After taking a break of over a month, Elsbeth Season 2 returned with its ninth episode, "Unalive and Well," which premiered on January 30, 2025, on CBS. Fans were eager to see how their favorite attorney, Elsbeth Tascioni, played by Carrie Preston, would tackle the tangled web of legal and personal challenges following the shocking revelations from the Van Ness case.
The episode kicks off at the holistic wellness center run by Tom Murphey, played by the ever-charismatic Eric McCormack. The plot thickens as Elsbeth investigates the death of Cole Campbell, who was found dead in his car after attending the center. McCormack's character is initially presented as charming, mirroring the enigmatic nature of wellness retreats, but as the story progresses, his role becomes increasingly suspect.
"Unalive and Well" douses viewers with drama, emotion, and the occasional dark humor as Elsbeth confronts her past with both the Van Ness case and her own trials at work. The episode deftly intertwines serious issues with light-hearted moments, showcasing the complexity of Elsbeth’s character. The balance is not only engaging but also refreshing, keeping the audience guessing what might happen next.
Things hit the ground running as the episode reveals how this new year brings forth new challenges for Elsbeth. She soon faces backlash after her name is exposed as one of the lawyers involved in the controversial Van Ness divorce. This scandal brings tension between Elsbeth and her friend, Officer Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson), pushing their relationship to the brink as they navigate painful revelations about each other.
The investigation starts with Elsbeth learning about Campbell's strange death. At the wellness center, Tom tries to promote his detox program, which leads to some uncomfortable truths about personal wellness versus manipulation. Here, viewers are introduced to some compelling side characters, including Detective Smullen (Danny Mastrogiorgio) and others involved with the wellness retreat, adding layers to the elaborate narrative.
Throughout the episode, Elsbeth continues to wrestle with her past decisions, having left Chicago behind for this new opportunity. Jonathan Tolins, the show's showrunner, noted, "Elsbeth now has two challenges. She needs to clear her name of wrongdoing in the Van Ness divorce case and confront Judge Crawford, whom she suspects is involved in something much darker." This dual threat amplifies the stakes as Elsbeth navigates her investigation.
During her time at the center, Elsbeth participates in some rather unconventional therapies, witnessing firsthand the eccentricity of the clientele and the alarming practices exhibited by Tom. The narrative takes viewers through Elsbeth's dark humor and cynicism as she struggles internally with her professional choices and their repercussions.
McCormack's portrayal of Tom is mesmerizing, amplifying the cult-like ambiance of wellness centers often depicted. His character’s motives are called to question as the episode progresses, prompting Elsbeth to dig deep to unravel truths about the center, its practices, and the tragic fate of Campbell.
A memorable moment emerges when Elsbeth has candid conversations with others at the center, allowing the audience to witness her vulnerability. The scene serves as emotional catharsis, offering glimpses of her internal struggles and the burden carried from her stint as an attorney involved with morally questionable cases.
Tolins hinted at the complexity of Elsbeth's character arc, emphasizing, "We thought it would be interesting if something from Elsbeth’s past legal career, something difficult to explain, created a wedge between her and Kaya." This tension plays out beautifully, exploring themes of betrayal, disappointment, and, hopefully, forgiveness.
Eventually, the investigation materializes, leading Elsbeth to discover unfathomable secrets hidden within the wellness center. The juxtaposition of healing and harm reflects potently throughout this narrative. With the help of her friends and colleagues, Elsbeth finds devious connections between Tom's unlikely charm and the unsettling events surrounding Campbell's death.
The episode concludes with Elsbeth, Blanke, and the police tying together the threads of the wellness center's deceptive practices, culminating in accusations against Tom. This thrilling climactic moment emphasizes accountability and the quest for justice.
While Elsbeth's character continues to evolve, her tumultuous friendship with Kaya remains central to the show’s emotional core. Viewers hold their breath, hoping for reconciliation and growth as they move forward to the remaining episodes of the season.
To summarize, "Unalive and Well" is not just about solving the mystery of Cole Campbell's death, but also about Elsbeth's internal battles and relationships tested by scandal and truth. The twinkling performances by Preston and McCormack, combined with sharp writing and witty humor, keep the momentum alive, pushing the characters and audiences alike to engage with the ever-blurring lines between justice and personal reckoning.
Fans of the show can catch new episodes of Elsbeth airing Thursdays at 10 PM ET on CBS, with episodes available for streaming on Paramount+ the following day.