Get ready for a shocking twist in the world of Elsbeth—because Stephen Colbert’s cameo in the Season 3 premiere is more than just a funny coincidence. Yes, you heard that right. Colbert, playing a parody of himself, delivers a line that feels eerily prophetic: ‘We’re going to miss this show when it’s gone.’ But here’s the kicker—this line was written before his real-life late-night show was canceled by CBS just a week before filming. Talk about timing! And this is the part most people miss: his appearance reunites him with Strangers With Candy costar Amy Sedaris, adding a layer of nostalgia that’s hard to ignore. Is it just a fun cameo, or does it hint at something deeper about the show’s future? Let’s dive in.
The Season 3 premiere, ‘Yes, And…,’ kicks off with Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) navigating her personal and professional life. We see her rekindling a romantic fling with Angus (Ioan Gruffudd) and maintaining her friendship with Sheryl (Marcia DeBonis), whose new book lands Elsbeth on the set of Way Late With Scotty Bristol—the very place where Bristol (Colbert) meets his untimely end. But here’s where it gets controversial: Elsbeth breaks the mold this season. Gone are the days of revealing the murderer in the opening scene. Showrunner Jonathan Tolins explains, ‘Not every murderer will be revealed when the episodes begin.’ This shift in structure keeps viewers on their toes, blending mystery with unexpected storytelling twists.
And this is the part most people miss: Elsbeth’s improv skills, honed by Sedaris’s character Laurel, become a key tool in solving cases. It’s a clever nod to the characters’ shared history and adds depth to Elsbeth’s problem-solving approach. Speaking of depth, Elsbeth’s internal struggles this season are more complex than ever. With Kaya (Carra Patterson) off on an undercover mission, Elsbeth grapples with loneliness and questions of honesty and truth in her friendships. Tolins teases, ‘Those new friendships lead to some thorny questions for her about what’s most important.’
But let’s not forget the elephant in the room: Crawford’s (Michael Emerson) lingering impact. After witnessing his murder, Elsbeth carries an emotional burden, and Tolins hints at a new character from Crawford’s world who will shake things up. Will this character rival Crawford’s villainous arc, or is the show taking a different approach? Tolins assures us, ‘We’re not doing a big new villain. We didn’t want to feel like we were repeating ourselves.’
Now, let’s talk about the Elsbeth-Wagner dynamic. Their relationship has evolved into a seamless partnership, reminiscent of Lou and Mary from The Mary Tyler Moore Show. But is it too seamless? Does their ease together risk becoming predictable? Tolins addresses this by introducing new tensions and exploring Wagner’s personal life, ensuring the relationship stays fresh and engaging.
Finally, let’s circle back to Colbert’s cameo. Tolins admits he was ‘shocked and appalled’ by the cancellation news but relieved when Colbert remained committed to the role. Was the prophetic line a coincidence, or did Tolins secretly rewrite the script? The answer: it was always there. ‘I did not rewrite the script to reflect what was happening in the news,’ Tolins clarifies. But the resonance is undeniable.
So, here’s the big question: Does Elsbeth Season 3 mark a turning point for the show, or is it just another chapter in its evolution? With its bold storytelling choices, returning favorites, and new faces, one thing’s for sure—this season is anything but predictable. What do you think? Is the show’s new direction a risk worth taking, or do you miss the old formula? Sound off in the comments—let’s debate!
