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Elsbeth Recap: Reality Certainly Does Bite
Apr
The second installment of a back-to-back set of new episodes, “Reality Shock,” offers little progress in Elsbeth’s DOJ-mandated investigation into potential corruption in her assigned precinct. However, akin to Hansel and Gretel tracing the path of stones in the moonlight, Elsbeth’s keen eye for all that glitters eventually guides her to the necessary destination.
The victim of the week is Wendy Wexler (portrayed by Nadia Dajani), found electrocuted in her bathtub with one of her own personally branded blenders (known as Wendy’s Blendies!). Wendy’s demise occurred after attempting to blackmail Skip Mason, her (supposed) friend and (true) executive producer of the highly successful reality series “Lavish Ladies.” Skip, perturbed by Wendy’s blackmail attempt—especially after she ominously mentioned Katricia, an unseen yet noteworthy figure—decided to turn Wendy’s Blendies against her. Despite Skip’s prior warnings to cease her excessive product placements, Wendy persisted, and the result is a grim yet oddly satisfying twist on Chekhov’s gun.
For clarity and legal reasons, it’s important to note that “Lavish Ladies” is absolutely not “The Real Housewives of New York.” Skip, played by Jesse Tyler Ferguson with expertly delivered high-strung and indignant energy, proudly showcases framed posters of all the Lavish Ladies franchises he’s created in his office. Lavish Ladies is Skip’s pride and joy, and he’s not about to let the likes of Wendy and her blackmail threats jeopardize the money and power he’s become accustomed to.
One can’t help but think that if Skip had retired from the Lavish Ladies game after its initial success, he could have enjoyed a luxurious retirement free from the drama of these women he privately criticizes as spoiled, silly, and untrustworthy. Instead, he finds himself trapped on a gilded hamster wheel, resorting to editing skills and technological know-how to create an alibi-furnishing voice-mail using Tracy’s voice.
Skip’s confidence in his ability to deflect suspicion wanes once Elsbeth and Officer Kaya arrive on the scene. Elsbeth’s sharp eye for detail, particularly when it comes to shiny objects, proves formidable, especially when paired with Kaya’s extensive knowledge of Lavish Ladies.
Kaya’s invitation for Elsbeth to her home in Queens strengthens their investigative partnership and friendship. Elsbeth’s appreciation for Kaya’s interior design skills grows during the evening, which also proves crucial for Elsbeth’s relentless pursuit of details to dismantle Skip’s alibi, a process she continues at Captain Wagner’s request.
As Elsbeth unravels the details surrounding the murder, she discovers the presence of glitter throughout, from Wendy’s tub to Skip’s hands. Tracy’s comment about being on time, captured on a voice-mail and echoed on TV, becomes another piece of the puzzle in Elsbeth’s investigation.
As Elsbeth and Kaya delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover inconsistencies in Skip’s narrative. Despite Skip’s portrayal of Wendy as a heavy drinker, her autopsy reveals she wasn’t intoxicated at the time of her death, casting doubt on the theory that she accidentally knocked the blender into the tub while intoxicated. Additionally, Tracy reveals that she and Wendy were actually close friends who staged fake fights for the show.
Skip’s belief in his editing skills as a master manipulator is shattered when Elsbeth and Kaya expose his attempts to frame Wendy’s intern, Valencia, as a suspect. Valencia’s honesty about her frustrations with Wendy further discredits Skip’s narrative. Skip’s refusal to acknowledge the flaws in his original edit only worsens his situation.
The mystery surrounding Katricia, an original Lavish Lady who left the show under scandalous circumstances, adds another layer to the investigation. Katricia reveals that Wendy confessed to helping Skip drug her, leading to her departure from the show. At Wendy’s memorial service, Katricia confronts Skip, tricking him into confessing his involvement while being recorded.
The narrative symmetry of Katricia’s dramatic revelation at the memorial service adds a satisfying conclusion to the investigation.
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