When it comes to shows like Elsbeth, audiences have come to appreciate the unexpected plot points and unique characters that keep the show fresh and interesting.
So people weren’t surprised when Michael Emerson made a splash on the show. The actor is no stranger to television and certainly knows how to embody every character he plays.
Still, this TV fanatic couldn’t help but notice that the man seems to have a knack for playing characters of a more antagonistic nature, and Elsbeth is his latest villainous adventure.
It’s unlikely the character will see much of a redemption arc, being a murderer and all, but you never know when the lead character might be played by your real-life wife.
It’s proof that, even in the most extreme situations (and the funniest ones), Michael Emerson always plays a perfect villain.
The classic story of a lovely beauty and a creepy beast
Perhaps the most unexpected and exciting surprise in Elsbeth Season 2 is the first discovery that an actor from the hit Paramount+ series Wicked will be joining the show.
Then, just like buying a gift, the news that Michael Emerson and Kelly Preston were getting married spread like wildfire through Elsbeth’s fandom.
I myself was shocked and excited by the news. Of course, these two talented and entertaining actors will be connected through marriage. The most interesting thing about their union, however, is how they tend to play opposite roles to one another.
Preston seems to relish the light-hearted, always-smiling characters that audiences love, such as her roles in True Blood, Claws, and her current role, The Good Wife.
Then there’s Emerson. Man, this guy could play almost any antagonistic role, and he did.
No character is too evil or too chaotic for Emerson to deliver his signature cold, death stare
Although his career in the entertainment industry spans four decades, the actor is best known for his dark roles.
Of course, he also gave a great performance as Leland Townsend in “Wicked,” but that’s not the actor’s greatest honor.
Many fans of ABC’s whirlwind series Lost may remember Michael Emerson from his time as Ben Linus in Lost’s second season.
This man has been instilling fear and fear in the hearts of his viewers for years. To really drive home the point, Emerson even voiced the Joker in The Dark Knight Rises.
He may be archetypal, but it’s hard to deny the fact that Emerson’s voice alone is enough to get the job done, even without his trademark cold, death stare.
Elsbeth has only scratched the surface of what Michael Emerson might bring to the hit show
Still, despite the actor’s success, he has to age every time he plays a bad guy, functional desire notwithstanding.
He must aspire to get a regular role where he can have a conversation with another character without being full of sarcasm and cynicism.
His wife Kelly Preston certainly hopes so. At the end of Elsbeth’s first season, Preston mentioned in an interview with TVLine that she hoped Emerson would join the show next season.
She also expressed her hope that her beloved husband would get a chance to play against the type of characters he usually plays. Well, one half is not bad either.
That’s not to say that Michael Emerson isn’t capable of playing a more appropriate role. Rather, it’s because he’s so good at portraying iconic villains that stick with viewers long after an episode airs.
However, when it comes to a show like Elsbeth, predictability is thrown out the window with every passing scene. So, for all we know, Emerson’s Judge Milton may have some redeeming qualities.
Granted, hopes weren’t high, especially considering the circumstances surrounding Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 8 just before the winter holidays.
Things are definitely going to get worse before they get better, but maybe Elsbeth’s writers will throw the titular character in the hands of a fireman or two to pass the time during the coming madness.
Which Emerson character is your favorite?
Do you think it’s possible for the writers to create some redemption for Emerson’s Judge Milton?
Leave a comment below to let me know what you think, and please join me again as I bring you more interesting questions and opinions about Elsbeth!
Watch Elsbeth online
