Elsbeth wrapped up season 2 with a main cast member officially leaving the show — but where does the story go from here?
During the finale, which aired on Thursday, May 8, Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) was released — but not before solving a murder first. She returned to the precinct just in time for Kaya’s (Carra Patterson) goodbye party, which Elsbeth tried to take in stride.
“It’s been in development since the beginning of season 2,” Preston exclusively told Us Weekly about how the CBS show prepared for Patterson’s exit. “We wanted to honor her and elevate her to detective. So it was very exciting when that happened for the character. Not as exciting for us though because we love Carra. I love Carra and I obviously love playing with her.”
Preston, 57, promised this isn’t the last we will see of Kaya, adding, “She’s still on the show — it’s just in a different capacity. It’s nice because it adds some conflict, and it adds some stuff for Elsbeth to wrestle with. It’s going to deepen my character.”
Elsbeth, which premiered in 2024, reintroduced Elsbeth after she originally appeared on The Good Wife and The Good Fight. The first two seasons showed the titular character becoming a de facto detective who aids NYPD investigations.
In addition to Preston and Patterson, 41, Elsbeth also stars Wendell Pierce. The series has already been preparing for Elsbeth to have a new partner by pairing her off with a handful of new cops — including Officer Chandler, played by Ethan Slater.
“With Elsbeth having to deal with this person not being there who she really leans on, it’s a real testament to the writers that they did it in such a gradual and beautiful way,” Preston noted. “It’s the good thing about Elsbeth is so positive and never met a stranger.”
The actress didn’t rule out potential “growing pains” as Elsbeth adjusts to “flying solo” in season 3, saying, “The writers have already started introducing other uniformed officers that Elsbeth really relies on to get onto the crime scene. The way our show is structured, it’s not the same detective with Elsbeth onevery case.”
Preston continued: “So that always adds a little breath of fresh air as well by having different points of views and different people for her to either partner with or go head to head with in the pursuit of justice.”
The procedural nature of the show means each episode has new characters that need Elsbeth’s help with viewers usually knowing who was to blame for a crime from the beginning of the episode.
“I trust that the writers are going to come up with wonderful new things. They’re going to bring back characters that we already know. They’re going to bring in fresh perspectives to keep the show exciting,” Preston teased. “The same way that we are treating all of our special guest stars, they just inject the episodes with such life and vitality. I imagine that the same thing is going to be said for any new partners for Elsbeth.”
Preston clarified that the third season is not looking to “replace Kaya.”
“She’s irreplaceable. We just want to continue her story in the way that honors her character and get her back when we can,” Preston told Us. “Then we’ll see what happens and what new friends Elsbeth makes along the way.”
Elsbeth is currently streaming on Paramount+.
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