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Elsbeth Season 2 Finale Wasted Its Broadway Star Guest Co-Star

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Warning: SPOILERS for Elsbeth season 2, episode 20, “Ramen Holiday.”

In the glitzy and Broadway-inspired season 2 finale of Elsbeth, there was no shortage of fan appreciation, yet one prominent guest actor seemed surprisingly underutilized given the context of the episode. A host of past guests made an appearance for this climactic episode, largely as several killers from the initial two seasons who cross paths with Tascioni during her temporary imprisonment. However, these aren’t the only delightful twists, as the finale also introduces a couple of fresh faces to the cast of characters in Elsbeth.

At the prison, Elsbeth initially encounters Rocco Bellini, a correctional officer with aspirations of joining Captain Wagner’s NYPD team. Rocco’s ambition could potentially bring him to Wagner’s precinct in the future, but it’s not just Rocco who might reappear in season 3 of Elsbeth. If any character from the final episode of season 2 deserves another opportunity to make an impact, it’s Donna Lynne Champlin as Mama Martin.

Donna Lynne Champlin’s Elsbeth Season 2 Finale Role Explained

Her Character’s Name Is A Thinly Veiled Broadway Reference

Despite Elsbeth’s Judge Crawford storyline concluding before the season 2 finale, the final episode still targeted Tascioni with a fresh villain. At first, Donna Lynne Champlin’s Warden Mama Martin seems friendly, but as is often the case in such plots, she initially presents as an ally. However, in a twist that may have been foreseeable given the lineup of criminal guest stars, the seemingly kind warden is ultimately revealed to be a cold-blooded murderer.

Mama Martin’s name is a nod to the character played by Queen Latifah in the movie adaptation of Chicago, possibly due to the fact that both characters’ corruption revolves around reciprocity. However, unlike the character Champlin portrays who primarily deals contraband to prisoners, she demonstrates a readiness to murder first-season killer Alex Modarian in order to protect her low-level black market from being exposed. Although she convincingly plays the role of an ally to Elsbeth until the final twist, it seems that Champlin’s ruthless warden could have been utilized more effectively in the series.

Elsbeth Season 2 Finale Never Makes Use Of Donna Lynne Champlin’s Vocal Ability

Her Singing Voice Would Have Been Perfect For Her Character

Different guest stars have various motivations behind their appearances. For example, some fans eager to see more appearances of The Good Wife’s character Elsbeth are primarily interested in catching up with a cherished character and learning about their latest activities. However, since the finale of season 2 of Elsbeth includes a tribute to Chicago through a musical number based on “Cell Block Tango,” it was crucial to cast guest stars who could excel in a Broadway-style performance. Given that Mama Martin doesn’t take part in this number, it may seem perplexing as to why Champlin, specifically, was chosen for her role.

Initially, Champlin embarked on her acting journey via the stage, yet it was her character Paula Proctor in the musical TV series “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” that catapulted her into prominence. Across numerous songs within the show, Champlin demonstrated a remarkable flair for Broadway-style belting numbers, a trait also prevalent in many Mama Morton performances from “Chicago“. Given Champlin’s extensive background in onscreen singing, it seems fitting that she would have sung in the musical episode of “Elsbeth“, had the finale delved deeper into its “Chicago” influences. Moreover, her character name itself hints at her potential suitability for such a role.

How Donna Lynne Champlin Could Return In Elsbeth Season 3

Every Other Elsbeth Season 2 Finale Guest Star Already Knows

In the final episode of season 2 of “Elsbeth,” it’s evident that a character’s imprisonment for murder doesn’t rule out their possible return in future seasons. Sending Tascioni to prison may not be essential to bring her into contact with familiar faces again. Just as Carra Patterson, who played Kaya Blanke, departed from “Elsbeth” as a main cast member, it doesn’t mean she won’t reappear occasionally. There are multiple strategies for bringing characters like Mama Martin back in “Elsbeth” season 3. The guest star who appeared in the finale of season 2 even hints at one straightforward method.

As the season 1 finale approaches, Joe Dillon, a suspect earlier on, proposes to Elsbeth that her arrest could invalidate his case. However, this doesn’t occur as the charges against Tascioni are dismissed. This incident, though, leaves us wondering about the consequences when a villain like Elsbeth jeopardizes her consent decree in the future. Previous suspects might attempt to reopen their cases, and there’s even a chance that a corrupt judge could rule in favor of releasing some of them. If Mama Martin continues in the series, her storyline could involve higher-risk finale events.

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2025-05-20 00:08

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