Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 6 ‘Bunker Down’ involves a totally-paranoid billionaire, a bunker — excuse me, “a riot retreat for social unrest,” whatever the difference is there — our second hostage situation of the season (this one doesn’t end well), a maybe-date, and a surprise run-in with Judge Crawford’s widow. Somehow, thanks to that extra something special that makes this series what it is, all of the above combine to make for an entertaining time. It’s a solid hour that feels like classic Elsbeth. And that’s in spite of two very obvious differences from what would actually count as classic: First, we still have no update on Kaya following her seeming disappearance earlier this season. And, second, Elsbeth and friends don’t investigate a murder viewers have already seen occur. Instead, there’s kind of…an accidental death, halfway through, after a fixer escapes from Craig the billionaire’s bunker riot retreat.
With Carrie Preston’s usual charm, Tony Hale’s appearance as the truly diabolical Craig, and a little bit of a mystery at the end following what had appeared to be a heartwarming conversation between Elsbeth and Winnie Crawford (Henny Russell, in a performance that really makes the reveal extra intriguing), ‘Bunker Down’ is yet another strong entry for the series. Interestingly enough, it’s impossible to take a deep dive here because the episode is explicitly clear about its own underlying themes. Elsbeth Tascioni herself sums it up around the halfway point: “It’s all about the corrupting influence of money and how the rich insulate themselves from the consequences of their behavior.”
Yes, the character’s explaining The Great Gatsby to Craig, who claims to have never read the book despite using a collectors’ copy of it to access his torture chamber. But let’s not kid ourselves — those words are for everyone watching at home. And since Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 6 happens to give Hale a ton of disastrously awful things to say and do that remind us why a lot of folks have a problem with billionaires in the first place, that just makes the message even clearer. (And the episode even better.) In fact, a lot of the dialogue in this hour is a pretty scathing commentary on billionaires, their fixers, and how they degrade both the rule of law and society as a whole.
But if you’re just watching for a good time, no worries. Just watch the excellent performances, and enjoy.
“I guess I expected you to still defend him.” “Given what I know now, how can I?”
Outside of the case of the week, Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 6 has yet another commentary on the wealthy, their power, and how complicated a person’s legacy can become because of all of the above. The scene where Elsbeth tells Winnie Crawford about her husband is brilliant, even before we learn at the end that maybe the widow Crawford isn’t as devastated to learn about the judge’s EVIL deeds as she appears to be. Preston plays such a regretful, cautious version of Elsbeth there, and Russell makes this woman’s grief and devastation palpable. She also says all the right things, in terms of no longer wanting to honor her late husband not being able to defend him after learning he was a murderer.
But the question becomes: What happens to the charity work? Winnie’s correct that something like her work with the law library, which brings in “…a great deal of private money at a time when public money is disappearing,” is vitally important and probably shouldn’t be abandoned right now. And maybe, as she also says, “some good can come of the tragic events of the past.” But do you do that good while continuing to cover up those events? Or. Is it better to come clean, then fundraise based on wanting to make amends? Morally, the answer should be the second option. In reality, it’s probably the first one.
Based on the way this hour ends, it looks like Winnie’s going with the easier, more cynical, approach to things and torching any chance at real repair. Literally. She burns that missing evidence linking her dead husband to a murder after learning about it from Elsbeth during yet another touching scene — one that gave Elsbeth the hope for a new friend, even!
So, what does that say? Was Winnie genuine about anything at all? If so, does the guilt eventually consume her? And if not, what happens when Elsbeth finds out all that kindness was just an act? One she couldn’t see through, unlike so many others? Although I’d be lying if I said I’m not dreading what looks to be more future pain for our hero, I’m still really interested to see where this story goes.
More Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 6 reactions
“Fortunately, it’s not a Me Too situation, and she’s a nobody with fewer than 10,000 followers.” Would the “nobody” comment still stand if it was that kind of situation? Going to guess yes, given the type of people we’re dealing with here.
“The mayoral election is going on, and the crazies are coming out of the woodwork. And they are hellbent on making us feel guilty about generating wealth and creating entire industries.” That is…not what people have a problem with. It’s the lack of ethics, like the wage theft, and exploitation, and refusing to contribute to actual good.
Dude is so creepy the second Anders utters the word “diabolical.” Hale goes from, like, “average paranoid character” to beyond the pale, exceptionally F—ed up and makes that switch just…instantly.
