Carrie Preston Returns as Elsbeth in New CBS Procedural 'Elsbeth'
Carrie Preston reprises her role as Elsbeth Tascioni in the new CBS crime show 'Elsbeth.' The character of Elsbeth has been a fan favorite since her introduction on 'The Good Wife' and has now been given her own series. 'Elsbeth' offers a lighthearted, comedic take on the police procedural genre.
Carrie Preston Brings Elsbeth to the Forefront
Carrie Preston has been playing the character of Elsbeth Tascioni for almost 14 years, and now she gets to take center stage in her own show. While filming 'Elsbeth,' Preston's improvisational skills shine through as she fully embodies the quirky, awkward, and funny nature of the character. This CBS procedural is new, but the character of Elsbeth is a familiar and beloved presence for fans of 'The Good Wife' and 'The Good Fight.'
Robert King, the co-creator of 'Elsbeth,' praises Preston's ability to bring unexpected moments to the character. Even though they may not have been in the script, Preston's small gestures and expressions add depth to Elsbeth. Her portrayal has earned her two Emmy nominations and one win for her role as Elsbeth in previous shows. It's clear that Preston's interpretation of the character resonates with audiences and the creators alike.
The Evolution of Elsbeth Tascioni
Elsbeth Tascioni started as a recurring character on 'The Good Wife' and 'The Good Fight' before finally getting her own show. The character started out as somewhat subdued, but over time, she became more madcap and comedic. The Kings, the creators of the shows, recognized the audience's love for Elsbeth and gradually gave her more screen time.
The decision to create a show centered around Elsbeth came about during the Covid-19 pandemic when the Kings found themselves binge-watching episodes of 'Columbo.' The character of Columbo, played by Peter Falk, served as inspiration for Elsbeth, as both are unconventional detectives who catch their opponents off guard. Elsbeth brings a new, interesting dynamic to the genre, especially with the added layer of gender.
A Refreshing Take on the Police Procedural Genre
'Elsbeth' breaks away from the usual gritty and dark tone of modern police shows. It offers a comedic twist on the procedural genre, keeping audiences entertained and engaged. Elsbeth's idiosyncratic charm and childlike enthusiasm set her apart from the troubled cops commonly seen on TV. She brings a sense of lightness and joy to her investigations, making 'Elsbeth' a refreshing and enjoyable watch.
The show follows the 'howdunit' format, where the culprit's identity is known from the beginning. As Elsbeth tackles criminal cases in New York, viewers witness her verbal cat-and-mouse games with the affluent and powerful culprits. Each episode is filled with witty banter and unexpected twists, keeping the audience on their toes. With a stellar cast and a unique concept, 'Elsbeth' is sure to captivate fans of the genre.
