When it comes to police procedurals, keeping it fresh and exciting is the key to success. Many shows have tried a variety of strategies, but CBS’s “Elsbeth” has carved out a unique niche for itself.
As the show reaches the halfway point of its second season, it’s fair to say there have been countless guest appearances. This does work in the show’s favor.
Elsbeth fans are used to the revolving door of detectives.
While we may have more new faces in the future, we at least have a core investigative team.
With so many detectives now partnered with Elsbeth, it’s time we get acquainted with these very different but equally interesting detectives.
detective jackie donnelly
Unless you’ve had your hard-earned time, don’t call yourself a New Yorker in front of this intimidating lady. Unless you live in a fifth-floor walk-up apartment and the shower is in the kitchen, you’re not a true New Yorker.
Maybe that’s why Donnelly became so surly, because while she was a pleasant addition, she wasn’t exactly Miss Sunshine.
We first met the detective in Elsbeth Season 1, Episode 3, when he was investigating the death of a reality TV star. From that point on, it was clear she’d rather film things than have any conversations.
Still, she was one of the first detectives to express her appreciation to Elsbe, albeit in her own way. Beneath Donnelly’s tired cynicism lies a smile.
Remember when the detective told Elsbeth to do her “thing” because it “worked” even though she had no respect for it? This is sisterhood.
Elsbeth’s writers must have felt the same way, because she’s already appeared twice in season two.
Molly Price
Believe it or not, Molly Price has been working in the entertainment industry for over thirty years. You know what this means, right? You must have seen her at something.
You may have seen her on horror and music lover Ryan Murphy’s FX series FEUD: Bette and Joan. In this film, she showcased her acting skills alongside Jessica Lange and Susan Sarandon.
Then again, this could have been any of her performances in thirty years, like That’s It, The Road, or Almost Family.
Hopefully Detective Donnelly isn’t going anywhere anytime soon, because Elsbeth needs as many detectives as possible by her side. We’ll discuss this later.
Detective Buzz Fleming
Grandpa Detective was in the house and there was nothing but stories about the good old days, much to HR’s chagrin. Buzz is a very welcome addition to Elsbeth.
After the character debuted in the first episode of Elsbeth’s second season, it soon became apparent that he was too old to retire. That man will beat the criminal to dust.
Interestingly, judging by the way Fleming and Donnelly exchanged pleasantries during the poker game of “Elsbeth Flip Bird,” he had been in the precinct for some time.
To be honest, I was looking forward to the new detective, but I thought we were going to get a new face.
That said, I’m glad I was wrong, because Grandpa Detective has the perfect undisturbed energy that goes well with a show as contrived as Elsbeth’s.
Daniel Oreskes
Now, this is a guy who knows a jurisdiction or two. Before you jump to any conclusions, let me just say that the actor has been in a few police cases.
Let’s be honest; the show rules broadcast television, so it’s no surprise that Daniel Oresquez has made an appearance or two in the broadcast realm. And by “twice,” I mean many, many times.
From “Law & Order,” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent,” “Law & Order: Organized Crime,” “Blue Bloods” and “Elementary,” Oresquez has been quietly popping up on screens over the years.
But it’s not all procedural. The actor has strayed off the beaten path once or twice. That said, Murder in the Building fans may recognize him as “Marv.” He’s the main character in “Courage,” the timid dog to all the ’90s kids.
Then again, maybe, just maybe, you recognize Daniel Oresquez from The Good Wife. You didn’t think that murderers were the only reintroduced characters, did you?
Detective Samantha Edwards
If the series had been written thirty years ago, Detective Edwards would have been described as Elsbeth’s rival, but would have been considered difficult by her male colleagues for always wanting to be thorough.
Fortunately, Elsbeth has excellent writers, so not only is Edwards not a cliché, but he shows that getting the job done is more important than making friends.
In Elsbeth Season 1 Episode 6, Samantha and Elsbeth’s working relationship got off to a rocky start? I’m pretty sure Edwards wanted to shoot her after the five minute conversation. Still, she’s a good cop.
Unlike other detectives in the precinct, Detective Edwards thinks naturally and pursues every lead that other cops don’t.
Her comments may have been a bit harsh, but I’m all for Samatha’s eternal frown if it means the case is solved and justice is served.
At least she and Elsbeth finally find common ground in “Elsbeth Flips Birds.” Nothing brings people together like the Avocado Cartel. Remember that crap?
Michaela Diamond
If you’re like this TV fanatic, you probably feel like Micaela Diamond comes out of nowhere but is everywhere you look. You’re correct in your assessment, as the actor was only in the game for six years.
Once on Broadway, Diamond quickly proved his acting talent. She went from playing Mary Magdalene in the Jesus Christ Superstar Live concert television special to Elsbeth on CBS.
Most recently, she starred alongside Niecy Nash in FX’s Ryan Murphy series Grotesquerie. That’s a pretty quick rise if you ask me.
While she’s not a household name just yet, I can definitely see her star shining brightly in the years to come from her well-crafted filmography.
You can see Micaela Diamond in other roles in The Gilded Age, Up Here, and the Netflix original film Tick, Tick… Boom! With Andrew Garfield and Vanessa Hudgens.
Detective Bobby Smullen
We saved the worst-case scenario for last, as this character unfortunately aligns himself with an enemy. We may not know what the new lieutenant has in store for Wagner (Wendell Pierce) and Elsbeth, but we do know Smullen’s deal.
Detective Smullen has been a thorn in Elsbeth’s side from day one. I’m surprised Elsbeth and Kaya (Cara Patterson) didn’t groan in unison when he entered the room.
For some reason, he was the only detective who refused to give Elsbeth a chance. He refuted every theory she came up with. In season one, Cap had to separate them as if they were his children.
The detective first appeared in the first episode of Elsbeth’s first season.
Do you understand what you did to the captain, Smullen? The man bought milkshakes and held a poker tournament. It’s diabolical.
Danny Mastrogiogio
Unlike his insufferable character, Danny Mastrogiorgio would be friends with Elsbeth in real life. Believe it or not, we have another Broadway fan here.
For thirty years, Mastrogiorgio has been moving between stage and screen. And before you ask, this guy has been through just about every procedure in the world.
He might just be wearing his costume and playing roughly the same character in different scenes. Seriously, this guy has been through it all. Yes, including The Good Wife.
Is there anyone in Elsbeth who hasn’t been on The Good Wife or The Good Fight before? This is not rhetoric. I’m really curious.
So while Mastrogiorgio’s character may annoy audiences, at least he’s played by an actor who truly loves his art.
If you want to see Mastrogiorgio’s other roles to compare with, you can check out the actor from Wicked, Thrones: Raising Kenan, East of New York, and The Blacklist.
No doubt these were not all of Elsbeth’s detectives, but these were certainly the ones that caused the greatest stir.
Considering the precinct can only have so many investigators on its payroll, we’ll probably have this great team for a while. Hopefully Elsbeth will stay with us for much longer.
The show is about to go on hiatus, so now is the perfect time to reactivate your Paramount+ subscription so you can relive all of Elsbeth’s hilarious scenes from seasons one and two.
Do you recognize these actors from their previous roles?
Which actor do you think would do well in a show like Elsbeth?
Leave a comment below to let me know what you think, and please join me again as I share more insights about Elsbeth!
Watch Elsbeth online
