Elsbeth Tascioni has always had a knack for juggling her detective work with her personal life, but in Season 4, the balancing act is getting trickier. Between solving murders across New York City and helping plan her son Teddy's wedding, Elsbeth's two worlds are about to crash together in a big way. In the upcoming episode, "A Bad Lie," the colorful crime solver heads to a country club where a seemingly miraculous hole-in-one might be hiding a dark secret.
The episode follows Elsbeth as she investigates the suspicious death of the club's president, who died when a branch from the famed Osage orange tree fell on his head. While the club calls it a freak accident, Elsbeth and a private insurance broker aren't so sure. Their suspicions point to Perry, a golfer played by Our Flag Means Death alum Nat Faxon, who just happens to have a plaque commemorating his charity tournament hole-in-one. But is his impressive shot too good to be true?
As if the case weren't complicated enough, the country club turns out to be the same one where Roy's parents are members. That means Elsbeth's investigation will intertwine with her meeting with Teddy's future in-laws, Yvette and Glenn. In an exclusive sneak peek, Elsbeth's mother Lydia pulls her aside to warn her not to be too "interesting," hinting that Elsbeth's personality has caused trouble before. But Elsbeth can't help herself, especially when Glenn starts talking about the club's tragic loss.
The meeting takes an awkward turn when Perry barges in, eager to show off his hole-in-one plaque. Elsbeth is genuinely impressed, but Yvette clearly isn't having it. The tension is palpable as Elsbeth tries to balance her detective instincts with her desire to make a good impression on her son's future family.
This episode is just the latest in a season packed with standout guest stars. Alongside Faxon, Season 4 has featured Nicole Scherzinger, Nicholas Braun, OG Anunoby, Jemima Kirke, Sam Richardson, and Lea Michele. And the star power doesn't stop there. The Big Bang Theory's Simon Helberg is set to appear as a Revolutionary War re-enactor, SNL alum Molly Shannon will play a superhero creator with a deadly vision, and Oscar nominee Lucas Hedges will take on the role of a prediction market founder. Their episodes are sure to be must-see TV.
For fans of Carrie Preston's other recent work, this episode is a reminder of her versatility. And if you're looking for more behind-the-scenes insights, check out our deep dive into another show's shocking finale.
Don't miss Elsbeth Season 4, Episode 5, airing November 5 on CBS. Watch the exclusive sneak peek above to see the awkward meeting unfold.
