Get ready for a thrilling ride as we dive into the world of 'Elsbeth' and its captivating Season 3 premiere! The unexpected twist? Stephen Colbert's cameo, a parody of himself, adds a layer of intrigue to the show. But here's the kicker: his line, "We're going to miss this show when it's gone," was written before his late-night show's cancellation, making it eerily prescient. This season promises to break the mold, leaving viewers on the edge of their seats.
In "Yes, And...", we find Elsbeth Tascioni, played by the talented Carrie Preston, navigating her romantic life and friendships. She's still friends with Sheryl from Season 2, and it's Sheryl's new book that brings Elsbeth to the set of Way Late With Scotty Bristol, where a murder takes place. Elsbeth's improv skills, learned from her friend Laurel, become her secret weapon to solve the case. But here's where it gets controversial: not every murderer will be revealed at the start of each episode, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.
Showrunner Jonathan Tolins gives us an inside look at the premiere and Colbert's appearance post-cancellation. He reveals that Elsbeth's biggest internal struggle this season revolves around the absence of her friend Kaya, who's on undercover missions. This leads Elsbeth to cultivate her other friendships, raising questions about honesty and truth. Tolins also teases the introduction of a new character from Crawford's world, who will have a significant impact on Elsbeth.
When asked about breaking form in Season 3, Tolins explains that they're experimenting with episode structures. Some episodes will deviate from the traditional Columbo formula, where the murder is shown first, and Elsbeth solves it. Instead, viewers might not see the murder at all, or they'll be kept in the dark about the murderer for an extended period. Tolins shares an example of an episode where the murder is shown, but the story then shifts to Elsbeth's life, only to reconnect with the case later on.
As for the Elsbeth-Wagner relationship, Tolins describes it as a "Lou and Mary" dynamic, referencing "The Mary Tyler Moore Show." The warmth and understanding between the characters have evolved, and they've found new ways to create tension without repeating past conflicts. The relationship deepens as the season progresses.
Fans will be pleased to know that Kaya, played by Carra Patterson, returns in Episode 3. Tolins assures us that they aim to include Kaya as much as possible, given scheduling constraints. He also introduces new characters, like the uniformed officer Grace Hackett, played by Lindsay Mendez, who will appear multiple times throughout the season.
"Elsbeth" promises an exciting journey with its unique approach to storytelling. Will you be tuning in to uncover the mysteries and enjoy the stellar guest stars? Don't miss the regular air time premiere on Thursday, October 16, at 10/9c!
