Warning: Minor SPOILERS for Elsbeth Season 2, Episode 17, “Four Body Problem.”
The narrative arc for Judge Milton Crawford, the primary antagonist of Elsbeth Season 2, is poised to reach a climax. While fans are eagerly anticipating appearances from beloved characters of The Good Wife and The Good Fight, this season has effectively introduced new, original characters that have captivated audiences. Notably, Michael Emerson’s portrayal of Judge Crawford has emerged as a complex and formidable adversary, significantly overshadowing the previous season’s villain, Lieutenant Noonan.
As the season approaches its conclusion, the fate of Elsbeth Tascioni and her NYPD allies remains uncertain. However, indications suggest that Judge Crawford may not return for the next season in a significant role, heightening the urgency for the series to deliver a satisfying resolution to his storyline. While Elsbeth is taking a brief break to accommodate the two-hour season finale of Matlock, fans can expect Crawford’s impactful return shortly.
Tascioni Encounters Judge Crawford Again in Elsbeth Season 2, Episode 18
The Uncertain Conclusion of Crawford’s Arc in Elsbeth Season 2
Returning from its short hiatus on April 24, 2025, TVInsider reports that this episode will mark Michael Emerson’s final appearance as Judge Crawford, at least for this season. The storyline will revisit the Mertons case, which Crawford attempted to close in order to conceal his own illicit involvement. Following a request from Wagner, Kershaw has agreed to reopen the case, but she now realizes that this could lead to serious allegations against a sitting judge.
This episode will introduce a time-sensitive element, as it coincides with Crawford’s impending appointment as a federal judge. Additionally, it follows a significant earlier plot point involving Elsbeth’s son, Teddy, who is contemplating a legal career. This time, Tascioni’s quest to eradicate corruption will serve a dual purpose: setting an inspiring example for her son while further intensifying her investigative zeal. To adequately conclude Crawford’s trajectory, the stakes in this investigation must rise dramatically.
Elsbeth Season 2 Must Conclude Judge Crawford’s Storyline Effectively
Crawford’s Reputation as a Menacing Threat Needs Fulfillment
Throughout Season 2, Elsbeth has failed to fully realize the narrative setups it has established. For instance, while Elsbeth’s romantic subplot has been alluded to, her Scottish romantic interest has not resurfaced. In comparison, the series has yet to substantiate the warnings from other characters regarding Judge Crawford’s dangerous nature. Although he has leveraged his connections against Elsbeth, the audience has yet to witness the full extent of his malevolence, with only one confirmed murder linked to him.
For Judge Crawford to truly resonate as a substantial villain, the series must transition from merely describing his threat to effectively illustrating it. In Season 2, Episode 17, Kershaw warned Wagner about the dangers of investigating Crawford. Just prior to that, Marilyn, played by Tracey Ullman, had a premonition of Elsbeth amidst blood and a shadowy figure, hinting at Crawford’s potential to become an imminent danger in her life. Given Marilyn’s psychic abilities, overlooking this foretelling would be a missed opportunity.
Strategies for Transforming Judge Crawford into a Compelling Villain
While Elsbeth’s vibrant fashion often provides comic relief, it is crucial that the show shifts its tone in Season 2, Episode 18, placing greater emphasis on the grave implications of the plot. Furthermore, Marilyn’s vision could yield dramatic tension if Crawford were to target someone close to Elsbeth, like Kaya or Wagner.
Crawford could cement his status as a real threat by taking drastic action against one of Elsbeth’s allies, rather than merely presenting fleeting life-threatening scenarios. The deaths of newer characters such as Captain Kershaw, Detective Rivers, Officer Chandler, or Lieutenant Connor could significantly impact the narrative without disturbing the core essence of the series. If implemented, such developments would ensure that Crawford’s presence is felt acutely as the season progresses.
Source: TVInsider
Are you interested in ScreenRant’s primetime insights? Sign up for our weekly Network TV newsletter and ensure to select “Network TV”in your preferences for exclusive content from actors and showrunners on your favorite shows.
SIGN UP NOW