Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 8 "Basket Case" cast and characters: Here's who brought the CBS series to life

Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios
Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios

Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 8 brings forth the mysterious case of the murder of Athletic Director Dave of St. Ivan’s. Initially, the case seemed easy to solve. However, as Elsbeth begins to dive deep into the case, she realizes it is quite complicated.

However, just as always, she solves the case with her distinct observation skills yet again. The cast members of this episode were quite fascinating. They added to the on-brand humor of the series in their own way.


Elsbeth Season 3 Episode 8 "Basket Case" cast and characters guide

1) Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni

Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios
Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios

It cannot be denied that Carrie Preston’s Elsbeth Tascioni is the heart of this series. The way she handles the case in this episode by diving deep into the minute details, causing her to come out victorious, is truly incredible.

In this episode, Elsbeth understands that though Peyton appears to be the killer, she is not. Her observation skills are correct once again; as it turns out, Peyton was indeed not the killer. Carrie Preston perfectly captured the layered nature of Elsbeth, depicting her struggles along with her strengths in a nuanced manner.


2) Lana Condor as Peyton Ramsey

Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios
Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios

Lana Candor perfectly captured Peyton Ramsey’s character in this episode of Elsbeth Season 3. Peyton often gets multiple negative comments from others; however, she is not disheartened by any of it.

Rather, she refuses to sugarcoat her words, which initially becomes the reason for her to fall under the radar of suspicion of Dave’s murder in this episode. Just as with Lana Condor’s other projects, such as Boo, Bitch, Rilakkuma and Kaoru, Deadly Class, and many more, her performance in this series also resonates with authenticity.


3) Sam McMurray as Coach Willoughby

Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios
Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios

The main culprit of this case, Sam McMurray’s coach Willoughby, was able to fool everyone until the very end. Coach W appeared to be the innocent one in the case. However, he was the one who killed Dave out of anger. He set up wiretaps in the locker room, which helped him listen to the negative things that Dave often said about it.

The anger caused him to react violently. Though he was to trick everyone, he could not escape Elsbeth’s observant eyes. It cannot be denied that Sam McMurray’s genuine performance made Coach W’s character worth appreciating. Sam McMurray’s other notable projects include The Boondocks, State of the Union, etc.


4) Britne Oldford as Detective Nina Taylor

Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios
Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios

With performances in projects such as Long Bright River, Dead Ringers, and many more, Britne Oldford’s acting prowess in this episode of Elsbeth Season 3 is truly worth appreciating. Detective Nine Taylor helmed the case of Dave’s murder along with Elsbeth.

From the beginning, she thought that Peyton was the murderer. Her judgment was clouded by the comments of others. However, in the end, she understands that she was wrong. It cannot be denied that Taylor's support for Elsbeth in this episode helped her navigate the case easily.


5) Wendell Pierce as Captain C.W. Wagner

Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios
Elsbeth Season 3 | Image Via: CBS Studios

Wendell Pierce’s presence in this episode as C.W. Wagner is also crucial. Wagner is quite intimidating. However, he is supportive of Elsbeth. He appreciates the work she does and also appreciates her abilities.

In this episode, at a certain point, Elsbeth becomes confused about which way to progress to find the truth. However, Wagner nudges her in the right direction, eventually leading to the case being solved. It cannot be denied that Wendell Pierce comes with a distinct acting ability. His numerous projects are proof of his versatility.


Other cast and characters of this episode include:

  • Daniel K. Isaac
  • Blake DeLong
  • Sam Ashby
  • Eric Leviton
  • Helen Cespedes
  • Sharon Hope
  • Todd Cerveris
  • Anthony De La Torre

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Edited by KOUSHIKI ROY