This article contains spoilers forElsbethseason 2, episode 19, “I’ve Got A Little List.”
Elsbethis having its first major cast change ahead of season 3, as a main actor departs the CBS procedural. A spinoff ofThe Good Wifefrom co-creators Robert and Michelle King, with Jonathan Tolins as showrunner, the murder mystery has kept its main cast down to just three names: Carrie Preston as the titular Elsbeth Tascioni, Carra Patterson as Kaya Blanke, and Wendell Pierce as Captain Charles Wagner. But heading into the already-confirmedElsbethseason 3, there will be a significant change.
Deadlinereports thatPatterson is exitingElsbethas a main cast member, though she will be back in a guest-starring capacity for season 3. The news comes after Kaya receives a promotion inElsbethseason 2, episode 19, “I’ve Got A Little List. " She will still appear in the season 2 finale that airs on May 8. Below, Patterson shares a statement about her status change:
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 and Wendell. I am beyond grateful to the cast, crew, and producers, and of course, the fans, for all the love and support.
Asked about the change in Patterson’s status, Tollins praises the actor, highlighting the chemistry between Elsbeth and Kaya. He underlines the fact thatviewers will still get to see Kaya, though she won’t be present in every episode. Read Tollins' quote below:
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.
What Elsbeth’s Cast Change Means For The Show
The Show Has Introduced New Characters
“I’ve Got A Little List”, which is directed by Lily Mariye and written by Erica Shelton Kodish, sees Kaya get promoted to the role of an undercover agent. The news catches Kaya by surprise, with Wagner telling her thatshe’s joining a special task force in D.C. that will require big changes right away. But she will at least stick around for theElsbethseason 2 finale, which will feature the return of former antagonists played by Stephen Moyer, Retta, Gina Gershon, Elizabeth Lail, Arian Moayed, Alyssa Milano, and others. Tascioni will throw her friend a farewell party.
Whether Patterson remains part of theElsbethcastfor the long haul depends on the show’s future beyond season 3. But the procedural has steadily introduced potential new friends for the main character, including Officer Nikki Reynolds (played byYOUseason 5 andWeCrashedalum b). They initially struggled to get along, but showed progress by the end of Nikki’s debut episode.
Our Take On Kaya’s Exit
It’s Unexpected
Cast changes are typically the purview of shows with large ensembles that are looking to cut back for budgetary reasons. It’s a bit surprising to see the move happen on a show likeElsbeth, which has only three main actors. Still, it could be the case thatThe Good Wifespinoffwill benefit creatively from the shift. And at least for the time being, Kaya won’t be completely gone.
Elsbethseason 2airs Thursdays at 9 PM ET on CBS and streams on Paramount+
Elsbeth
Cast
Elsbeth follows Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute attorney with a unique perspective, as she collaborates with the NYPD to tackle elusive criminals after a successful career in Chicago. Released in 2024, this series explores her unconventional methods in solving intricate cases.
