Good Wife Spinoff Elsbeth Too Much Good Thing

Elsbeth Tascioni, a quirky legal fixer, shines in The Good Wife and The Good Fight, but struggles to carry her own show.

Elsbeth Tascioni, the quirky and brilliant trial attorney, is a character known for her unique approach to solving legal issues. With a penchant for daffy non sequiturs and pleasantries, she surprises everyone with her shrewd observations and arguments. Played by Carrie Preston with indefatigable cheeriness, Elsbeth's disconnect with others has led some to speculate that she may be "on the spectrum." Despite her eccentricities, she excels at her job, often outsmarting her adversaries while maintaining an air of harmless eccentricity.

Throughout her appearances on "The Good Wife" and "The Good Fight," Elsbeth has injected new life into both shows, providing a refreshing change of pace. While other brilliant character actors have made their mark on the series, Preston's portrayal of Elsbeth consistently elevates each episode. However, with the introduction of the new spin-off show "Elsbeth," the focus shifts entirely to her character, potentially simplifying the dynamic.

The show's lack of ambition may make it a better fit for network television, as it follows a more traditional case-of-the-week format. While Elsbeth's uncanny powers of observation are still on display, the show takes a more procedural approach, focusing on her role as an unofficial homicide detective. Despite its formulaic nature, the show benefits from Preston's comedic timing and mischievous charm, as well as strong guest performances from actors like Jane Krakowski and Jesse Tyler Ferguson.

As the show explores Elsbeth's new role overseeing NYPD procedures, it maintains a lighthearted tone, balancing humor with moments of insight. While Preston's performance remains a highlight, there is a sense that the show could delve deeper into her character's complexity. In comparison to her previous appearances, "Elsbeth" may not fully capitalize on the depth and warmth that Preston brings to the character, opting instead for a more straightforward approach to storytelling.