Elsbeth Tascioni Faces New Challenges in Season 3 Premiere

NEW YORK CITY, NY — Elsbeth Tascioni is facing emotional struggles in Season 3 of her series, which premieres on Sunday, October 12, at 9:30 PM ET. The character, portrayed by actress Carrie Preston, is a former lawyer turned NYPD consultant detective who is skilled at understanding her loved ones but hides her own feelings.

After witnessing the murder of Judge Milton Crawford in the Season 2 finale, Elsbeth’s trauma continues to impact her. According to Preston, Elsbeth finds herself revisiting the emotional pain associated with the judge’s death, especially when reminded of unresolved crimes or their connection to him. “That’s something that she gets easily brought right back to,” Preston told TV Insider.

Crawford, who was involved in corrupt activities and framed others for murder, was killed by Delia Kirby, the woman he framed, on the courthouse steps. Elsbeth was affected deeply by this incident, yet she struggles to express how it has changed her.

The impact of Crawford’s death will resurface mid-season, as new characters linked to him will be introduced, leading to further complications for Elsbeth. “It’s going to rear its ugly head a little bit about six episodes in,” Preston teased, highlighting the continuation of these themes throughout the season.

Elsbeth remains committed to her investigative work, driven by her intuition and determination. Preston describes her as “like a dog with a bone” when it comes to solving crimes. However, the absence of her best friend, former NYPD detective Kaya Blanke is weighing on her. Kaya is off fulfilling her dream job in Washington, D.C., which adds to Elsbeth’s emotional burden.

Preston explains that while Elsbeth misses Kaya, she is also proud of her friend’s growth. “Now that person’s not there, but at the same time, she, like a child, wanted to see her blossom,” she said. Elsbeth frequently seeks updates about Kaya’s work, revealing her struggles with respecting boundaries, even as she navigates her own feelings.

As the season progresses, Elsbeth will work with newly assigned officers, including Officer Grace Hackett and Officer Summerville, who join her new cases. “No one’s going to fill Kaya’s shoes, but Elsbeth can’t walk onto a crime scene without a uniformed officer,” Preston noted.

The dynamic between Elsbeth and Captain Wagner evolves as well. In Season 3, Wagner is more supportive of Elsbeth’s methods, recognizing her high rate of success and the positive impact it has on his department.

With emotional challenges and new relationships, Season 3 of Elsbeth promises to delve deeper into the character’s complexities, beginning with its premiere on October 12.