With only one episode remaining before the Season 3 finale, Elsbeth raises the stakes once again in Episode 19, “Catch and Kill.” This week’s mystery introduces a woman who has spent decades exposing everyone else’s secrets—but who may be willing to commit murder to protect one of her own.
The episode marks another high-profile guest appearance for the series, with Emmy winner Tracey Ullman stepping into the role of Betty Heymouth, a legendary New York gossip columnist whose influence stretches across politics, entertainment, and high society. Her latest scandal, however, may be the one she can never write her way out of.
As the season heads toward its finale, “Catch and Kill” promises an intriguing battle between two women who understand people better than almost anyone else—one who uncovers secrets for justice, and another who has built an entire career selling them.
A Murder Hidden Behind Headlines
According to CBS, Elsbeth finds herself investigating Betty Heymouth after a suspicious death places the veteran columnist at the center of a murder case. Betty has spent years collecting confidential information about New York’s most powerful figures, making her one of the city’s most feared media personalities.
Unlike many previous suspects, Betty doesn’t rely on physical intimidation or elaborate cover-ups.
Instead, her greatest weapon is information.
She knows who is lying, who is cheating, and who has everything to lose if the truth becomes public. That makes her exceptionally dangerous—not because she carries a weapon, but because she understands exactly how to manipulate everyone around her.
Tracey Ullman Is the Perfect Guest Star
One of Elsbeth‘s greatest strengths has always been its remarkable lineup of guest stars, and Tracey Ullman’s arrival continues that tradition.
Known for effortlessly balancing comedy and drama, Ullman brings charisma, wit, and unpredictability to Betty Heymouth. Early previews suggest she delivers a performance that is both entertaining and quietly intimidating, creating a suspect capable of matching Elsbeth’s intelligence at every turn.
The chemistry between Carrie Preston and Tracey Ullman appears to be one of the episode’s biggest highlights.
Rather than relying on dramatic confrontations, the tension comes from carefully crafted conversations in which every compliment, question, and smile could conceal another clue.
Elsbeth Faces an Opponent Who Lives on Secrets
Most criminals Elsbeth encounters attempt to hide one terrible decision.
Betty Heymouth has built an entire career collecting other people’s secrets.
That distinction immediately changes the dynamic of the investigation.
Instead of chasing someone unfamiliar with deception, Elsbeth is confronting a professional observer—someone who understands manipulation, media influence, and public perception better than almost anyone else.
This creates a fascinating psychological contest where both women excel at reading people, but for very different reasons.
One seeks justice.
The other seeks control.
Another Classic “Howcatchem” Mystery
Like most episodes of Elsbeth, “Catch and Kill” follows the series’ signature “howcatchem” format rather than a traditional whodunit. The audience is introduced to the likely killer early, shifting the suspense away from identifying the culprit and toward discovering how Elsbeth will expose the truth.
That storytelling approach has become one of the show’s defining characteristics.
Instead of relying on shocking final twists, each episode becomes an intellectual chess match where viewers watch Elsbeth patiently dismantle a carefully constructed lie.
With Betty’s extensive experience manipulating information, this episode could offer one of the most satisfying cat-and-mouse games of the season.
Why Episode 19 Matters Before the Finale
“Catch and Kill” arrives at an important moment for the series.
As the penultimate episode of Season 3, it must deliver a compelling standalone mystery while also maintaining momentum heading into the finale, “That’s All,” which follows one week later.
Although CBS has revealed very little about the finale itself, the placement of Episode 19 suggests it will help set the emotional tone for the season’s closing chapter.
That makes every interaction, character development, and investigative breakthrough feel even more significant.
Carrie Preston Continues to Shine
After three seasons, Carrie Preston continues to prove why Elsbeth Tascioni remains one of television’s most original detectives.
Her warmth, curiosity, and unconventional investigative style consistently transform ordinary murder cases into engaging character studies.
In “Catch and Kill,” those qualities appear perfectly matched against a suspect who believes she has already mastered the art of understanding people.
If anyone can expose someone whose entire career revolves around controlling information, it’s Elsbeth.