Police Officer Joins CBS’s Elsbeth, Promises Action-Packed Episode

NEW YORK — CBS is set to air a thrilling new episode of its series “Elsbeth” on April 10, featuring a special appearance from actor James Slater, who portrays Officer Chandler. Slater introduces his character as a police liaison, joining attorney Elsbeth Tascioni, played by Carrie Preston, in an intriguing case that leads them to a historic funeral home.

In a sneak peek released by Us Weekly, Officer Chandler shares his background, declaring, “I got my Bachelors in criminal justice at John Jay College of Criminal Justice, and then I went to the police academy where I got an award for excellence. Did I mention that I do CrossFit?” This comment prompts a witty response from Elsbeth, who reminds him, “The thing about funeral homes is they tend to be quiet spaces.” Officer Chandler’s eagerness stands in stark contrast to Elsbeth’s composed demeanor as they tackle a case involving the owner of the funeral home, Arthur Greene Jr., played by David Alan Grier.

“Elsbeth” originally premiered in 2024 as a spinoff of the successful series “The Good Wife” and “The Good Fight.” The show allows Preston’s character to embody her unique investigative skills as a de facto detective, often solving crimes with unorthodox methods. The narrative arc of the series frequently introduces new characters while maintaining a familiar cast, including notable guest appearances from performers such as Jane Krakowski and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

As the synopsis reveals, this week’s episode finds Elsbeth navigating the challenges of a new dynamic with her colleague Kaya, portrayed by Carra Patterson. Following Kaya’s promotion, Elsbeth must work closely with Officer Chandler while they attempt to locate Arthur’s missing nephew, a plot twist that promises to keep viewers engaged.

The duo faces a tense courtroom drama when Elsbeth finds herself on jury duty in a murder trial ruled by Judge Crawford, played by Preston’s real-life husband, Michael Emerson. The interplay between the two actors adds a personal touch to the storyline. Emerson previously remarked on their partnership, saying, “It’s a tremendous battle of wits with life and death in the balance. Then we get to go back home and snuggle it off.”

While fans are eagerly anticipating the revelation of whether Elsbeth can assert justice in the courtroom, Preston hinted at her character’s gradual approach to uncovering the truth, stating, “She’s not going to jump to conclusions, but he is definitely involved.” Emerson added, “It’s a very small slip, and it comes from hubris. He thinks he’s on top of it, and then he lets his guard down for a second.”

Catch “Elsbeth” airing Thursdays at 10 p.m. ET on CBS, with new episodes available for streaming the following day on Paramount+.