Elsbeth Shocks Fans by Shooting Michael Emerson Before the Finale
Elsbeth took a significant turn with that dramatic shooting ahead of the season 2 finale.
In the episode airing on Thursday, April 24, of the popular CBS series, Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) and Wagner (Wendell Pierce) delved into Judge Milton Crawford’s (Michael Emerson) past. Their investigation led them to Cape Cod, where they discovered that Milton had known Andy (Quincy Dunn-Baker) in their youth.
Andy was coerced into covering up the fact that Milton had killed a girl at a country club. As Milton was fast-tracked for a federal judgeship, Andy attempted to expose him, which resulted in Milton orchestrating his murder. Although viewers were already aware of these details, Elsbeth’s realization put her inner circle in danger.
Investigations were launched into Elsbeth’s ex, cuts were implemented in the police department, and Milton made it clear he wouldn’t back down. An effort to link his DNA to the Cape Cod crime scene failed, and he was sworn in as a judge. However, his victory—along with his confession to Elsbeth about his culpability in the crimes—was short-lived, as Delia (Meredith Holzman) sought revenge for her deceased boyfriend Andy by shooting Milton on the courthouse steps.
Characters portrayed conflicting views on whether Milton deserved death or should face justice through legal channels. This unexpected death serves as a significant narrative shift as the show approaches its season finale.
Crawford was initially introduced earlier this season when Elsbeth found herself on jury duty. Although she tried to avoid serving, her perspective shifted once she began to question Judge Crawford’s motives.
Elsbeth succeeded in having the woman accused of Andy’s murder—his girlfriend—acquitted. Yet, her inquiry into Crawford complicated matters for Elsbeth and her close associates.
“Elsbeth is on the jury in a murder trial where the proceedings seem questionable. Can she confront the judge and restore order in the court?” Preston, 57, and Emerson, 70, shared with Us Weekly in December 2024. “We’ve thoroughly enjoyed working together and portraying these courtroom adversaries on Elsbeth! It’s an intense battle of wits with life at stake. Afterwards, we get to relax at home.”
The duo, having collaborated multiple times since their marriage in 1998, hinted at the case’s outcome.
“She’s not quick to jump to conclusions, but he is certainly involved,” Preston explained to TV Insider about Elsbeth’s future reunion with the judge after he let slip a crucial detail of the murder. Emerson added, “It’s a tiny lapse and it stems from overconfidence. He believes he’s got it all under control, and for just a moment, he lets his guard down. He’s careless for just a second.”
With only one episode remaining before the season finale, the official synopsis reveals, “While probing what seems to be a random shooting, Elsbeth encounters Rod (Billy Magnussen), an affluent playboy tackling his bucket list, which may include a murder. Ultimately, Elsbeth’s pursuit of the killer places her in serious legal jeopardy.”
The season finale follows Elsbeth as she “attempts to solve a murder, coming face-to-face with various familiar suspects.” The episode will feature guest appearances from Stephen Moyer, Retta, Gina Gershon, Elizabeth Lail, Arian Moayed, André De Shields, Alyssa Milano, Mary-Louise Parker, and Ethan Slater.
Elsbeth airs on CBS Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET. New episodes are available for streaming the following day on Paramount+.
