Elsbeth is coming back for season 3 but without one of its key stars as a regular. Find out who's bowing out.
Caution: This article contains SPOILERS for Elsbeth season 2, episode 19
Since Elsbeth premiered, its core cast has been small. The lead, of course, is Carrie Preston reprising her Emmy-winning turn from The Good Wife as eccentric attorney Elsbeth Tascioni. The plotline has Elsbeth moving to New York City as part of a “consent decree” and ends up using her quirky mind to solve murders.
Aside from Preston, the only regular main stars are Wendell Pierce as Captain Wagner and Cara Patterson as Kaya Blanke. The patrolwoman was the first cop Elsbeth met in New York City and quickly became her aide, best friend, and briefly roommate.
Season 2 saw Blanke rise up to become a full detective. So it’s surprising to many that Patterson will not be part of the show full-time in season 3!
Why is Patterson leaving Elsbeth?
The episode “I’ve Got a Little List” had Blanke thrown when Wagner revealed she was getting a promotion to a new federal task force in Washington D.C. Blanke was surprised as she’d never even applied for this, but Wagner put in a good word for her and thought she’d be perfect for the job.
Patterson issued a statement via Deadline on the exit with the promise she’d return for a guest appearance in season 3.
“My character, Kaya Blanke, is embarking on a new adventure as the story continues to unfold, and I am excited to do the same. But we will see Kaya again — fans will find out what she’s been up to in her new role as ‘Detective’ next season when I come back to guest star and play with Carrie [Preston] and Wendell [Pierce].”
Executive producer Jonathan Tolins also spoke to Deadline about the exit and why it happened.
“Kaya just turned out to be this wonderful partner for Elsbeth, and that relationship was one that we all love so much, and we love Carra. We’re excited that the character got her promotion and achieved that dream. She’s not leaving the world of the show. She’s just not going to be with us every day. I don’t want to make too much of the change.”
Elsbeth isn’t aware yet of Blanke’s departure but has bigger worries. In the episode, Elsbeth’s investigation into a murder led to her being arrested and thanks to a hard-nosed judge, is being sentenced to prison…which just happens to be the same prison housing several of the killers Elsbeth has put away throughout the series.
So Elsbeth won’t have as much time to process Blanke’s farewell, which will affect the show.
How Patterson leaving changes Elsbeth
It does seem sad to lose Patterson, as Blanke had been a great highlight of the show. It was wonderful seeing her as the Watson to Elsbeth’s Holmes and winning the respect of Wagner and others. Becoming a detective was a joy to her and viewers alike.
It’s also logical that Blanke has to move on. While it’s good seeing her and Elsbeth together, the show is often more fun partnering Elsbeth up with any of the rotating detectives, from veteran Fleming (Daniel Orsekes) to tech-loving Edwards (Michela Diamond) to abrasive but slowly maturing Rivers (Braeden De La Garza).
Thus, having Blanke move on and Elsbeth continue to work with these other cops offers more fun in how they clash and click with her. There’s also a chance to introduce a new character of a patrol officer aiding Elsbeth with a different dynamic.
The real reason to watch the show is always Preston matching wits with the guest star playing the murderer of the week. That should continue to be a highlight, and the fact that we will see Blanke back in some way is good. It’s sad to see a fun part of the show leave, but Elsbeth should still maintain its success regardless of who joins the series.
Elsbeth season 2 finale airs Thursday, May 8 at 9/8c on CBS.
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