Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 3 has a little bit of everything — a melodramatic reality star/influencer, a surprise not-dead husband, that same husband actually winding up dead, and of course, our very own Elsbeth Tascioni seeing right through the murderous wife’s act. Unlike the first two episodes of this season, ‘Good Grief’ doesn’t really break away from the series’ tried and true formula, and that’s ok. If we try to break the mold too often, all we wind up with is a new misshapen sort of mold that nobody wants to play with anyway. In fact, it’s precisely the return to the familiar that works best about this hour.
As far as the murder of the week goes, it’s entertaining enough. Everything necessary to poke fun at influencer culture and a certain reality franchise is there, from the terrible over-acting to Raquel’s dramatic need to get just the right shot during her live broadcast from the police station, and plenty of other details. Including an app that preschedules TikToks as a way of blowing up Raquel’s alibi is clever and in tune with social media enough to close the case in a way that makes sense. (…as much as anything on a series like this one can make sense, at least.) And, really, who could turn down the chance for Elsbeth to crash a reality reunion special to get her own wildly entertaining on-camera moment? (Carrie Preston is about as perfect in that scene as it gets. No surprise there.)
Then again…Murder? What murder? We’re just here for one of the best female friendships on TV, and thankfully, this episode delivers. Big time.
She’s back…but not for anywhere near long enough.
There’s something kind of heartbreaking, yet simultaneously heartwarming, about how Elsbeth runs into Kaya in Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 3. Immediately before the surprise reunion, she’s totally alone, the outsider to budding BFFs Hackett and Fleming. Not that they were intentionally mean — it’s just that they clicked, and Elsbeth didn’t fit. But then, when she’s a little lost and trying to find a way to get the job done on her own…there’s Kaya. There’s the person she has that something special with, right when she needs her most. It’s so sad to see her left out like that, but then, it feels so good to think about how the best friends can always be counted on to show up at just the right time.
Of course, this isn’t your usual situation between friends who haven’t been able to keep in touch lately. It’s messy, even. Kaya’s undercover as “Denise Jackson,” keeping an eye on the docks. Her investigation is too important to risk blowing her cover, which means she and Elsbeth can’t just live in the moment and celebrate seeing each other again. So, aside from that gasp of recognition and those delighted wordless conversations, the reunion isn’t exactly what these two might want or expect. They find a way to make it work, though. Because, well, it’s them.
As good as this season has been so far, something’s been missing, but Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 3 finally gives us the complete experience. There’s a whole world of storytelling in just the way Kaya and Elsbeth initially try so hard to pretend to be strangers, to avoid turning to look directly at each other, in the first bar scene. The longer they’re together, though, the harder it is to maintain the act. And when Elsbeth tells Kaya about Angus, they’re as physically close as possible, one friend holding another’s in comfort. Obviously, the handholding has to be done in secret, under the bar top, because of the case. But that just gives the moment more weight. That Kaya would reach out like that, knowing the stakes for her work and for her own safety, really says more about the way she cares for Elsbeth than words ever could.
Patterson and Preston are, as ever, brilliant together. There’s such a sadness — yet definitely not outright heartbreak — in how Elsbeth talks about Angus, the smiles accompanying her reassuring words to her friend not quite meeting her eyes. Preston plays it vulnerably, yet understated, which also speaks to the strength of the Kaya/Elsbeth friendship. Elsbeth can open up without any need for exaggerating, can show she’s starting to get to a better place without putting on an overly brave face. There’s also no need to make it all about her when Kaya’s the one who’s risking it all just to get together. They’re equals, and no one wants to turn such joyous stolen moments with their person into something depressing. So, there’s some grief here, yes, but it’s good grief.
Patterson keeps Kaya as under control as possible — the character is the professional and the actual cop who’s undercover here, after all — but there’s that more authentic Kaya we know and love begging to come out and play under there. That real, true concern for a friend just can’t stay hidden any more than Elsbeth’s excitement about being there can. And that little reaction to the Loch Ness Monster plush is golden — so little, to tell us so much about how amusing, yet baffling and strange, that is. Like, how is “Denise” supposed to explain that?? But also: You can just tell Kaya’s thinking something along the lines of, “oh, Elsbeth, never change.”
