Do you think the writers of The Good Wife knew they had a fan-favorite character on their hands when they created Elsbeth Tascione? The love for her is great and isn’t going away anytime soon.
We’re halfway through the show’s second season, and it seems like a good time to say that it’s better than the first.
Elsbeth Season 1 spent a lot of time introducing the characters and new detectives in each episode during the first half of the season. That’s not a problem for Elsbeth Season 2.
The show’s ability to focus more on story rather than world-building attracted guests from season one’s Elsbeth.
Campiest Series — “Devil’s Night” — Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 3
You can’t tell me that Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 3 isn’t Elsbeth’s funniest episode of Season 2 so far. They had Elsbeth dress up as Audrey Hepburn and run around New York City on a murder scavenger hunt. Iconic.
Best of all, this is an actual murder mystery and not a “Howcatchem,” which only helps sell the performance of the actor who plays this goofy starlet.
We have to give the role to Brittany O’Grady (starring) as Mackenzie Altman. The actress’s talent lies in her ability to play both obnoxious and charming characters.
Not to mention, she’s really funny. How funny was it every time she took the coffee from Kaya thinking it was for her?
Then she criticizes Kaya’s coffee choice every time. Or, as Mike said, “You need to work on your skills.” I just wanted to watch this character file his taxes.
Best Episode – “An Angry Woman” – Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7
There was never any doubt about the absolute best episode. First, we finally meet Elsbeth’s son Teddy. Secondly, Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 7 provided the most exciting and memorable experience of the series to date.
A real-life married couple playing each other’s rivals? Sign me up because Kelly Preston and Michael Emerson nailed it in “An Angry Woman.” They’re so good that if you’re surprised to find these two sharing a bed, you won’t be alone.
One of the best things about it for eagle-eyed viewers like this TV fanatic are some Easter eggs that may not be intentional.
Right off the bat, the courtroom where the trial takes place is exactly the same as the one in the first episode of Season 1 of Wicked , where Emerson’s character made his debut in the series.
The premise of the plot is eerily similar to the first episode of season 1 of Andy Griffith’s Matlock , in which Dick Van Dyke played a murder judge overseeing a trial.
Suffice it to say there was a lot of love in this episode. Still, with the way things are going in Toil and Trouble, I have a feeling there will be more episodes like this one to come.
Worst Episode – “The Wrong Stuff” – Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 2
Let me define “worst” in this context, because many of you may be asking, “What are you talking about? That was a great episode. Look, I agree, but let me explain.”
Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 2 is the worst because it’s only the second episode of the season and it’s a huge tease.
Does anyone else think Elsbeth is heading for a courtship arc? Of course I did. Especially considering how compelling John Behlmann’s Fire Marshall Jake Turling was in The Gilded Age.
Of course, now we know that Elsbeth was like catnip to the firefighters. As she puts it, “It’s the hair.”
The man gives Elsbeth that “I want you” look that makes you think the writers are up to something. Alas, that’s not the case—at least not yet.
That’s not the episode’s only misstep. Up until episode 5 of Elsbeth’s first season, “The Wrong Stuff” was the only episode to mention Elsbeth’s involvement in the Chicago case.
Remember that little bomb Carter Schmidt (Christian Borle) dropped on Elsbeth? Well, for the next few episodes, nothing was mentioned. Thankfully, “Elsbeth Flips the Bird” gets things rolling again.
After the winter final, that ball was on fire too, heading straight for Elsbeth.
The Best Murder Plan – Roslyn Bridwell – Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 4
Honestly, Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 4 is a serious contender for “Best.” We had double the crime. Who doesn’t love a combination of robbery and murder?
We also see Vanessa Williams dust off her leading lady marks and take on a role reminiscent of the iconic Wilhelmina Slater in Ugly Betty.
What other character would squeeze a thousand apple seeds just to pass a drug test with a little cyanide in their system? She had the perfect camping experience that fall when the cyanide “kicked in.”
Even though Rosaline’s mission was a complete failure, it gave viewers the light-hearted vibe of Ocean’s 8 that I root for. Additionally, we get to see the trio plus Detective Donnelly in all their glamour.
I asked this question when reviewing this episode, and I’ll ask it again: Why doesn’t the way Elsbeth dresses for fancy events translate to her everyday attire? Just put on a bucket hat.
Worst Murder Plan – Chef V – Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 5
Oops, Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 5 was hard to watch. I love Elsbeth, but damn, the murder scenes in this episode were poorly choreographed. It was an enjoyable episode, but that murder scene was unbelievable.
First, when the victim was on top of Chef V, she didn’t even try to resist. He just looked up at her and she slowly placed her hands on his neck. This recipe requires less cringe.
Oh, and let’s not forget how she ended up leaving fingerprints on the victim’s phone, to which I immediately yelled, “You didn’t erase your fingerprints, amateur.”
However, it was still an interesting episode. It gave us season 2’s best yet when Elsbeth told Pamela Adlon (The Archer)’s Chef V that she had a “pain tolerance that can only be described as medieval” Lines.
Murder is a dish best served in prison.
Honorable Mention – The Detectives, except Smullen
Yes, everyone except Detective Smullen. I don’t know what his issue with Elsbeth is, but he has pitted himself against the titular character as well as the captain. As a result, Smullen was excluded from honorable mention.
Thankfully, though it took a full half of Elsbeth’s second season to figure out why, at least Lieutenant Connor has come around.
However, Connor isn’t the only new face to appear in Elsbeth’s second season. To avoid confusion, I’m talking about Detective Buzz Fleming.
He’s very funny and lovable in that “back in my day” kind of way, but without being sexist or racist. He became popular among the growing number of detectives who took a liking to Elsbeth.
Detective Donnelly was the only detective to say goodbye to Elsbeth (Kelly Preston) when Wagner fired her. Granted, she was the detective working the case in that episode, but still.
I’d even go so far as to say that Detective Edwards is slowly coming around. In “Elsbeth Flip Bird,” Edwards finally begins to understand why Elsbeth was such a valuable asset to the NYPD.
Now, Captain Wagner would be very grateful if these detectives could infect others in the precinct. That poor guy tried so hard to be liked.
Thankfully, we don’t have to wait too long before CBS’s Elsbeth returns with more incredible episodes.
When the show returns in early 2025, Elsbeth may find herself thrust into a world of chaos as Judge Milton Crawford not only sets his sights on the Chicago lawyer, but in an epic took the first step in the battle of wills.
Until then, Elsbeth fans can relive the entire pastel-colored journey through seasons one and two on Paramount+.
What’s your favorite Elsbeth Season 1 reference from Season 2 so far?
Which murder plot is the most interesting to you?
Let me know in the comments below, and join me again as I review the next episode of Elsbeth!
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