It’s safe to say that Elsbeth’s promoters are trying to quickly woo their loyal fan base with a promotion that we know hasn’t even begun to scratch the surface. Then again, how is it possible that Laurie Metcalfe guest-starred?
If you’re anything like this TV fanatic, you’re fully anticipating what’s in store for the eponymous character’s new nemesis and all-important threat, Judge Milton.
Only a show like “Elsbeth” could pair up a wife and a husband, making for some of the most interesting developments in a show already filled with quality writing and acting.
At least the audience never has to worry about things getting stale or the comedy falling flat. Especially when they bring in a broadcast TV veteran known for his impeccable comedic timing.
Laurie Metcalf brings fifty years of comedy to Elsbeth
Season 1 of “Elsbeth” featured a cast of murderous guest stars played by actors who already had deep knowledge of the “Good Wife” universe.
It seems the formula doesn’t work anymore. Believe it or not, Laurie Metcalf has yet to make her debut in this universe. This is astounding considering the actor has been in the industry for fifty years.
This is no exaggeration. This woman has actually been acting for five years, taking on some truly iconic roles due to the actor’s versatility to dabble in just about any project.
To me, she will always be the unhinged Debbie Salter, aka Mrs. Loomis, aka Billy’s mom in Scream 2. she.
However, you may know her from her less murderous roles on TV shows like The Big Bang Theory, Roseanne, or The Conners. The list is nearly endless, so brush up on your IMDb.
Audiences never know what to expect with a show like Elsbeth’s
At the start of the promo, Laurie’s character can be heard telling Elsbeth and Kaya, “Elsbeth, I thought that was you, and then I thought, who else could dress up as a lollipop?” What about members of the guild? Iconic reading.
Metcalf’s impeccable comic timing shines throughout. And, just to be thorough, I refreshed my memory on Lollipop Guild and I can confirm that there are similarities between the two.
Funny comments aside, there seems to be a sense of familiarity between the characters. However, as most of us are well aware by now, TV commercials tend to be quick and loose with what they show.
These few seconds of plot were most likely pulled from somewhere in the middle after Elsbeth began to doubt the character.
After Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7, the show continues its campy style of delivering more laughs amidst all the drama surrounding Elsbeth Tassioni.
I just have to throw out this question: What is going on in the Chicago case? I love this series, but let’s tie up the loose ends. Does it drive other people crazy?
Elsbeth is definitely bringing her pink toes back to the TV world
The official plot synopsis for Elsbeth Season 2, Episode 8 reads: “After the producer of a long-running police procedural drama is brutally murdered in his office, Elsbeth is thrown into television world.
While this appears to be the actions of a disgruntled fan, she begins to doubt the show’s longtime star, Regina Coburn (Laurie Metcalfe), who longs for artistic fulfillment.
“Meanwhile, Judge Milton (Michael Emerson) remains a thorn in Elsbeth’s side.”
The winter finale has a lot of story to tell, but Elsbeth has never been one for subtlety. That said, this isn’t Elsbeth’s first foray into television.
Fans of the show may remember that the eponymous character from the third episode of Elsbeth’s first season stomped her feet on a reality show called Ladies of Luxury.
The show even pays homage to the in-universe show through advertising billboards and even the sweatshirt Kaya wore in Elsbeth Eleven .
However, since we got the hilarious Laurie Metcalf playing the role of a trashy celebrity, I’m willing to forget the past in favor of what the writers have in store.
Judge Milton Crawford may be the kind of antagonist that viewers love to hate
Considering Judge Milton isn’t central to the episode’s plot, but is still mentioned, we can be sure the character will be around for a while.
Typically, when an antagonist character angers the protagonist, the audience will jump on board to watch the evil character be taken down.
However, every once in a while the show introduces a character that you love to hate because they make the story so interesting.
For example, the Evil Queen Regina, played by Lana Parrilla, remains a fan-favorite despite being the show’s main villain in the first few seasons of Once Upon a Time.
I think it’s safe to say that this may be the case with Judge Milton Crawford, played by Michael Emerson. He really stirred things up with Elsbeth, and it looks like he’s not done with the Chicago lawyer just yet.
Emerson’s marriage to Kelly Preston also helps. In fact, there’s plenty of chemistry that heightens the drama between the characters.
Since “Toil and Trouble” is the winter finale and Elsbeth will return in early 2025, the episode could end on any note.
If you’re expecting a cliffhanger or a plot with twists and turns, you’re in luck, but the reason a show like “Elsbeth” works so well is because it’s unpredictable. For all we know, the episode might end with Elsbeth burning her bucket hat, but that’s just wishful thinking.
Still, no matter how the series decides to go, it will set the stage for Elsbeth’s story in the second half of its second season.
I ask this question because I’m well aware that this show will undoubtedly make me eat my words and throw another curve ball in the plot. As far as I’m concerned, Teddy didn’t make his debut on my Elsbeth Season 2 bingo card.
It’s doubtful he’ll show up again in Toil and Trouble , but hopefully Elsbeth’s adorable son won’t be gone for too long. The same goes for the series itself.
Now, check out the promo for CBS’ Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 8 below!
What do you think of Michael Emerson’s portrayal of Judge Milton Crawford?
Is Elsbeth’s son Teddy who you imagined he would be?
Leave a comment below to let me know what you think, and join me again as I review this episode of Elsbeth!
Watch Elsbeth online