Top 10 Things We Want to See in Elsbeth Season 2

While the first season adhered to a case-of-the-week formula, it wasn’t strictly episodic. At the end of the pilot, it’s revealed that Elsbeth is in New York to investigate Captain Wagner, who’s been suspected of corruption. Elsbeth gradually uncovers a conspiracy with somebody else at the center. Showrunner Jonathan Tolins says that Season 2 will have “a much bigger canvas” with “an order for 20 episodes.” This leaves room for a larger mystery that can’t be solved in one episode. As Elsbeth tackles individual cases week by week, another could continue to stump her with new information being acquired each episode. It could be another internal mystery at the NYPD, but an outside criminal who keeps slipping through the department’s fingers might keep matters fresh.

It’s always a delight when we rewatch a movie or show and notice, “Hey, Carrie Preston was in this!” With so many credits, Preston has worked with an assortment of big names who we’d love to see guest star. “Elsbeth” already had a “True Blood” reunion with Stephen Moyer appearing in the pilot. What better way to kick off Season 2 than with an Anna Paquin guest spot? Beyond Bill and Sookie, Preston could reteam with her “My Best Friend’s Wedding” twin sister, Rachel Griffiths. Having previously worked with her on “Claws,” we’re sure there’s a role Niecy Nash could sink her fingernails into. Between “Lost” and “Person of Interest,” Preston’s real-life husband Michael Emerson is an obvious choice, although he deserves a recurring character.

With the first season only having ten episodes, Jonathan Tolins felt there was only so much time to explore who these characters are outside of the NYPD. We get to know Officer Kaya Blanke and Captain Wagner through their working relationship with Elsbeth, although we’ve seen little of their personal lives. In Wagner’s case, that’s fitting since he was initially an ambiguous character. Now that he’s no longer shrouded in mystery, Season 2 can delve deeper into his marriage, among other things. Kaya has developed a close friendship with Elsbeth, but Season 2 could expand upon their dynamic in more social environments. Future episodes can also bring more people from their inner circles into the mix, showing how Elsbeth works off them.

When Elsbeth arrives at the NYPD, she’s assigned to observe and report. Of course, she can’t help but get involved in every case. Wagner grows distrustful upon learning Elsbeth is there to audit him, even after she clears his name. By the Season 1 finale, though, Wagner comes to see Elsbeth as an asset and friend, giving her a full-time position at the precinct. Elsbeth will continue to root out corruption, although we’re sure she’ll spend most of her time cracking murder cases. Aside from receiving a bigger office, it’ll be interesting to see how Elsbeth’s role in the department changes. The job likely comes with more authority, but just because Elsbeth earned Wagner’s respect doesn’t mean she’s no longer an outsider.

It doesn’t take long for Elsbeth to win over Kaya, who admires her ability to pick up on details most officers and detectives miss. Others in the department don’t always appreciate Elsbeth sticking her nose into their cases. The more time they spend with Elsbeth, though, the more they come to value her as a crime-solver and person. While Kaya will surely remain her bestie, Season 2 could explore new dynamics by pairing Elsbeth with others in the department. Season 1 already introduced recurring characters like Detectives Donnelly and Smullen, who can be fleshed out as foils for Elsbeth going forward. Fresh-faced detectives might be introduced as well, paving the way for friendships and rivalries as Elsbeth distinguishes the crooked cops from the honest ones.

In addition to offering Elsbeth a permanent position in the Season 1 finale, Wagner decides to fast-track Kaya from officer to detective. Season 2 could open with Kaya already being promoted to detective, although it may take Wanger several episodes to make good on his word. Either way, the job is within Kaya’s grasp. While Kaya has come into her own working alongside Elsbeth, this new title will inevitably entail some changes. Looking ahead to Season 2, Jonathan Tolins suggested that Elsbeth won’t tag along on every case assigned to Kaya. Elsbeth and Kaya bring out the best in each other, but by splitting them up every now and then, the writers can explore just how well they work as individuals.

Although Elsbeth appeared on two shows before getting a spinoff, her backstory is still something of a mystery. In Season 7 of “The Good Wife,” we met her equally quirky ex-husband Mike Tascioni, played by Will Patton. While Mike appeared in four episodes overall, Elsbeth’s son Teddy has only been mentioned. All we know about Teddy is that he’s gay and works in Washington, D.C. Just as Colombo had a wife who was frequently talked about yet never seen, Carrie Preston thinks it might be fun to leave Teddy up to the viewer’s imagination. Preston may have a change of tune if they find the right actor, however. There’s definitely potential for a family reunion, but Elsbeth has Gonzo the dog for now.

When doing a spinoff, it’s best not to overload the first season with cameos so the show can establish an identity. Now that “Elsbeth” has found a unique voice, Season 2 seems like the time to bring back a few familiar faces. Although Alicia Florrick hasn’t been seen since “The Good Wife,” it’s mentioned in “The Good Fight” that she moved to New York to start a law firm. Now that they live in the same state, Elsbeth and Alicia could feasibly cross paths. Fan favorite Eli Gold could also become a campaign manager to a New York politician, putting him in Elsbeth’s neck of the woods. Season 2 can even reteam Elsbeth with recurring characters from this universe, such as her fling Josh Perotti.

Like “Columbo” and the more recent “Poker Face,” “Elsbeth” is a “howcatchem.” At least, that’s how the first nine episodes are structured. Episode 10 deviates from the formula, not immediately disclosing who murdered a photographer at a fashion show. Elsbeth struggles to solidify a suspect as her personal struggles cloud her thought process. Her head is cleared by the episode’s end, leading to the murderer’s capture. While Season 2 may revert to the status quo, the Season 1 finale leaves the door open for experimentation. The show shouldn’t abandon the howcatchem formula altogether, but occasionally keeping the audience and Elsbeth in the dark wouldn’t hurt. Like “Monk,” “Elsbeth” could mix things up, revealing the killer upfront some weeks and making other episodes a whodunit.

“Elsbeth” is the third show set in this universe, but the first to stretch beyond the legal drama genre. It’s a police procedural, although catching a criminal is only the first half of law and order. Season 2 can bring back guest stars like Jane Krakowski and Keegan-Michael Key, showing their characters on trial. Elsbeth could be summoned as a witness, although given her background as a lawyer, she might be compelled to do more than testify. If someone close to her were accused of a crime, Elsbeth may seek to represent them, although she’d need to take the New York bar first. While the show should keep Elsbeth rooted in the police department, having her revisit the courtroom would be a welcome detour.

What do you want to see in “Elsbeth” Season 2? Let us know in the comments.