In a sea of self-serious legal dramas and police procedurals, The Good Wife spin-off Elsbeth stands out for its quirky and delightfully sunny approach. Like Columbo or (more recently) Poker Face before it, it reveals the killer right at the start. And since the hook is knowing how the crime is solved, not who does it, Elsbeth is the perfect guide to take us through the end. She’s giddy but intelligent, wide-eyed but perceptive. Though the rest of the cast’s acting is just network TV-good, Preston herself and the many guest stars are consistently stellar and a blast to watch. The writing and overall acting could be better, but it’s worth watching for Elsbeth’s magnetic presence.
"There’s a place for rich, haunting serialized drama when it’s done well, but there’s also a place for spritely, well-written, and entertaining case-of-the-week dramas."
— Jackson McHenry
"A rock-solid procedural with a winning trio in front of the camera and a brilliant duo behind it. It may only happen every seven years or so, but the network nicknamed The Eye once again has something worth keeping an eye on."
— Ben Travers
After her successful career in Chicago, Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney, utilizes her singular point of view to make unique observations and corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD.
Defense attorney Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) moves from Chicago to New York to help the NYPD solve murder mysteries, all while secretly investigating the department’s captain for potential corruption.
I know it’s supposed to be a joke, but I’m living for Elsbeth’s fashion choices.
Elsbeth is a ray of sunshine in a genre packed with grim, self-serious shows.
WGA
1 nomination
