What started as a quirky accessory has evolved into a defining characteristic for Elsbeth Tascioni, the title character of the CBS drama Elsbeth. During the Television Critics Tour, actress Carrie Preston delved into the significance of her character’s signature look, shedding light on why Elsbeth is never seen without her three distinctive bags.
For those who may not be familiar, Elsbeth’s attachment to her bags began on The Good Wife, conceived by the show’s then Executive Producer Brooke Kennedy. “She needs to always be carrying a bunch of things. We got very specific about what those bags were,” Preston explained. “She won’t carry a briefcase. She doesn’t think of herself in that way. They became a fun accessory. She has bags in her brain, she has Rolodexes in her brain. She’s picking out little things that she put there 20 years ago, and she’s like ‘I can use that here.’”
Preston elaborated on the symbolic nature of the bags, explaining that they are filled with whatever Elsbeth might need to tackle the challenges of her day. “I find it fascinating how many people are interested in what is in the bags. But are you interested in what is in her brain too?” she mused, hinting at the deeper layers of her character’s eccentricity.
However, the bags aren’t just random props; they play a crucial role in defining Elsbeth’s character. They are tools of her trade, filled with items that help her navigate the complexities of her cases. But there’s a notable exception. “I’ve made the choice in Elsbeth that once I have got a killer and I’m ready to go in and frame them, I don’t have the bags,” Preston revealed. “You’ll notice in the show, in those final scenes when I come in to arrest the murderers, I don’t need those bags anymore.”
This intentional decision highlights a pivotal moment in Elsbeth’s character arc. When she is at her most confident and prepared, she sheds the bags, symbolizing her readiness to confront the situation head-on without the need for her usual crutches.
Preston also touched on Elsbeth’s unique costuming, which further accentuates her role as an unconventional detective. “She’s a fish out of water. That’s a good thing to always have in mind. She’s not really a detective. People will see the way she’s dressed and they think they don’t have to take her seriously — at their peril. That’s definitely by design. She stands out from all the other detectives on television. This isn’t your normal police procedure. That’s what makes it extremely special.”
This fish-out-of-water theme is central to the show’s charm and appeal. Elsbeth’s unconventional appearance and approach to solving cases set her apart in a genre dominated by more traditional portrayals of detectives. Her quirky attire and eccentric methods may lead others to underestimate her, but it’s precisely this underestimation that gives her the upper hand.
Elsbeth’s return for its second season is highly anticipated, promising more of the distinctive blend of drama, humor, and unconventional detective work that fans have come to love. The new season premieres on Thursday, October 17, airing at 10 p.m. ET, following the timeslot premiere of Matlock.
As viewers tune in, they will once again be captivated by Elsbeth’s unique charm and the deeper, hidden facets of her character that her bags symbolically represent. Whether it’s her quirky accessories, her unpredictable methods, or the poignant moments when she sheds her bags to confront the culprits, Elsbeth Tascioni continues to defy expectations and captivate audiences with every episode.
