Elsbeth Recap: Iambic What-ameter?

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It’s often easy to tell the difference between genuine behavior and someone trying to deceive you, but the show “Poetic Justice” suggests the line isn’t always clear. The series asks if there’s a real difference between someone like Alec Bloom genuinely networking for political gain and a nonprofit director, Gary Pidgeon, humbling himself to get donations. It also questions whether it matters if Detective Rivers is being honest or putting on an act when he uses HR-approved language to connect with Elsbeth, especially if it improves their working relationship. And finally, the show asks if the small, deceptive tactic Rivers and Elsbeth use at Gary’s dry cleaner would actually stand up in court.

Elsbeth encounters Alec (Ivan Hernandez) at a charity event – Dr. Yablonski, a recurring character in the show, is always nearby. Alec, who is running for mayor, initially appears as a charismatic leader focused on bringing people together, reminiscent of politician Zohran Mamdani. He emphasizes affordable living, shares his experience with childhood homelessness, and highlights his background as a fire marshal before entering politics. He’s friendly and approachable, making a connection with everyone he meets. Elsbeth is both impressed and cautious. They bond over a shared love for New York City, even enjoying its more touristy attractions like hip-hop bus tours and restaurants with singing waiters – they even sing the beginning of the song “Manhattan” together! However, Elsbeth rightfully wonders if Alec’s down-to-earth personality is genuine or simply a calculated political tactic, questioning whether he’s being disingenuous like Bill Clinton.

Now that Marissa Gold (Sarah Steele) is managing the campaign, things are getting complicated. After working for Alicia Florrick and Diane Lockhart, she’s moved to New York, and Elsbeth is happy to reconnect with an old friend. Elsbeth hopes Marissa won’t follow in the footsteps of her famously manipulative father, Eli, and it seems Marissa wants to be a better person. However, it quickly becomes clear that Marissa’s good intentions are more of a goal than a reality – something many viewers probably predicted. Even if Elsbeth can’t forgive Marissa for leaking the photos that led to the New York Post calling her Alec’s “mystery redhead,” Marissa will definitely be back. After all, you don’t announce that “the future of New York City is in [Elsbeth’s] hands!” and then disappear for the rest of the season.

Elsbeth is already busy dealing with Dr. Yablonski, who keeps sadly remembering Dolores Feinn, a recently deceased poet and supporter of a literary organization (played by Lois Smith). Ms. Feinn tragically died in an apartment fire last week – a cigarette started a fire near the oxygen tank she used. Dr. Yablonski (Daniel Davis) now feels guilty that he always suspected her oxygen tank was just a trick she used to get good seats at restaurants, as the gauge always seemed full, and she was a very old woman who deserved to enjoy life.

Dr. Yablonski’s understanding of events feels off, and even without knowing his friend Gary intentionally tampered with Dolores’s oxygen, he’d still seem suspicious. Gary keeps talking about how tragic Dolores’s death is, but it comes across as insincere. However, as revealed in one of Dolores’s previously unpublished stories, called “Nipples of the Sea,” it’s possible for conflicting feelings to coexist. Gary can genuinely be saddened by Dolores’s death and secretly relieved that he caused it, especially since it prevented her from changing her will and reducing the funds she’d promised to his literary journal, Pigeon Print.

Elsbeth still feels something is off about the case, even without considering Dr. Yablonski’s theory about Dolores’s minor fraud. She convinces Captain Wagner to let her reopen the investigation. Her only concern is being partnered with the often-complaining Detective Rivers, but he’s surprisingly cooperative, actually listening to her ideas. They manage to work together effectively, with Rivers even helping her record a confession from Gary, the man who murdered Dolores. Rivers seems eager to impress Captain Wagner, who is dating Julia, and avoid any trouble with HR, so his newfound respect might not be genuine. However, Elsbeth doesn’t care, and their collaboration ultimately leads to solving the case. In this instance, a smooth and productive working relationship is more valuable than sincerity.

Elsbeth gets confessions by being relentlessly cheerful during questioning, conducting multiple friendly interviews, and cleverly pretending she knows more than she does. She gets help with this from Alec, a former fire marshal, Steve the doorman (Jim C. Ferris), and May, the dry cleaner (Rika Akanishi). It’s no surprise when Gary finally breaks down after Elsbeth confidently explains how bleaching works with high oxygen levels – I almost pitied him! Harper’s performance is fantastic; it reminds me of John Cleese as Basil Fawlty in Fawlty Towers. While Gary isn’t committing murder like Basil, Harper perfectly captures that feeling of being cornered, and the growing panic that, despite his clever plans, Gary’s situation is quickly becoming hopeless because he’s surrounded by frustrating people.

It’s easy to see why Gary is so stressed throughout the episode. Everyone keeps pointing out that the arts are struggling. Fred, his rival at Tumbleweed, sadly notes that book sales are down, and potential donors aren’t giving as much money as they used to. Gary faces constant rejection when trying to secure funding – it’s not just about Dolores and her promised $200 million, which is contingent on Gary publishing her incredibly difficult poem, “Quest For Eternal Spring, Or: The Blood Circus.” Even his associate director, Hannah, won’t ask her wealthy family (who own a dental floss company) for a donation. With donors unwilling to contribute, how can Gary possibly keep the press afloat?

It’s unfortunate for Gary that his terrible plan didn’t work out. Being outsmarted by a grumpy, seemingly wealthy old woman with little talent for writing must be incredibly frustrating. To inherit her awful, unpublished poetry and a measly $413.17 (after fees!) feels like a painful insult. Meanwhile, Dolores’s clever scheme of living on a tiny budget and getting free meals from arts organizations is truly impressive. Bravo to her, and may she rest in peace – she was a master scammer!

I’m still stuck on what happened between Elsbeth and Marissa at the precinct. It’s one thing for Marissa to admit she started the rumor about the “mystery redhead,” but it’s much more concerning that she’s telling Elsbeth to keep it secret and not act unless Marissa says so. What trouble have you caused Elsbeth and Alec Bloom, Marissa?!

From The Tote Bags!

This episode is full of references to literature and culture! I’ve highlighted a few, but please share any others you noticed in the comments.

This episode is full of poetry references! Dolores’s work seems inspired by other poets, though I don’t recognize them all. Elizabeth Bishop, Sylvia Plath, John Keats, and Jorie Graham are mentioned, so I’ve included links to their biographies and poems on the Poetry Foundation website. If you’re interested in Keats, I also recommend the film Bright Star, which tells the story of his relationship with Fanny Brawne – it’s a beautiful but heartbreaking movie.

Hearing Elsbeth and Alec sing “Manhattan” reminded me to recommend Richard Linklater’s wonderful new film, Blue Moon. It’s a beautiful story about the songwriter Lorenz Hart, exploring themes of art, love, and the difficulties faced by creative partners, all with a mix of humor and sadness.

Usually, Elsbeth’s outfits are the most memorable part of each episode, but this time it was Gary’s style that really stood out. I want to commend Dan Lawson for designing all of Gary’s tweed jackets, ties, and vests, and I’m grateful to Derek Guy, also known as Menswear Guy, for helping me better understand the details of men’s fashion.

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2025-11-07 07:55