Elsbeth’s Carrie Preston Reveals: The Wild Finale Musical Mashup That Fills the Kaya Void

Caution: The following includes spoilers for the
Elsbeth
The second season’s final episode approaches. View with caution!

Leave it to Elsbeth to solve a murder while behind bars.

During the season finale on Thursday, the main character—a defense attorney—ended up at the same correctional facility where some of the criminals she had previously convicted were being held. These individuals regained their status as prime suspects after theater director Alex Modarian (played by guest actor Stephen Moyer) was discovered deceased. Potential perpetrators included high-end matchmaker Margo Clarke (portrayed by Retta), cosmetic surgeon Dr. Vanessa Holmes (acted by Gina Gershon), technology company executive Quinn Powell (interpreted by Elizabeth Lail), ex-mafia heiress Pupetta Del Ponte (depicted by Alyssa Milano), and organizing consultant Freya Frostad (brought to life by Mary-Louise Parker). Additionally, within the male section of the prison, one could find bar proprietor Joe Dillon (spearheaded by Arian Moayed) alongside clothing designer Matteo Hart (embodied by André De Shields).

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Elsbeth
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Elsbeth
Murderers Pay Homage to
Chicago’
‘S Cell Block Tango’ in Musical Finale Preview Revealed Exclusively

Elsbeth’s creative mind conjured up an elaborate musical scene where the women embodied
Chicago’
As sung in “Cell Block Tango,” they declare that “he had it coming.” However, it was truly the warden (Donna Lynne Champlin) who murdered Alex since he planned to meet with the district attorney to exchange information regarding the black market she operates in order to secure his transfer.

Outside, Captain Wagner and Kaya endeavored to liberate Elsbeth, which led to Judge Dousant releasing her once it was revealed that he had taken his lover, Chloe, on a trip. In time for Kaya’s farewell celebration at the station, Elsbeth managed to return and deliver an affecting tribute during the event.
Carra Patterson is set to appear as a guest star in the upcoming season.
As Kaya becomes part of a task force based in Washington, D.C.,)

Elsbeth admitted to questioning recently if she should give up and go someplace else, but while Kaya’s going where
she’s
needed, “I think
this
is where I’m needed, with all of you,” she declared.

Below, showrunner Jonathan Tolins and star Carrie Preston talk about what it took to bring back so many characters and to stage a musical performance. They also weigh in on Elsbeth’s future at the precinct and how the show will fill the void left by Kaya’s departure.

What was the inspiration behind the “Cell Block Tango” segment and the selection of these notable guest stars? What prompted you to include them?

JONATHAN


TOLINS |

I’m simply a huge fan of theatrical performances. One person proposed staging a murder mystery set in prison, and we responded, “Since we’ve got all these individuals who deserve to be behind bars right now, perhaps we could invite some of them to return.” Then I chimed in, saying, “Let’s ask many of them to perform ‘Cell Block Tango,’ haha,” and everyone agreed, adding, “Wait, let’s check if this idea can actually work out.” This concept was brought up from the start of the season. The final episode has always been intended as the culmination point, and during my initial discussion with CBS regarding our strategies for the upcoming season, I pitched it. They loved it too. We decided, “Okay, we’ll go ahead and attempt it.” Naturally, when producing 20 episodes simultaneously, detailed planning doesn’t usually begin until around episode 18…
so many
Moving components. I’m talking about simply discovering which individuals were free and keen on returning, along with securing the permissions for the song.
Chicago
And crafting a revised edition that would get approved, mainly because they needed to approve every single word beforehand. This turned into quite a rush. The whole situation felt absolutely chaotic. Additionally, all of this occurred during the rehearsals for a musical production that my spouse and I had penned for the Paper Mill Playhouse, which concluded performances just last week. These circumstances combined to make everything feel like we were trying to put together a grand scheme with limited resources, much akin to “The Band Wagon.”
Let’s Stage a Performance
Sure thing! We created our own prison set, and initially, we imagined getting just four or five folks to return. However, we ended up having eight individuals who could make time for it due to their schedules. In the end, it turned into quite the celebration—a grand finale to wrap up the season—and everyone was really enthusiastic about it.

With the guest artists, how did you determine whom to contact? Did you aim to get in touch with as many individuals as possible to find out who was free? Or did you specifically target those known for their vocal talents?

TOLINS |

We didn’t consider vocal talent since I believe anyone has the potential to sing. Our approach involved casting broadly to identify viable candidates. We aimed for individuals whom audiences hadn’t encountered recently. For instance, we avoided inviting back performers such as David Alan Grier or Billy Magnussen—who appeared very close to this episode—because we sought greater surprise with figures from earlier seasons, like those hailing from Season 1 or early Season 2.
Our strategy also entailed crafting narratives around how these characters could contribute uniquely based on their skills. One example includes Pupetta played by Alyssa Milano; her background ties into organized crime, specifically noting that she comes from a criminal lineage where members have faced imprisonment. This detail significantly influenced our storyline development.
I drafted an extensive outline encompassing numerous unshot scenarios, each illustrating what role they might play within the investigation if present. Despite initial plans including several additional scenes, everything balanced well regarding runtime considerations.

