Reviewer Rating: 4.5/5.0
4.5
If you’re still laughing after watching this hilarious episode of Elsbeth, you’re in luck. Granted, we’re always in good hands with Laurie Metcalf’s cameos.
I’m going to address this now: I will watch Crime Dad and be obsessed with every episode. A lifetime of “waves,” right?
Seriously, Elsbeth’s episode delivered exactly what viewers have been waiting for since the start of the season. We’ll get to that shortly, though.
We got to talk about how the show bounced back from “An Angry Woman” but also had a lot of comedy. Between Laurie Metcalf and the throwaway jokes, Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 8 had viewers laughing their ass off.
Laurie Metcalf embodies every behind-the-scenes difficult actor trope you can think of
Then again, absolutely no one was surprised by Laurie Metcalf’s casting as Regina, a delusional actress unaware that her career is in decline. If you’re like this TV fanatic, you can’t take your eyes off her.
While Miss Metcalfe is lovable and sweet in interviews, she knows how to play a loud and antagonistic character in the best possible way. The actress is fantastic and pairing her with an equally talented comedian is sure to bring joy.
For example, does anyone else remember the insult match between Regina and Jack? Dominic Formusa’s performance as Jack is incredible, but it’s no surprise that he stands out from “Nurse Jackie” and “The Godfather of Harlem.”
Regina: Brainless action movie idiot.
Jack: Do you want to compare movies? Oh, by the way, you do nothing.
Regina: You’re such an embarrassment.
Jack: As far as you’re concerned, you’re twenty years old.
Regina: To your girlfriend you are twenty years old.
Jack: Regina, when was your last date?
Regina: Jack, when was the last time you called your kids?
To be fair, it’s common for actors who despise each other to have wonderful chemistry while acting. There may be something psychological about expressing emotion without appearing vulnerable.
If it applies to Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams in The Notebook , it also applies to two veteran actors who have been on the decline for decades.
Hopefully Laurie Metcalf (The Conners) will reappear at some point in the show.
Imagine Elsbeth needs the advice that only Regina can give her. She visits Regina in prison, and Regina tells her that she founded a prison theater group where “Scottish plays” are performed. You can see it, right?
Elsbeth’s bread and butter is campy and bizarre
Well, I don’t know about the rest of you, but “die in heels” is definitely not on my Elsbeth murder bingo card. Even for a show like “Elsbeth,” it’s too contrived.
However, it is also the scariest. Just the thought of a heel getting into a producer’s eyes made me clench my fists in anticipation. I get chills just thinking about it.
However, at least one good thing came out of this bizarre murder. Kaya (played by Carra Patterson) meets the tall sailor Dr. Cameron Clayton. Sorry, I think I’m going to die and need to see Dr. Clayton immediately.
All jokes aside, has anyone else noticed the obvious issues between Cameron and Kaya? How do they become potential lovers and roommates at the same time?
This is a recipe for disaster that Kaya doesn’t need right now, as she’s trying to become a detective.
Speaking of sleuthing, Detective Grandpa (Fleming) is back on the scene in all his lovable, seasoned detective glory.
There are characters you want to take seriously most of the time, like Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce), and there are characters like Buzz Fleming who you enjoy watching, no matter what they’re doing.
This character feels refreshingly different from the usual “annoyed at Elsbeth” detectives who frown at every word she says. Elsbeth and Kaya were actually giggling at the adorable man as he interrogated the extras on the set.
However, Buzz wasn’t the only one having a light-hearted laugh. There are some meta jokes that are very “blink and you’ll miss it.”
When Elsbeth and Kaya watch “Crime Master,” Kaya remarks that it’s no fun once you know who the murderer is, which Elsbeth disagrees with.
We’re right there with the eponymous character as “howcatchems” are shaking up the mystery game. This is why shows like Poker Face are so beloved.
The best joke of the episode, however, comes near the end when Elsebeth pulls out a nearly three-foot-long pharmacy receipt and says, “All this for a pack of gum.”
This is a simple but very funny joke. Make sure you enjoy the laughs too.
The other shoe finally fell on Elsbeth
Judge Milton Crawford will obtain Elsbeth’s wig through the most evil of means: the judicial system.
This character exudes villain energy in the funniest way. The couple chemistry between Kelly Preston and Michael Emerson is what makes their rivalry so interesting once again.
While the two characters don’t see eye to eye in this episode, Captain Wagner finds himself squarely in the middle. It can be said that many people are burning at the same time in the second season.
If you read the spoilers for Elsbeth Season 1 Episode 8, I mentioned that the show has too many panels spinning in the air. Well, this episode definitely made me eat my words.
I have to say that this is a work of genius on the part of the screenwriters. Ever since Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 2, viewers have been clamoring for answers to Elsbeth’s Chicago divorce case.
Judge Milton emerged as the central source of Aylesbeth’s problems. It’s certainly one way the show will get viewers thinking during the holidays.
Sadly, we’ll have to wait a while, as “Toil and Trouble” is the winter finale of Elsbeth’s second season. However, we’ll see a lot more when the show returns in early 2025.
Until then, Elsbeth fans can relive every episode of Elsbeth Seasons 1 and 2 on Paramount+.
What’s your favorite moment from Elsbeth Season 2 so far?
What’s your favorite character, whether it’s a main character, a recurring character, or a cameo?
Leave a comment below to let me know what you liked about this episode, and join me again when I review another episode of Elsbeth!
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