“ARE YOU TRYING TO MICROWAVE ME?!”
Absolutely love that Elsbeth still has her Way Late mug. (How do I get one?)
“Ohh, you are really laying on the charm, aren’t you?” “Is it working?” “Yes.” She is so adorably flustered.
…and no, honey, those sugar packets aren’t going to turn down the heat.
“Dog?!” Never change, Elsbeth. Not ever.
“Those people are worse than lawyers.” Elsbeth’s head tilt, though.
Also kind of hilarious coming out of Wendell Pierce’s mouth. Because, first of all, the man knows how to make any line funny. And, second, his characterRobert Zane from Suits would like a word.
“The phone company isn’t gonna just hand over his phone records. That’s a violation of privacy.” Wagner’s grin…and…”TWELVE MINUTES LATER,” here come the records.
Absolutely love the camera work that has us, basically, seeing Elsbeth, Lt. Connor, and Officer Reynolds through Craig’s peephole.
I, too, would get distracted by the chocolates. Based on how Preston plays Elsbeth’s reaction, I’m guessing they’re of god-tier quality.
“Excuse me. Must you touch everything?” (She must.)
“You know, generally, I’m not a fan of humans. But this one, I can tolerate.” Honestly relatable.
“I’m beginning to think it goes beyond reputations to things like, I don’t know, evidence of wrongdoing. For example.” “Of course.” “We stay within the bounds of current law.” “I wonder if there’ll be any future law.” This exchange is so fascinating. Like, sure, Preston’s doing the air quotes thing and making use of her always-superb physical acting here. But there’s something extra, something special happening. Her tone, and taking a rare opportunity to step outside of Elsbeth’s usual brightness, both really show true, complete disgust for what these people do and how it affects the law, which we know she cares about very much.
The “delicious” delivery.
“…one of the richest men in the world whose campaign contributions determines whom we work for…” That part.
“After eating your chocolates, I thought, I need to do something in return, but what do you give a billionaire?” “Solitude?” Loved Hale’s delivery here, as well as Preston’s very awkward chuckle.
“I don’t read books. AI summarizes everything for me.” Gross. Also: Her face.
“Sounds like the writer was poor…cause poor people are always trying to scapegoat the rich, aren’t they?” Or, perhaps, y’all are terrible. IDK.
“And that’s not going to stop until they get Universal Basic Income. Hm?” “At least you recognize that people will need a means to live.”
Anyone else kinda terrified when Elsbeth went to Craig’s house alone? Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 6 could’ve gone very, very badly. We know what he’s capable of, Exhibit A being what he did to Anders Wittman the second he got spooked. And Elsbeth’s a total random to him, even more “beneath” him than Anders. Not to mention, the way he intimidates her and gets in her space, backing her up as he talks about poors scapegoating his type…yikes.
“…a very rich man who isn’t against helping people. He’s just against the whole human race.” I do respect an equal opportunity hater. Craig’s got that one thing going for him!
Can we all just appreciate Elsbeth ducking behind Hot Candidate to try and hide from Winnie Crawford? Also, what’s going to happen when Marissa finds out about this little outing???
“…and if we had done a thorough job to begin with, we might’ve found Anders alive.” My God, the emotion.
“Here it comes!” “We have no proof.”
“I’m sorry for what you went through, and I will stop honoring the judge’s memory.”
“Powerful men usually do whatever they can to keep their secrets.”
In conclusion, eat the rich.
An escape room! Love that Officer Reynolds introduced Elsbeth to them, kinda wish we’d been totally surprised instead of having Reynolds mention them earlier on.
Dude is in character in that escape room.
“Shhhh! He’s probably getting his equity card.” Elsbeth Tascioni, union-supporting queen.
“Tascioni. Maybe you should write it down.”
“Does it get tiring? Believing everyone is out to get you.”
Elsbeth’s making friends! Yessss, Reynolds! High five!
“The bad news never ends, does it?” That part.
On first watch, Winnie really seemed sincere about wanting to have lunch and talk about more pleasant things. But the second time around, knowing what she does at the end, it’s easier to see the cracks in the facade. On a rewatch, I was able to reevaluate the look in her eye when Elsbeth mentions trying to make new friends. It’s…more about seizing on an opportunity than what initially came across as this woman still being extremely emotional about her husband. Just excellent work there and throughout.
