Elsbeth Recap: A Bottle of Red, Please!

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In her phase focused on rectifying past injustices, Elsbeth is delving deeper into the Merton murder case than initially expected. The Orientalist Spa murder case relied heavily on details from an old case, and this week she successfully arranged for the exhumation of a 1998 victim. Her determination is impressive, but it’s important to remember that her unwavering persistence might lead her to overstep boundaries or become overzealous at times. Judge Crawford, who seems to be a constant thorn in her side, and his slippery way of avoiding her grasp could potentially push Elsbeth too far. Following “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant”, there are only six episodes left in this season, and I’m eagerly awaiting the resolution (or cliffhanger) of the judge murder case.

Let’s pause, I should, as we delve into another historical murder for reinvestigation, this time thanks to an entertaining real crime tour around Lower Manhattan. The tour host, Murray Hill, known for his role as Fred Rococo in Somebody Somewhere, certainly adds flair (in a good way) to the retelling of the final murder’s facts on this tour. Gathered at Pupetta’s Restaurant, we listen to the grisly account of a murder that ignited a 1998 conflict between the Del Ponte and Nova crime families. Hill captivates us with the intricate details of Eddie Nova’s killing of Goldie Marasco from the Del Ponte family, while we savor the same meal Goldie was enjoying before he met an untimely end by a corkscrew and two bullets to the chest.

Immediately curious and observant, Elsbeth quickly raises questions regarding the tale: How did Eddie manage to surprise Goldie when Goldie was facing the main entrance of the restaurant? What’s the purpose behind employing a corkscrew? Why use Goldie’s own gun for the crime — wouldn’t a hitman on such an assignment bring his own firearm? The murder itself seems more like an impulsive act of passion rather than the calculated work of a seasoned professional assassin targeting someone suspected of being an FBI informant.

If Gene Gianetti (Adam Ferrara), a waiter who is the sole witness of a murder, now married to Pupetta (Alysbet Milano), could provide answers to her questions, she might find them if he was reachable for conversation at their secret rendezvous spot. Unfortunately, upon Elsbeth’s arrival with Teddy and Roy, they discover him on a stretcher instead. However, the driver who hit Gene merely hurt his shoulder in the accident, so they should have an opportunity to talk the next day.

Pupetta appears surprisingly swiftly at the location, given she works ten blocks away. Strange, indeed. She portrays an over-the-top grieving widow act until she discovers that Gene will recover following surgery. It seems excessive, but Detective Fleming, who previously handled Goldie’s murder case in 1998, notes that summer as particularly brutal for Pupetta. The murder of Goldie resulted in Eddie’s retribution killing, triggering a wave of violence that claimed nearly all of Pupetta’s family members. Understanding the loss of 14 relatives in one summer is challenging, so perhaps her behavior stems from her past trauma resurfacing. On the other hand, she dons an intriguingly formal black pillbox hat adorned with netting, a hat reminiscent of Jackie Kennedy’s funeral attire. Why would someone select such a funerary accessory on their way to a crime scene where her husband might be dead in the street? I wonder, just posing questions!

At the station later on, Fleming shared updates about the Marasco murder with Elsbeth and Kaya. From the start, he had doubts about Eddie Nova being responsible for Goldie’s death. Not only did Elsbeth have numerous questions about the case, but Fleming observed that any evidence contradictory to Eddie was hastily dismissed. Since Eddie couldn’t defend or confirm these findings from beyond the grave, and with no strong alternative theory in sight, those in power called off the investigation. With nothing more compelling to go on, Fleming put his case materials away for safekeeping.

Fleming gathers all those items once more so he, Elsbeth, and Kaya can examine them with a new perspective. He’s harbored guilt for Pupetta over the years but is open to exploring the possibility that she could have been involved in Goldie’s demise, particularly after Elsbeth mentions the numerous scratches on Goldie’s face and chest. These marks appear unlikely to be defensive wounds from a quick, surprise double-shot incident.

Regrettably, Gene, who seemed excited about meeting Elsbeth before the car accident, is now denying any memory of the day before. It’s hard not to suspect that Pupetta’s visit to Gene in the hospital before Elsbeth and Fleming arrived might have something to do with it. Pupetta’s actions could be seen as a loving wife trying to comfort her husband amidst painful memories, but they are starting to appear suspicious. Her persistent hovering over Gene’s bedside and insistence that their son, Gene Jr., work in the family restaurant instead of pursuing his career aspirations on Wall Street are unusual. The way Gene Jr. describes the family business as something difficult to leave and his mother as a tough person to refuse is intriguing, especially when Pupetta shows up at Elsbeth’s building to dissuade her from Jr. In a subtle threat, she comments that Gene Jr. is a great son, and it would be a pity if anything bad happened to him!

Elsbeth, Kaya, and Fleming are still exploring their theory about Pupetta: It’s possible that she became enraged upon discovering he was meeting with the FBI at a motel near the Brooklyn-Queens Expressway (for those not familiar with NYC, this is the BQE). If so, she may have acted on her own anger and initiated events leading to Goldie’s death. She might have arranged for someone else to carry out the hit or confronted Goldie herself, as suggested by her comment about wearing longer, pointed nails in the ’90s – which could explain the scratches found on Goldie’s face and chest. However, this is all speculation at this point. Exhuming Goldie’s body to gather and test tissue samples might help confirm or disprove some of their theories.

