Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 5 cast: Meet the actors and guest stars of ‘Poetic Justice’

Elsbeth Season 3 is back with another wild mystery, and Episode 5, 'Poetic Justice,' might just be the best one yet. This time, Elsbeth crosses paths with the elite poetry crowd of New York, only to uncover a chilling murder hidden behind rhymes and egos.

The episode features some brilliant guest stars, including The Good Place’s William Jackson Harper as the killer of the week.

So, who are the faces behind Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 5’s smartest and sneakiest characters? Let’s break it down.

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When Poetry Meets Murder: Inside Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 5

Episode 5 of Elsbeth Season 3 is aptly titled 'Poetic Justice.' The episode opens with Elsbeth Tascioni attending a high-profile fundraiser, only to stumble upon a case that is as strange as it is high profile.

The plot of the episode centers around Gary Pidgeon, played by William Jackson Harper, a rich guy who runs a struggling poetry journal called Pidgeon Press. His tag line, “The arts are under attack!” sets the tone for his desperation and also ultimately, his downfall. Gary’s troubles start when a wealthy donor, Dolores Feinn (played by Lois Smith), threatens to cut him off after he refuses to publish her bizarre, self-centered poem.

What follows is a darkly comedic twist as Gary kills her by manipulating her oxygen tank and letting her literally “ignite” her own end. Harper’s calm intensity and quiet panic give the character layers that make this episode a standout in Elsbeth Season 3.

Meanwhile, Elsbeth runs into her old friend Marissa Gold (Sarah Steele), now working on a political campaign for Alec Bloom (Ivan Hernandez). Their reunion adds a whole lot of nostalgia for longtime fans who remember The Good Wife. Elsbeth’s accidental involvement in Marissa’s campaign plans, all thanks to a “fake date” gone wrong, becomes a subplot that is equal parts funny and awkward, showing off Carrie Preston’s brilliant comedic timing.

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The Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 5 Cast and Character Guide

Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni:

Carrie Preston once again proves she is Elsbeth Tascioni. Her chaotic brilliance makes her one of the most watchable leads on TV right now. In Elsbeth Season 3, she is still working alongside the NYPD, using her quirky logic to see connections no one else can.

In Episode 5, she pieces together the murder by noticing the faintest detail, like the discoloration on a tweed jacket. Preston’s performance balances humor and humanity, especially in her scenes with Alec Bloom, where the chemistry is undeniable.

Carrie Preston is also known for: The Good Wife & True Blood

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Wendell Pierce as Captain C.W. Wagner

As Captain Wagner, Wendell Pierce continues to ground the show. His fatherly frustration with his detectives (and Elsbeth’s unpredictability) gives the series some of its funniest moments.

In Poetic Justice, he tries to keep the precinct from spinning into chaos while also managing his daughter Julia’s blossoming romance with Detective Rivers. Pierce reminds us that beneath the stern exterior, Wagner genuinely trusts Elsbeth’s instincts, even if she drives him up the wall.

Wendell Pierce is also known for: The Wire & Suits

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Carra Patterson as Kaya Blanke

Carra Patterson makes a special guest return as Kaya Blanke, and her comeback is a treat for longtime fans. Kaya started as Elsbeth’s NYPD observer and quickly became her confidante.

After being promoted to detective and later joining a task force in Washington, D.C., her brief reappearance in Elsbeth Season 3 feels like a homecoming. She pops up in Episode 5 to lend her perspective on the case, reminding us how much her calm logic used to balance Elsbeth’s own life.

Carra Patterson is also known for: The Arrangement & Turner & Hooch

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Fredric Lehne as Lieutenant Dave Noonan

Fredric Lehne’s Lieutenant Dave Noonan continues to bring that classic police procedural energy to the show. Noonan is dependable and straightforward and is the kind of guy who cuts through Elsbeth’s eccentric methods with simple logic.

Though he is more in the background this episode, his steady presence keeps the precinct running smoothly. His interactions with Captain Wagner often add dry humor, giving Elsbeth Season 3 a touch of old-school detective grit.

Fredric Lehne is also known for: Dream Lover & Amityville 4: The Evil Escapes

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William Jackson Harper as Gary Pidgeon

William Jackson Harper absolutely steals Poetic Justice. As Gary Pidgeon, the editor of a once-prestigious poetry journal, Harper perfectly captures a man collapsing under the weight of ambition and pride.

His calmness hides a rage that comes off only when Elsbeth exposes him. It’s a clever, eerie role that lets Harper show off his full acting range.

William Jackson Harper is also known for: The Good Place & Midsommar

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Sarah Steele as Marissa Gold

Sarah Steele’s return as Marissa Gold is pure nostalgia for The Good Wife fans. Now a campaign manager for mayoral candidate Alec Bloom, Marissa’s energy adds a political spin to Elsbeth Season 3.

Her scheming, like setting up Elsbeth on a fake date for PR, goes hilariously off track. By the end, her confession that she leaked the “mysterious redhead” photos shows her bold, slightly mischievous side. Steele plays Marissa with perfect comedic timing, proving she is still as sharp as ever.

Sarah Steele is also known for: The Good Fight & Speech & Debate

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Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 5, 'Poetic Justice,' has, like always, chaotic politics and murder in the most Elsbeth way possible. With Carrie Preston’s charm, William Jackson Harper’s gripping guest role, and Sarah Steele’s (guest) return, this episode stands tall among the season’s best.

Every character adds their spark to the story, and it is proof that Elsbeth Season 3 knows how to turn even poetry into the perfect crime.

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