The Future of *Elsbeth*: Insights on Character Returns from Jonathan Tolins
Jonathan Tolins, the showrunner of *Elsbeth*, has addressed fan curiosity regarding the absence of familiar faces from *The Good Wife* and *The Good Fight* in this latest spinoff. Unlike its predecessors, *Elsbeth* primarily features a new ensemble cast, showcasing Elsbeth Tascioni (Carrie Preston) as the sole returning character. So far, the connection to earlier series has been minimal, with the notable exception of Christian Borle’s brief return as Carter Schmidt in two episodes. The return status of other beloved characters remains uncertain.
Exploring Character Integration Challenges
Tolins expressed that while the potential for including more characters from the original series was discussed, practical challenges hindered such developments.“While we’d love to see more characters join, it needs to fit realistically into the narrative since they are set in Chicago, while our storyline unfolds in New York, ” he remarked. Scheduling conflicts and budgetary constraints have complicated this process further.
However, Tolins highlights a silver lining in the story development of Elsbeth’s son, Teddy (Ben Levi Ross).One line from *The Good Wife* sparked the creation of an engaging mother-son dynamic, enriching the show’s narrative.“Our viewers don’t need to have watched the previous series to enjoy *Elsbeth*, but we love sprinkling in Easter eggs for fans, ” he added, hinting at the potential for future references.
ScreenRant: There are several connections to *The Good Wife* and *The Good Fight* in *Elsbeth*.Have there been discussions about other characters from that universe you’re hoping to include?
Jonathan Tolins: There have been some. It’s hard. I worked on the last five years of *The Good Fight*, and of course, I was a big fan of *The Good Wife*.It’s tricky because, the way our show is built, we would love to have more characters from there come on, but it also has to be realistic, for television, at least. They’re all in Chicago. We’re in New York.
I’m always open to it. I will say there have been times where we’ve explored it and it just didn’t work out because people are busy and there are scheduling and budget considerations. But it may. I’m very proud of what we’ve done with Teddy because was all we heard on Elsbeth’s second episode of *The Good Wife* was that she had a son, but he was never named or anything.
We took that one line and have now created this mother-son relationship that we’re having a lot of fun with. What we said a lot last year, and I hope people know this, is that you don’t have to know *The Good Wife* or *The Good Fight* to enjoy our show, but we like to throw an Easter egg in every once in a while.
Future Guest Stars in *Elsbeth*: Will More Familiar Faces Return?
As of now, Borle’s cameo stands as the sole connection to earlier shows within *Elsbeth*.Given Tolins’ comments, crafting a plausible narrative for Chicago-based characters to interact with Elsbeth in New York remains a significant challenge, especially as their story arcs have concluded. Despite unsuccessful attempts to bring other actors back, the prospect of incorporating them hinges on finding the right storyline in upcoming seasons. While it is unlikely to materialize in season two, season three could present the necessary framework for characters to reunite.
That said, the creative direction of *Elsbeth* aims to develop its unique storyline, focusing less on nostalgic references. Nevertheless, the role of Teddy showcases the series’ commitment to honoring past narratives, carving its own identity while being receptive to past connections. With Ross’ recurring presence, the series acknowledges the legacy of *The Good Wife* and *The Good Fight*, highlighting the possibility for future references.
Our Perspective on *Elsbeth*’s Expansion
While *Elsbeth* has the opportunity to deepen ties with *The Good Wife* and *The Good Fight*, its distinct narrative approach sets it apart. The series’ capacity to forge its path—anchored by its own characters and storylines—presents a refreshing departure from its predecessors. Tolins’ remarks point to the potential for familiar faces to reappear, contingent upon the right narrative circumstances aligning. For now, however, *Elsbeth* plans to prioritize character development and storytelling while remaining open to reconnecting with the franchise’s storied past down the line.
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The Good Wife TV Shows |
Release Windows |
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The Good Wife |
2009-2016 |
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The Good Fight |
2017-2022 |
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Elsbeth |
2024-present |
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