Who might be hindering the investigation? It seems that Judge Crawford’s power is manipulating other judges, preventing NYPD from accessing their request. This surprising revelation may be too much for even the strongest constitutions to bear. That fellow certainly knows how to create trouble, yet he unwittingly provides Elsbeth with the ammunition she needs to outsmart him. A new confession in the case could lead the police to reopen and reexamine Goldie’s murder. Incredible, isn’t it?

As a movie enthusiast, I’m becoming increasingly convinced that Pupetta was the one who murdered Goldie. This notion brings back memories of last season’s episode featuring meticulous accountant Ashton Hayes (played by Keegan-Michael Key). Intriguingly, Kaya has discovered that Ashton had been manipulating Pupetta’s restaurant’s books. Could it be that Pupetta is seeking Gene Jr., an expert in forensic accounting, to leverage his skills? The clock is ticking; he needs to decide whether to dive into this mess or stay out of it right away.

1. Additional compelling details, like Gene Jr.’s towering height compared to both parents and his striking resemblance to Goldie, hint that he might not be Gene Sr.’s biological offspring. Could it be that Pupetta’s intentions toward the FBI had nothing to do with her actions? What if she was secretly meeting with Goldie at the motel instead? What if she murdered him in a violent outburst of anger following his rejection, believing that the child she was carrying was his?

2. Further substantial evidence, such as Gene Jr.’s towering stature compared to both parents and his striking similarity to Goldie, hints at the possibility that he is not Gene Sr’s biological son. Might it be possible that Pupetta had no connection to the FBI at all? What if she was the one secretly meeting with Goldie at the motel? What if she killed him in a fit of rage after he rejected her and thought the baby she was pregnant with was his?

3. Further circumstantial but important details, such as Gene Jr.’s towering height compared to both parents and his striking resemblance to Goldie, suggest he is not Gene Sr’s biological child. What if Pupetta’s motivations had nothing to do with the FBI? Could it be that she was the one meeting clandestinely with Goldie at the motel? What if she killed him in a fit of furious passion after he rejected her and believed the baby she was carrying was his?

4. Additional telling facts, like Gene Jr.’s towering height compared to both parents and his striking resemblance to Goldie, imply that he might not be Gene Sr’s biological son. What if Pupetta had no ties to the FBI at all? Could it be that she was secretly meeting with Goldie at the motel? What if she killed him in a fit of rage after he rejected her and thought the baby she was pregnant with was his?

In this scenario, Gene Senior consents to make a fake confession, intending to safeguard his son and establish that he had no part in Goldie’s murder beyond shielding Pupetta. As expected, one of Pupetta’s fingernails, bearing her distinctive DNA and an exclusive ornament she preferred, is found lodged in Goldie’s chest. Subsequent DNA testing confirms that Gene Junior is the offspring of both Pupetta and Goldie, thus incriminating Pupetta as Goldie’s murderer. In the end, Gene Junior, relieved from having to choose between disobeying his mother and a life of criminality, accepts Gene Senior as his true father.

In “Scenes From An Italian Restaurant,” the subplots revolve around Kaya and Teddy’s connection with Roy. Kaya, who is still a regular patrol officer, harbors resentment about her situation. However, she isn’t aware that Lieutenant Connor and Captain Wagner are deliberately keeping her as Elsbeth’s caretaker because they find it challenging to locate a suitable replacement. An intriguing idea emerges: Why try to recapture lightning in a bottle again? Could Elsbeth no longer require constant supervision? Perhaps Detective Blanke, her new promotion, could team up with Elsbeth more frequently, which would allow another detective to handle different cases. This setup would ease the pressure on the homicide department as they’d still report back to Captain Wagner periodically to prevent any unexpected incidents that Lieutenant Connor calls Elsbeth’s “rogue moments.

Elsbeth enjoys spending more time with Teddy and Roy, but there’s a growing unease in their paradise. Teddy is becoming increasingly uncomfortable due to Elsbeth and Roy’s strong bond and likeness. Both men are hesitant about maintaining a long-distance relationship, leading Teddy to consider ending things. I advise Teddy to examine the root cause of his instant dislike towards anyone resembling his mother before making such a significant decision. He might also want to reflect on his situation with Gene Jr. and Pupetta, as well as their unique circumstances. Whatever emotional burden he carries is heavy. It’s not due to his mother orchestrating a long-term deception, involving her murdering Gene Jr.’s biological father over several decades.

In This Week’s Tote Bag

Since Elsbeth’s show has been renewed for a third season, even though there might be a suspenseful ending in the final episode, we’ll have to wait just a short while before we find out what happens next.

Elsbeth’s birth name is Gudrunsdottir, originating from Iceland. This hints at potential plans to feature Björk and/or Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (previously seen in “Somebody Somewhere” and currently playing a chilling high-ranking character in “Severance”) in guest roles. They might even film some episodes or scenes in Iceland. The show could continue with its typical bright and bubbly tone, or there could be a short exploration of Scandinavian noir. I’m excited about any possibility that comes our way!

The hilarious coincidence is that Elsbeth’s suspicion about Pupetta’s nails gets confirmed, thanks to a scene re-added in the extended director’s version of the well-known mafia movie “City On A Knife Edge”, which undeniably isn’t “The Godfather”.

I’m thrilled to see Elsbeth back in her stunning, floor-length orange padded coat. The vibrant color and luxurious fur-trimmed collar create a delightful, playfully extravagant scene that complements Pupetta’s striking gold and black animal prints.

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2025-03-07 08:59