Carrie Preston describes her role as “Elsbeth” as the main attraction, not just a supporting character.
In both “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight,” she entered cases as an eccentric lawyer, adding the necessary spice to episodes amidst the intense drama.
Now, in her third series, she portrays an attorney unraveling mysteries in New York. Preston mentions that Elsbeth Tascioni is somewhat out of her element, confident in the legal realm but still finding her footing in this new environment. The tone is lighter, more comedic, and less focused on politics.
Similar to “Columbo,” a show it shares similarities with, “Elsbeth” kicks off with an incident and involves both law enforcement and the lawyer in the case. The audience is privy to the culprit, setting the stage for a suspenseful pursuit.
In a debut episode in February, Stephen Moyer, Preston’s co-star from “True Blood,” played a pivotal suspect role.
Preston expresses her comfort having him on set for the pilot, emphasizing the importance of strong scene work due to the dialogue-intensive nature of the show. Guest stars like Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Jane Krakowski, Linda Lavin, and Blair Underwood are set to make appearances throughout the series.
The creators of the show, Robert and Michelle King, were inspired to shine the spotlight on Tascioni after binge-watching numerous “Columbo” episodes during the pandemic. The focus is not on ‘whodunnit’ but rather on ‘howdunnit,’ offering a more engaging and witty approach to puzzle solving.
Writer and producer Jonathan Tolins describes the show as a delightful puzzle, making it an enjoyable watch for the audience.
Elsbeth, being on her own, must seek trustworthy individuals to confide in. Carra Patterson’s character, Kaya Blanke, emerges as a probable confidante—a dedicated NYPD officer who earns Elsbeth’s respect.
Wendell Pierce plays the role of the captain, whose evolving relationship with Elsbeth softens his initial skepticism towards her investigations. As the series progresses, the dynamics between the characters promise intriguing developments.
Preparation for the new series involved Patterson immersing herself in episodes featuring Elsbeth from “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight.” References to Elsbeth’s son and his relationship with her will be incorporated into the storyline.
Preston emphasizes the complexity of Elsbeth’s character, describing her as quick-witted and enigmatic, making the role both challenging and enjoyable to portray.
“Elsbeth” is set to return in April, airing on CBS.
Bruce Miller serves as the editor of the Sioux City Journal.