Efwebe | Carrie, how did it feel for you to be part of shooting and seeing everyone come together for this musical sequence? Were you disappointed at not having your own singing role?

CARRIE PRESTON |

It was fantastic. It felt similar to my wedding day with everyone showing up—some were unfamiliar with each other, yet I knew them all—and participating in this amazing reunion. I didn’t feel disappointed about not singing; there’s still much to be done during the show. Actually, I enjoyed sitting back and letting such talented actors lead the way. Usually, I’m responsible for driving most of those scenes, so it was delightful to relax and observe, particularly watching their rehearsal of the play and witnessing Elizabeth Lail’s humorous imitation of Quinn portraying Elsbeth. This moment was both amusing and entertaining. Of course, the dancing… I hadn’t been part of any rehearsals beforehand. Thus, arriving at the set ready to film meant experiencing all the choreography afresh. It felt akin to opening presents on Christmas morning, and everyone seemed thrilled. Jon mentioned how reminiscent it was of Mickey and Judy putting together a production.
Let’s Put on a Show
, and I was simply the one who had the privilege of being part of the audience and thoroughly enjoyed it.

TOLINS |

A person who viewed the episode queried me recently, saying, “Did you employ a greenscreen?” since they found it hard to accept that we genuinely gathered so many individuals in one location simultaneously. It felt somewhat akin to stepping into the
Vanity Fair
At an Oscar party, you look around and think, “Wow, everyone I know is here.”

Efwebe| I really loved seeing Donna Lynne Champlin from
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
As the warden, I was let down that she wasn’t able to perform since she has such talent.

TOLINS |

Sure, sure. You can’t have everything. I actually chose her for the role because she had impressed me so greatly before.
The Perfect Couple
As the police officer, and she excels in those types of understated roles for professional women.

A guest star whom I believe resonated with fans this season was Jordana Brewster’s character. Were there any considerations about bringing her back for the finale?

TOLINS |

We found it hard to believe that Chloe would spend a day in jail considering her clientele.
Preston laughs
It simply didn’t appear likely at first. However, we paid tribute to her by casting her as the central figure in the story alongside Judge Dousant.

Efwebe | Is anyone expected to step into the gap created by Kaya’s exit? Might we get a new series regular or introduce a fresh character instead?

TOLINS |

I strongly believe that I shouldn’t aim to mimic “This is the new Kaya.” Instead, I prefer to naturally react and explore, observing what evolves authentically and feels genuine. Of course, we hope for Elsbeth to form significant connections and friendships, yet I’m opposed to simply swapping out our version of Darrin Stephens as though nothing has changed.
Bewitched
, you know?

In the latter part of the episode, Elsbeth raises a toast to Kaya and remarks, “I need to be here.” What do you suppose motivates her desire to remain at the station and continue residing in New York despite everything she has endured recently and having strong justifications for potentially relocating?

TOLINS |

From the moment the series began, I’ve noticed how frequently folks remark, “We desperately need someone like Elsbeth at present.” Her blend of optimism, energy, intelligence, and compassion seems indispensable. It’s safe to assert that society as a whole is grappling with envisioning the type of world we aspire to live in, and individuals like Elsbeth are essential. This sentiment has resonated deeply with many viewers who share my desire to celebrate such qualities. They feel strongly about needing figures like her—someone committed to persevering through challenges while championing honesty, empathy, and camaraderie without wavering. My aim was for her character to embody these convictions fully; thus, she declares confidently that nothing will deter her from staying put and continuing to advocate passionately for those values.

Carrie, your character has endured a great deal, especially during the latter part of this season. As we look ahead to Season 3 following this finale, what do you believe she will carry forward from these experiences?

PRESTON |

She’s an incredibly determined individual who gives herself permission to fully embrace her emotions without judgment. Although she may keep these feelings internalized rather than expressing them verbally, she will still allow herself to undergo these experiences and use them to shape her future decisions. This openness makes her beautifully authentic. In the course of her journey, she’ll likely face a significant doubt regarding the fairness of the legal system; however, she will eventually overcome this challenge and reaffirm her initial objective—to uncover truths and seek justice, aiming for reconciliation and rectifying past misdeeds. As she progresses, she will undoubtedly persist with this resolve.

Elsbeth
Fans, what were your thoughts on the season finale? Rate it below and share your comments!