Entertainment · TV & Streaming · 2 hrs ago
Elsbeth’s Latest Episode Makes a Strong Case for More Whodunits
Elsbeth usually reveals the killer at the start, then follows its lead character as she works out how to catch them.
The CBS series stars Carrie Preston as Elsbeth, an eccentric investigator with sharp observational skills.
Its latest episode, “Death of a Playwright,” switches to a whodunit, keeping the killer’s identity hidden until Elsbeth and viewers learn it.
The show has tried this format before, with mixed results.
Season 2’s “Tiny Town” used clues and false leads effectively, while Season 3’s “Basket Case” did not, according to the review.
The new episode is the show’s strongest case yet for the format, suggesting it can work alongside the series’ usual approach.
Elsbeth’s Season 4, Episode 2, “Death of a Playwright,” uses a whodunit format.
Unlike the show’s usual howcatchem structure, the episode does not reveal the killer at the start.
The episode is described as the show’s strongest case yet for continuing to use whodunits.
Earlier whodunit episodes, “Tiny Town” and “Basket Case,” had different results.
- Who
- Elsbeth, the CBS series starring Carrie Preston.
- What
- Death of a Playwright” uses a whodunit format, withholding the killer’s identity until it is revealed to Elsbeth and the audience.
- When
- Season 4, Episode 2. The episode’s release date is not stated.
- Where
- Not stated.
- Why
- The episode is presented as the show’s strongest argument yet for continuing to use the whodunit format.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Tiny Town” became one of Elsbeth’s earlier whodunit episodes.
Basket Case” was another whodunit episode, described as getting the format wrong.
Death of a Playwright” used the whodunit format.
- Series
- Elsbeth
- Latest episode
- Death of a Playwright
- Season and episode
- Season 4, Episode 2
- Earlier whodunit
- Tiny Town,” Season 2
- Another whodunit
- Basket Case,” Season 3