Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 1 "Yes, And..." Recap

Elsbeth’s third season premiere begins with a guest appearance from Stephen Colbert, Amy Sedaris, Andy Richter, and Marcia DeBonis and Mark St. Cyr.

This episode opens with Scotty Bristol, a famous late night TV host and his writers are at odds when they pitch him a new monologue. They know it’s good, and hope Scotty will accept it. Of course he doesn't like it. The executive producer and head writer, Laurel, gives the writers the bad news, angering them. She rushes off to meet their guest, Sheryl Jacobs, who happens to be a published writer. She brought her friend, Elsbeth. These two met at the wellness center she writes about in her book.  Elsbeth has fallen asleep in the makeup room, but wakes and is introduced to Scotty Bristol. She’s giddily fan girl’s over him.

He’s rude and dismissive, but Elsbeth doesn't notice as she continues her Elsbethian babbling. He walks away.

Sheryl’s later interviewed and she tells Scotty she knows Mickey, the show's announcer. Mickey, Laurel and Scotty created the show, “Way Late with Scotty Bristol”. Mickey, Laurel’s husband, has health problems, and can't take all the verbal abuse disguised in jokes that Scotty regularly directs at him on camera. Laurel goes to edit the show, and sneaks off to talk to Scotty about letting Mickey take some time off. What happens in Scotty's office leads to a bizarre high-profile murder. 

Elsbeth gets home and is happily met by Teddy and Gonzo! She finally gets a chance to sleep after returning from seeing Angus in Scotland.  It doesn't last long as she gets the call from CPT Wagner. 

The investigation of Scotty Bristol’s murder begins.  She's still all dressed in pink plaid, a tam o'shanter and her signature multiple bags. Love her colorful outfits. Elsbeth meets her  new assigned officer, Officer Grace Hackett, who is also a stand-up comic in her spare time. She's a bit emotional over the death of her idol. 

CPT Wagner and Detective Smullen are back. Smullen is handling this high-profile case, as Wagner oversees it. Elsbeth and her extraordinary observation skills are immediately put to work as she questions Mickey and Laurel. Later, she succumbs to jet-lag and falls asleep at the shredder, known as Mickey Two. Another important item that leads to resolving this case.

The next day, Elsbeth returns to the office bearing gifts for everyone. She has just the right gifts for LT Conner, CPT Wagner, and Detective Smullen. Changes at the office are apparent, but Elsbeth handles it. Officer Hackett also has some exceptional skills. She adds her knowledge of comedy and comedy writing to the investigative clues. They brainstorm the Bristol case in CPT Wagner’s office. Elsbeth, Detective Smullen and Officer Hackett return to the show to question the staff. The clues divulged lead our illustrious team to find the killer. A sudden death throws them off, but Elsbeth's trademark sleuthing skills and relentless determination leads her to the truth. All of this and evident workplace changes reflecting negatively also get corrected thanks to attention and actions addressed. 

The Elsbeth show never missed a beat. It seems to naturally pick up where the last season left off, but missing Detective Kaya Blanke. Officer Hackett fits in quickly. Love the short improv class Laurel gives Elsbeth. It is what leads to solving the crime. Glad the show’s original cast has returned. They are in sync and working very well together. It's like watching a feel-good show perfecting itself. There were laugh-out-loud, aha and smile-worthy, heartwarming moments throughout the show. That and the superb guest stars made this show truly enjoyable and exceptional. They made art imitating life too real, especially Stephen Colbert. This was an Excellent way to begin the new season! 

I give this show a 5 out 5 Stars. 

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