In the latest Elsbeth escapade, “Elsbeth’s Eleven,” the quirky New Mexico legal drama welcomed a touch of Hollywood royalty with the arrival of Vanessa Williams. Williams plays Roselyn, a character who, let’s just say, “borrows” some jewelry with a plan that would make Danny Ocean proud. The heist itself is pure comedic gold, featuring everything from a fake cyanide poisoning scene to some seriously questionable disguises. Williams’ performance is a delightful departure from the show’s usual fare, injecting a welcome dose of levity.
But the episode wasn’t all glitz and glam. A murder mystery involving a jewelry store owner’s untimely demise added a touch of gravity to the proceedings. Captain Wagner, as usual, manages to bungle things, proving that detective work is best left to the professionals (or at least, those not prone to tripping over their own feet). Thankfully, Detective Donnelly is back, whose dry humor pairs well with Elsbeth’s own eccentric brand of justice.
The episode also sprinkled in some tantalizing hints about possible returning characters. References to the fictional reality show, Lavish Ladies, have ignited a firestorm of speculation amongst fans. Could this mean the return of Laura Benanti’s scene-stealing Nadine Clay? Or perhaps John Behlmann’s Jake Turling will grace our screens once more?
Only time will tell, but the prospect is enough to keep us hooked. Amidst the chaos, Elsbeth’s fashion choices, particularly her unwavering commitment to bucket hats, remain a steadfast source of amusement. The show continues its clever tradition of referencing past episodes and characters.
Elsbeth airs Thursday nights on CBS.