‘Tracker’ Producer Addresses Bobby’s Absence From Season 2 Episodes, Hints at ‘Reconfiguring the Team’

While Tracker season 2 has come to an end, fans are still wondering why Eric Graise, who plays the character Bobby Exley, was missing for several episodes this season.

“It’s one of those things where actor availability is always an issue,” executive producer Elwood Reid told Us Weekly on Sunday, May 11. “There have been shows where people don’t even notice [if a character is missing].”

He said that having an ensemble cast featuring many actors in each episode is simply how Tracker works.

“You don’t [always] see Reenie. He talks to Velma for two seconds. He may talk to Bobby for one phone call,” Elwood continued. “The show works because you are over Justin [Hartley]‘s shoulder. One of the challenges in season 3 is going to be reconfiguring the team and figuring out what that team looks like.”

When Bobby was missing from the show, his cousin Randy, played by Chris Lee, was brought in to help Colter Shaw out on his cases.

“Randy came in and also gave something to the show that was different. There was a real warmth and fun when he came in. It was something that I think we were missing a little bit too in some episodes. He just was immediately fun when he came in,” Elwood said. “With those dynamics — and in playing with this team dynamics — that’s all stuff we’re going to continue to play with in season 3 as the show evolves.”

Bobby ultimately ended up returning in season 2, episode 16, titled “The Mercy Seat.” It was explained that he was away dealing with family issues and attending a friend’s funeral in his hiatus from the show.

Tracker was greenlit for season 3 after dominating the ratings on CBS for two seasons. However, Elwood said he is determined to make sure the drama series refrains from falling “into complacency.” He hinted that season 3 will bring in some familiar faces and some new ones. Many fans have wondered if returning cast members will include Jensen Ackles’ Russell Shaw or Diana Maria Riva’s Detective Helen Brock.

“We’re going to bring back some characters from seasons 1 and 2 — we’re going to see them more and more,” he teased. “There’s been some fun characters that I think are fun to see in Colter’s world [season to season].”

Justin, 48, was featured in a video in February, addressing the cast and crew of Tracker after the show was renewed for season 3 at CBS.

“I just wanted to congratulate everyone on season 2; our numbers are up from season 1. Something like six percent or eight percent or 11 percent or something like that. That hardly ever happens,” the This Is Us alum said in the clip. “It’s all thanks to you guys, and because of all the hard work you’ve done on season 2, they have picked us up for season 3. They didn’t give us information as far as like the number of episodes, but it’s somewhere between 18 and 22, so that’s pretty good.”