Was seeing Kaya again worth the risk?
The second time Elsbeth and “Denise” unexpectedly get together also happens immediately after Elsbeth’s feeling left out and not fitting in with the others. But unlike the first time, we have a little bit more of an idea about what Kaya might be working on. And this is also after Wagner warned Elsbeth she absolutely couldn’t talk to Kaya because she’s “in the belly of the beast,” and trying “could jeopardize her operation. Maybe even Kaya herself.”
It’s really interesting narrative choice to have Kaya give Elsbeth exactly the evidence she needs to implicate Raquel in her husband’s murder but, then, force her to find a way to make a case without it. I’m very, very, very relieved that Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 3 doesn’t have this become a situation where Elsbeth winds up betraying Kaya’s trust just to create drama for drama’s sake. It’s bad enough that they’re apart at all; putting more between them would be unforgivable. Not to mention, I’d also argue it would be way out of character for Elsbeth to knowingly put anyone in harm’s way — especially someone who means so much to her.
But did getting together put Kaya in danger, anyway? If the way “Denise” leaves the bar after being spotted by that scary-looking guy is any indication, that would be a yes. Put it together with learning her number has been disconnected and Elsbeth’s reaction to that news, and that’s…Well, it’s certainly not a good sign. There are so many ways this could all go wrong, but I don’t want to think about any of them. So, let’s not go there, though. Please and thanks.
More on Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 3
“I’m here, Babe. IRL.” …do people actually say it as “IRL” …in real life?
“…finally start popping out those rugrats.” This, plus the totally unnecessary butt slap, and I’m like…I support Raquel’s wrongs.
“I’m nobody’s wifey” indeed.
(But murder is obviously bad. Same for gaslighting. Also not particularly into all the influencing or whatever, so…)
“…but just because we’re sad doesn’t mean you don’t want to be beautiful.” You do you, I guess!
Officer Hackett’s excited fangirling over “the widow from that show” was just delightful. Lindsay Mendez is so fun as this character. (And, weirdly, also a guest on SVU in an episode that aired on the same night.)
“Anyone wanna hear Johnny’s voicemails first? Hm? You know, see if the old lady’s crazy.” Oh, this mom is not having it…and Elsbeth and Captain Wagner both totally clock it.
“So, I was watching my program, and — and I didn’t hear the phone.” Relatable.
“I’m actually not.” Again, Mama Marie is not having it. Cathy Moriarty is so fun in this episode. I don’t know if I would’ve cared about the case itself at all without her character, but she lights up every scene she’s in.
The intelligence in Preston’s expression when Elsbeth hears Raquel say she’s never been more sure her husband’s dead, though.
Also loved that wordless little back and forth like “you seeing this?” “Yeah. You think it’s her?” “Mmmhm” with Wagner. Raquel’s so self-absorbed, she doesn’t even catch those tiny nods they share.
Check out those grins when Elsbeth and Hackett hear about those empty beer cans. I think what actually kinda breaks me a little here is how easily this could be a beautiful friendship, but it’s…Fleming who Hackett bonds with. Then again, the partnership with Kaya is way, way, way too special to try to redo it in any way.
“Yeah, she’s been keeping an eye on me. You know, like I’m a mental patient.”
“The police are here, and they have some news. So, if you can just — stop! — looking in the mirror for two seconds and get your a** in gear.” It’s the way Moriarty puts that extra emphasis on the “stop!” for me. The pure irritation on the very end of the delivery is great, too.
“Can I get you guys something? I have Entenmann’s.” A) Yes, please. And 2) again, what a mom. Finally, C) LET POOR ELSBETH HAVE SOME PASTRY.
Super use of that quick cut to the body after Marie was all “my Johnny is a-live!” Hilarious AF irony.
