who was married to Velma Bruin and worked as one of Colter Shaw's handlers in the CBS action drama. As fans know, Tracker revolves around Justin Hartley's Colter, a survivalist and rewardist. Colter is a lone wolf who travels around the country, using his expert tracking skills to help law enforcement and private citizens, and Teddi and Velma assist him with his work during season 1. Starting in season 2, though, Teddi is not on Colter's payroll.
Beginning in season 2, episode 1, "Out of the Past," Weigert is no longer a part of the Tracker cast. The actress' final appearance comes during the Tracker season 1 finale (unbeknownst to the audience), meaning that Weigert isn't around to send her character off in the season 2 premiere. As a result, the other characters, including Colter, Velma, and Reenie Greene, are forced to explain why Teddi is nowhere to be seen during episode 1, which aired on October 13, 2024.
The Likely Reason For Weigert's Exit As Teddi In Tracker
Weigert Hasn't Commented On Her Absence In Tracker Season 2
TVLine exclusively reported in August 2024, a couple of months before the season 2 premiere, that Robin Weigert wouldn't reprise her role as Teddi in Tracker season 2. Unfortunately, the outlet didn't disclose why Weigert was leaving. As of the writing of this article, the reasoning behind the actress' exit is still unknown as neither Weigert nor the Tracker producers and cast have revealed why she left after only one season.
Of course, basic and common explanations concerning TV actor departures could account for Weigert's exit. Many stars who leave their respective TV shows often do so because of contract negotiations, scheduling conflicts, creative differences, a desire to explore other avenues, or because the narrative declares it so. Based on the story in the Tracker season 2 premiere, Teddi's absence likely wasn't a decision made purely for narrative purposes. Otherwise, Teddi would have had a grander exit. So, it's more likely (but not confirmed) that Weigert left Tracker of her own volition.
How Tracker Season 2 Handles Teddi's Exit
Teddi Is Out Of Town During The Tracker Season 2 Premiere
The Tracker season 2 premiere explains Robin Weigert's character's fate, at least, partly. While Teddi is never shown, Velma appears and reveals that her wife is out of town helping her mother. Velma was with Teddi but felt like she was getting in her way. So, Velma returns home in episode 1 to aid Colter with his latest case and help Reenie with her new law firm, allowing Abby McEnany's character to integrate with the other characters now that Teddi is gone.
While the premiere never clearly states it (but it was implied), Teddi and Velma separate in Tracker season 2. After it was announced that Weigert was leaving the CBS action drama, showrunner Elwood Reid revealed the sad news. He told Entertainment Weekly:
"[Velma] and Teddy have separated. Velma is struggling with what it means to be abandoned in some ways, and she'll work her way through that emotion."
Given that Teddi and Velma divorce, Weigert's return in season 2 is unlikely. Instead, the episodes will develop Velma's story outside her relationship with Teddi. She continues working for Colter, of course, but Velma's relationship with Reenie will also grow as they work together at Reenie's new law firm in Tracker season 2 on CBS.
How Teddi's Exit Impacts Colter's Operations In Tracker Season 2
Colter Is Seemingly Down 1 Handler
Tracker Season 2 Cast | Role |
|---|---|
Justin Hartley | Colter Shaw |
Abby McEnany | Velma Bruin |
Eric Graise | Bobby Exley |
Fiona Rene | Reenie Greene |
Lee Tergesen | Ashton Shaw |
Wendy Crewson | Mary Dove Shaw |
Jensen Ackles | Russell Shaw |
Although Robin Weigert's character leaving technically means that Colter will have one less person on his team, Tracker season 2 has a replacement for Teddi — Reenie. Yes, Fiona Rene as Reenie was a main cast member in season 1. However, after Reenie quits her job during Tracker season 1's ending, her schedule is wide open in season 2, meaning she can officially join Colter's team of helpers. Even if Teddi stuck around, Reenie would likely have become one of Colter's handlers anyway in the CBS action drama TV series. But since Teddi is gone, Reenie serves as her official replacement.
Plus, Weigert's exit results in Reenie finally getting closer to the other characters (outside of Colter) in Tracker season 2. With Teddi out of town, Velma busies herself by helping Reenie open her new law firm. The two characters' relationship will continuously develop as they continue working together at the office and assisting Colter with his cases. So, ironically, with Teddi gone, the Tracker squad will interact more and get closer in the season 2 episodes. As Rene explained during her Screen Rant interview about Tracker season 2:
"In general, I feel like the team has gotten stronger and closer. Robin Weigert is an absolute star, and I love her personally and professionally, but I think it really gave an opportunity for the Reenie, Velma, and Bobby characters to come together, as opposed for the Velma and Teddi characters to be so separate from the other two, which I think is necessary because we're developing something and turning into a little family supporting our boy. Without us being a team when he's gone, literally together and talking to each other, it would be really hard to support."
Can Teddi Still Return To Tracker?
The Door Is Open For Robin Weigert's Return
Although it's quite unlikely that Robin Weigert will reprise her role as Teddi in Tracker season 2, her return is possible. The CBS action drama TV show didn't kill off the character or make it so that Teddi could never come back. Teddi and Velma just got a divorce, and Teddi moved to be with her mother. As a result, if the actress ever wanted to return in season 3 of Tracker or other future seasons (if CBS continues renewing the series), the door is open for Teddi to show her face again in the TV show.
Perhaps Colter receives a case in a future episode that relates to Teddi. That way, Weigert wouldn't have to return as a series regular and could just make a special appearance in one episode. Or, if the actress wants to come back full-time, the writers could always push Teddi and Velma back together, rekindling their romance. Whatever the case, fans shouldn't expect to see Teddi in Tracker anytime soon.
Sources: TVLine, Entertainment Weekly
