Elsbeth Loses First Original Character Ahead Of Season 3

This article contains spoilers for Elsbeth season 2, episode 19, “I’ve Got A Little List.”

Elsbeth is having its first major cast change ahead of season 3, as a main actor departs the CBS procedural. A spinoff of The Good Wife from 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-confirmed Elsbeth season 3, there will be a significant change.

Deadline reports that Patterson is exiting Elsbeth as 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 in Elsbeth season 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 praised the actor, highlighting the chemistry between Elsbeth and Kaya. He underlined the fact that viewers 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 that she’s joining a special task force in D.C. that will require big changes right away. But she will at least stick around for the Elsbeth season 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 bit of a farewell party.

Why Does Elsbeth Always Carry So Many Bags

Elsbeth’s quirky title character is in the habit of carrying a lot of bags, but there’s a reason she constantly carries so many with her at a time.

Whether or not Patterson remains part of the Elsbeth cast for 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 by YOU season 5 and WeCrashed alum 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

Elsbeth stands behind Kaya while Kaya is on the phone in Elsbeth

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 like Elsbeth, which has only three main actors. Still, it could be the case that the Good Wife spinoff will benefit creatively from the shift. And at least for the time being, Kaya won’t be completely gone.

Source: Deadline