'Elsbeth' kills off major character in deadly courthouse shooting ahead of season 2 finale

The CBS legal drama Elsbeth delivered a pivotal twist in its latest episode, as the storyline escalated with a deadly courthouse shooting just before the Season 2 finale.

The episode, aired on 24 April, followed Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) and Captain C.W. Wagner (Wendell Pierce) as they uncovered evidence linking Judge Milton Crawford (Michael Emerson) to a long-buried crime. After confessing to Elsbeth, Crawford was shot outside the courthouse by someone seeking justice.

The shooting stirred debate among the characters over the legitimacy of Crawford’s death. While some argued he should have faced the legal system, others viewed the act as overdue retribution. The dramatic incident marks a significant shift in the series as it heads toward its final episode.

Crawford was introduced earlier this season when Elsbeth was selected for jury duty in a trial he presided over.

The upcoming finale will follow Elsbeth as she investigates a new shooting incident involving Rod (Billy Magnussen), a thrill-seeking suspect. The episode is set to feature guest stars including Stephen Moyer, Alyssa Milano, and Mary-Louise Parker.

Elsbeth airs Thursdays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS, with episodes available for streaming the next day on Paramount+.