Rating: 3.5 stars out of 5
Starring: Carrie Preston, Carra Patterson, Wendell Pierce
Where to watch: JioHotstar (2 seasons, 30 episodes, 45-odd minutes each)
To watch or not to watch: It is a simple series, with not complicated episodes, but Elsbeth is so much fun!!! And so uplifting!!!

Elsbeth is a spin-off from the famous (and, actually very good) series, The Good Wife, and the term spin-off is used in the losest sense. The only similarity between the two series is the character of Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) and her mannerisms. Her character is spun (pun intended) into a pseudo-detective who solves crimes. Ok, let’s backtrack a bit. Elsbeth is a how-catch-em and case-of-the-week format of the police procedural series which is not unlike Columbo, the only difference being that she is a lawyer from Chicago, sent to Major Crimes of NYPD to over-see the police work (as she calls herself, the police police). There she faces backlash for her role (because why wouldn’t she), she makes a few friends, namely Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson), and she eventually wins over others because of her winsome ways and sunny disposition. All along, she carries at least 3 tote bags, wears bright, loud coloured clothes and solves high-profile crimes.

The general consensus on this series is largely divided – some like it and enjoy it, and some absolutely abhor it. And both parties have very valid points – the cases have little to no depth or complexity, the police detectives are shown to be dumb and incompetent and it is only Elsbeth who can save the day. Oh! What were they even doing without her!? But then, the series doesn’t take itself seriously either. It doesn’t pretend to be humanity’s last hope. It is a fun watch, with some good celebrity cameos, light-hearted and heart-warming relationships. The series has also evolved from season 1 to season 2 – while in season 1, Elsbeth would instinctively know the identity of the perpetrator, in season 2, she actually works through the clues to get to the final solution. Some of the cameos are truly fun to watch, some episodes are better than the others, but overall it delivers.
There is not much to say about the series, it is a simple affair and gives the right feels. The entire show is carried by Carrie Preston and she delivers. According to Rian Johnson, people like crime solving content as it appeals to their sense of justice, and this show delivers justice by the truck load. In addition to that, Carrie Preston is a delight to watch on a day when things do not go your way, and you need some hope, light and positivity in your life to keep going. It delivers the feels. A definite watch for a little pick-me-up.