‘Elsbeth’ Shocker: Carra Patterson Exits Series, Will Return as Guest Star in Season 3
[Warning: The following contains MAJOR spoilers for Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 19, “I’ve Got a Little List.”
Elsbeth star Carra Patterson is leaving the CBS procedural after two seasons. Patterson has played NYPD officer Kaya Blanke since Season 1 and through most of Elsbeth Tascioni’s (Carrie Preston) cases until she was promoted to detective in Season 2, separating the women who had evolved into very close friends (and roommates, for a time).
Patterson’s last episode as a series regular will be the Elsbeth Season 2 finale on Thursday, May 8, on CBS. She’ll return as a guest star in Elsbeth Season 3, and her guest-star role will continue indefinitely, Deadline reports. Kaya’s exit was prompted by her receiving another promotion to undercover agent. Patterson addressed her Elsbeth exit in a statement after the penultimate episode of Season 2 aired on Thursday, May 1, on CBS. Her statement reiterates that she will be back next season.
“My character, Kaya Blanke, is embarking on a new adventure as the story continues to unfold, and I am excited to do the same,” Patterson told Deadline. “But we will see Kaya again — fans will find out what she’s been up to in her new role as ‘Detective’ next season when I come back to guest star and play with Carrie and Wendell. I am beyond grateful to the cast, crew, and producers, and of course, the fans, for all the love and support.”
Kaya’s promotion was a sudden surprise in the episode, titled “I’ve Got a Little List.” Kaya didn’t apply for the job. It was Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) who recommended her for it. The new job will take her to Washington, DC.
“You are joining a special task force in D.C. A spot just opened up,” Wagner said. “Training starts right away. It will require extensive training in D.C. and undercover assignments.”
Next week’s finale will include a celebratory sendoff for Kaya and a musical number featuring past guest stars from Seasons 1 and 2.
Showrunner Jonathan Tolins told Deadline, “Kaya just turned out to be this wonderful partner for Elsbeth, and that relationship was one that we all love so much, and we love Carra. We’re excited that the character got her promotion and achieved that dream. She’s not leaving the world of the show. She’s just not going to be with us every day. I don’t want to make too much of the change.”
Ethan Slater debuted as Elsbeth’s new accompanying officer in the latter half of Season 2. Could he be more of a presence in Season 3?
Elsbeth, Season 2 Finale, Thursday, May 8, 9/8c, CBS
Conversation17 Comments
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P
I hope it's because she is getting a better job in her real life. This change was totally unnecessary.
31
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B
I'm so sad about her departure; it'll obviously completely change the dynamics of the show, and I think they'll have a hard time finding someone with such fun chemistry with "Elsbeth."
31 1
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P
SAY IT AIN’T SO!!! Their friendship and bond is why we watch the show! The murder mysteries are second to that friendship. BRING CARRA BACK TO STAY!!! There isn’t much joy in this world right now, but Elsbeth and Kaya brought much joy! I am heartbroken!!!
31 1
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G
I think yet another “ suit” made a bad decision. She was the first to believe in Elsbeth and their friendship was a joy to watch. If this wasn’t her decision then we should make a bug deal of it. Those new characters are horrible.
19
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R
I hate that Kaya is leaving. Their friendship was so fun to watch! It really is a HUGE loss Carra & Carrie really have great chemistry that jumps off the screen and that really is hard to capture and to find. I love anything Carrie is in so I’m for sure watching. I’m not sure about the Ethan character though
15
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P
I was already peeved because after Kaya became a detective, there was less interaction between her and Elsbeth. But now she is leaving. Say it isn’t so. So far, no one has had the chemistry with Elsbeth as Kaya. I am crushed.
7
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R
I don’t understand why this change was needed, why mess with the formula that has worked so well. Yes I get that for the character this is a promotion but for the show this is a mistake. There were only 3 major characters it not like the show has this huge cast. When an major actor leaves goes on guest starring status within the first 30 episodes of the series this not a good thing.
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A
Like Kelli Giddish in "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit", Carra Patterson just went from "regular" to "recurring" so I'm not too heartbroken about her "leaving" the show. At least we know they'll both be back!
6
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P
I am so disappointed that Carra will only be on the show only guest starring. Her character to me was such a big part of the show. I hope that somehow she will be back full time.
4
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R
Did Carra ask for more money? Why are they playing this so close to the vest? I liked watching the two of them together and hated it when they promoted Kaia. It took away from the fun of the show.
3
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R
I hope she gets a job on White Lotus season 4!
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O
LOVE. IT!!
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P
won’t be the same without her every show just likes it’s been. Why would you change a top rated show. Everybody loves the two of them together. Big mistake. Not going to go over.
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C
Wrong move to get rid of Kaya as a permanent fixture on Elsbeth. Please Bring her back full time, and not as a special guest.
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G
I am not understanding this move. The friendship and bond was phenomenal! The murders are interesting, but we already know who was the killer from the opening of the show. I only watch because of Elsbeth and Kaya, as their interactions are heartwarming. Who's idea was this craziness?
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C
I think she undercover pregnant, that why they did not show her belly in tonite episode. She will be back.
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B
I get that characters change/leave TV shows. But how about another season or two with Kaya and Elsbeth? Way too early for her to be leaving. Dumb move.
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