Title: A Modern Twist on “Columbo”: The Quirky and Intrepid Elsbeth Tascioni in Her New CBS-Friendly Series
After the successful run of “The Good Wife,” its producers decided to create a more network-friendly spinoff with “Elsbeth,” which introduces Carrie Preston’s captivating title character as a modern interpretation of the iconic Columbo. Although there are no apparent similarities in their methods, one thing is for sure – Elsbeth’s quick-witted personality and knack for solving crimes will keep viewers engaged.
H2: The Big Apple Beckons Elsbeth Tascioni
In the pilot episode, we find Elsbeth, a fast-talking and intelligent attorney, leaving the windy city of Chicago behind to embrace the vibrant energy of New York City. The reason for her relocation is a consent decree, delicately described as addressing “some teeny corruption problems,” which appoints Elsbeth to oversee the police department.
H2: The NYPD’s Uneasy Welcome
Upon her arrival, the New York Police Department and its captain (Wendell Pierce) are less than thrilled about having Elsbeth on board. In an attempt to keep tabs on her, they assign a quiet officer (Carra Patterson) to monitor her activities closely. Regardless of the resistance she encounters, Elsbeth’s mandate provides her with a unique opportunity to delve into investigations, leaving everyone else in awe of her disarming approach.
Created by Robert and Michelle King, “Elsbeth” presents a modest serialized aspect to its premise, but for the most part, it remains faithful to the classic murder-of-the-week format. The series uses the age-old device of revealing the killer’s identity early on, leaving Elsbeth as the only one who hasn’t caught up. Her uncanny ability to focus on even the smallest of details sets her apart from everyone else.
H2: A Star-Studded Cast and a Familiar Formula
The episodes previewed include guest appearances by Stephen Moyer, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, and Jane Krakowski. In one installment, Ferguson plays the producer of a reality show reminiscent of Bravo’s “Real Housewives,” where one of its cast members ends up dead. The new series represents a long-awaited opportunity to extract more value from the legacy of “The Good Wife,” while maintaining the comforting formula that continues to resonate with traditional networks – a formula which CBS has recently embraced with its other new procedural drama, “Tracker.”
H2: A Modest Diversion with a Spark of Enthusiasm
Although there’s not much about this approach that warrants wild enthusiasm, those seeking an engaging and lighthearted distraction are in for a treat. Preston’s performance as Elsbeth is nothing short of captivating, and the clever writing keeps the audience hooked. With her uncontainable enthusiasm, Elsbeth manages to light up our screens once more.
“Elsbeth” premieres on February 29, 10 p.m. ET on CBS.