“Rich people are crazy.” True.
“I agree. Sometimes, I drink milk from the carton. Tastes awesome.” My poor little third wheel tried so hard. But also, I’m kind of with Hackett and Fleming on the “???” looks after that.
“Denise then. Which is de-lovely, by the way.”
Those fond smiles at each other as Elsbeth leaves. MY HEART.
“Eating frozen yogurt makes me sad now. But. That’s no one’s fault.” This one punched me right in the guts. It’s another example of what I was talking about above with Elsbeth not wanting to burden Kaya or make the conversation either too sad or all about her. But it’s also, just…so much more. I think we can all relate to really, deeply missing someone like that, to the point where the things we associate with the good times we had with them just start to hurt.
“…sometimes, you have to sacrifice something to move forward.” “Ultimately, neither of us was willing. That told us all we needed to know.” Kill me now.
“It didn’t work. That’s all. I don’t need a man to be happy.” Ok, so first of all: To refer back to my point about Elsbeth’s sad, little smiles above, the way Preston does it with this part of the conversation is much more convincing. It gives the impression that Elsbeth isn’t trying to convince herself or Kaya but actually knows she’s complete as she is. And that’s…fine. A good message in theory, actually! The thing is, not needing a man to be happy is not the same as saying a hardworking and/or strong woman shouldn’t also be able to be happy and in love. Especially with Elsbeth losing her partnership with Kaya, having someone else consistently there for her would be nice.
To be fair, Elsbeth and Captain Wagner have some sweet moments, but it’s not the same.
“You watch Black Veil.“ “You know I watch everything.” “I know.” Look at them. Did anyone else just cry here, or is everyone reading this normal? Again: When it’s that kind of friendship, you can just fall right back into all the closeness, all the fun, all inside…stuff. Doesn’t matter the situation or how long it’s been. At all.
Yes, yes. “Casually” slide that plushie over. And that awkward grin and side-eye from Kaya. I MISS HER.
I can’t say as I’ll be upset every time we have a musical reference. Sorry, not sorry.
“My brain is very busy. So, um, I like to…unplug sometimes and make things with my hands. It’s um..meditative.”
Totally cracked up watching Elsbeth search around, trying to figure out where Raquel was.
“When I post my stand up clips, every like is like proof I exist, and when they bomb, it’s like I’m screaming into a void. In a dark room with no windows.” First: I feel attacked. Second: Super delivery with on the emotional shift.
Someone please just accept Elsbeth’s invitation to go grab a bite and be her friend already.
“Oh, my body hurts from not being able to hug you.” Hm. And my everything hurts from hearing that and seeing how restless she is as she says it.
“Just wanted you to know…your hunch was right.” She loves her, Your Honor.
“Now, he caught himself right before he crashed — he was always a very gifted athlete.” She is such a mom.
“Lady, you’re stone crazy.” Get her, Elsbeth! But seriously, imagine making TikToks all day to monetize your grief. Why are people?
I love that shot of Elsbeth in close-up as she saying, “if you look close enough, things reveal themselves.” Same, of course, goes for how Preston plays that moment up.
Elsbeth as reality TV host, popping in and out of character whenever she finds a camera to talk to: Perfection. 10/10. Never change.
Carrie Preston as Elsbeth as Raquel is both very good and kind of a problem. It takes a lot to do over-acting for effect and do it well, and Preston just nails it. So, that’s the good. The problem? Let’s just say there’s a reason she’s the star.
“Nooo. No more performing.”
“I was gonna tell Grace and Buzz about it. But…they probably wouldn’t care.” “I know who would.”
Captain Wagner is so cute, looking over his shoulder so he doesn’t get caught handing over the burner.
SHE IS SO EXCITED.
…oh. No. Absolutely not. We’re. No.
What an image to end on. Just…Elsbeth’s face falling, the worry…no.
Agree? What did you think of Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 3 ‘Good Grief’? Leave us a comment!
New episodes of Elsbeth air Thursdays at 10/9c on CBS.
