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Since its premiere, the show Elsbeth has carved out a distinct identity with its adventurous approach to storytelling, engaging viewers with its mix of quirky cases and unexpected plot twists.
However, the latest episodes of the current season have led to questions about the creative direction taken by the writers. The tone has shifted from whimsical to somewhat awkward, prompting viewers to reconsider the quality of the narratives.
With a lead character like Elsbeth Tascioni, it’s no surprise that the show often flirts with unconventional storytelling choices. Fortunately, many of these decisions have generally worked in its favor. For instance, one memorable moment involved a chef willing to go to extreme lengths, literally bashing her head with a meat tenderizer during Season 2, Episode 5—a testament to the show’s penchant for bold and dramatic scenarios.
Nonetheless, not every episode of Season 2 has resonated as strongly with its audience. There have been a few missteps, particularly regarding certain storylines that stumbled in execution.
There’s Only So Much Elsbeth Can Get Away with in a Valentine’s Day Episode, but “Tiny Town” Pushed It to the Limit
The first notable misfire of Season 2 came during the Valentine’s Day episode titled “Tiny Town.” While the premise had its charm, several significant concerns detracted from the overall enjoyment.
Firstly, some viewers expressed dissatisfaction with the portrayal of a small Scottish town, pointing out it leaned heavily on stereotypes. Additionally, a more technical aspect caught my attention: the show suggested that New York City and Scotland shared the same time zone, which felt implausible and confusing for the audience. This overlooked detail could have enhanced the believability of the narrative.
Moreover, it raised eyebrows that, after being pursued by two firefighters in previous episodes, Elsbeth only showed romantic interest in Angus, a Scottish firefighter living over three thousand miles away in this particular installment.
As the episode unfolded, viewers were left puzzled by Elsbeth’s reactions, particularly when she exhibited fear in front of the killer—an unusual deviation for a character who typically confronts danger head-on.
Despite these shortcomings, the brief romantic interactions between Angus and Elsbeth were a highlight, providing a spark amidst the episode’s shortcomings.
The Staple of Every Murder Mystery, No Matter the Genre, Is That It’s Supposed to Make Sense in the End. That’s Just Homicide 101
It’s important to recognize that Elsbeth doesn’t follow a traditional police procedural format; the show frequently shifts genres, which can be both exciting and risky.
Audiences might find themselves caught up in an engaging “howcatchem” one week and a classic murder mystery the next, making every episode feel like a new experience. Yet, this rapid genre-hopping has become more pronounced in Season 2, which can lead to inconsistencies in plot execution.
For instance, in Season 2, Episode 13, titled “Tearjerker,” the storyline begins straightforwardly enough, featuring Chloe, who slips a drug into the drink of billionaire Nathan. However, as viewers delve deeper into the episode, inconsistencies arise regarding Chloe’s motivations and the logic behind the scheme.
While the twist revealed that both Nathan and Chloe were in cahoots to frame Nathan’s ex-wife, it raised further questions about the execution of their plan. If Nathan was plotting with Chloe, why would she need to drug him when he wasn’t looking? And even if surveillance cameras were a concern, couldn’t there have been more straightforward methods to achieve their goals?
These glaring narrative gaps highlight a significant misstep in storytelling that left viewers unfulfilled.
Even Elsbeth Is Entitled to a Dud from Time to Time, but How Does a Show Like This One Drop the Ball on a Murdering Psychic?
It’s natural for even the most acclaimed series to produce occasional duds, and Season 2, Episode 15 of Elsbeth, titled “I See … Murder,” certainly fits this description. Despite high hopes for the episode, the execution fell short of the show’s usual charm.
The premise—a murder involving a victim who was shot with a bow and arrow while on a late-night online date—felt uninspired and lacked the distinctive flair fans expected.
While Elsbeth usually delights viewers with outrageous and memorable suspects, this episode failed to deliver. A missed opportunity was the inclusion of Tracey Ullman, a renowned actress, who played the pivotal role of a psychic, yet her character lacked the needed energy to lift the episode’s spirit.
Instead of using this unique premise for comedic effect, the episode fell flat, leaving viewers craving the vibrant and over-the-top scares they have come to enjoy.
The second half of Season 2 has not been without its challenges, and as the series progresses, fans remain hopeful for a turnaround. There’s also the unresolved subplot involving Judge Milton Crawford, portrayed by Michael Emerson, that viewers eagerly anticipate seeing developed.
With recent episodes struggling to impress, the question arises: what could have been done differently to enhance these storylines?
What aspects of the show puzzle you the most?
Feel free to share your thoughts below, and join me next time as I delve into more intriguing questions and viewpoints on Elsbeth!
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