Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 4.

As a fan of Ocean’s 8, I find it to be a remarkably underrated film, filled with intricate storytelling, engaging characters, and a delightful dose of fun. Therefore, discovering that Elsbeth Season 2 dedicated Episode 4, titled “Elsbeth’s Eleven,” to this Sandra Bullock-led heist flick was an absolute treat. This episode cleverly parodies the heist genre while referencing earlier plot threads without losing focus on the dazzling escapades at a gala heist. The self-contained narrative allows viewers to immerse themselves in the glitz and glamour, making it a captivating watch for both fans of the series and newcomers alike.

Opening at Vivienne’s, an ultra-exclusive jewelry boutique featuring a members-only floor, the episode sets an opulent tone. Roslyn (Vanessa Williams) arrives with her friend Celeste (Jenn Lyon) for a shopping appointment, hoping to assist Celeste in gaining membership. This store is so renowned for its exclusivity that even Kate Middleton was turned away, highlighting its exceptional status. However, one must wonder about the practicality of gaining access to such luxury when one already has centuries of crown jewels at their disposal. As they enter, they are greeted by Judith (Becky Ann Baker), Roslyn’s dedicated sales associate, who is there to help Celeste select jewelry and facilitate her membership application. Judith mentions her impending retirement, hinting at changes within the store, and introduces them to Valentina (Katie Lee Hill), the new creative director, who will oversee membership applications moving forward.

Exclusive Membership Denied: A VIP Client Faces Unexpected Treatment in ‘Elsbeth’ Season 2 Episode 4

As they await Valentina’s arrival, Judith inquires about Roslyn’s choices for the reopening gala, presenting her with a stunning pair of earrings reminiscent of those she wore at her third wedding. When Valentina arrives, she immediately announces a halt to all new membership applications until after the store’s rebranding, a decision stemming from her initiative to modernize the brand. Additionally, Valentina denies Roslyn’s request to view a pair of earrings until she provides proof of funds, emphasizing that this should have been standard practice all along. Judith’s previous leniency in this matter comes under scrutiny, showcasing the tension between the old and new guard at Vivienne’s.

Roslyn, accustomed to the finer things in life, is taken aback by the demand for proof of funds but begrudgingly agrees to comply. A quick call to her accountant reveals that she has just under $1 million left in her trust account, which she considers an inadequate amount for her lifestyle. In a moment of desperation, Celeste suggests that Roslyn sell some of her jewelry, but this notion is swiftly dismissed as absurd. Celeste herself is struggling as her frozen yogurt business faces declining sales. In a tipsy moment of clarity, she urges Roslyn to “take back” the funds Vivienne’s has taken from her. While initially amusing, the idea of a heist begins to resonate with Roslyn, transforming what started as a laugh into a serious consideration.

In a surprising twist, Roslyn invites Judith to lunch—a first for the two. However, the meeting isn’t merely a social gathering; Roslyn is subtly recruiting Judith for her heist. Citing Valentina’s disrespect, Roslyn hints at a plan that Judith quickly grasps, expressing her willingness to participate. They discuss the necessity of a “fence,” someone who can both create counterfeit pieces and help sell the genuine items discreetly. Celeste introduces them to Hughie (Adrian Martinez), who specializes in crafting knockoff designer bags. As they strategize, Roslyn reveals their plan to execute the theft during the upcoming gala, where A-listers will borrow jewelry pieces for the evening. Hughie advises simplicity in the pieces they choose for easier replication, and thus Roslyn’s crew expands from three to four members, with plans to recruit a gem expert to ensure authenticity.

The gem expert they need turns out to be Claude (Patrick Breen), an employee at Vivienne’s who manages clients’ silverware polishing. Vivienne seizes the opportunity to meet with Claude privately after hours, revealing that he recently had a conversation with Valentina that left him distraught, making him a potential ally for their heist. As Claude is well aware of his skills and the intricacies of the jewelry world, he quickly deduces Roslyn’s intentions when she praises his gem expertise, even referring to Ocean’s 8 in a bid to win him over as her “Mindy Kaling.” Unfortunately for Roslyn, Claude is uninterested in joining her criminal endeavor; he even labels her as “trash” before leaving to call Valentina, highlighting his loyalty to her. In a shocking twist, Roslyn takes advantage of his absence, adding a lethal dose of cyanide—hidden within the silver polish—to his tea before he returns, resulting in his swift demise.

After Claude’s death, Roslyn makes a hasty exit, but not before leaving her lipstick mark on the teacup, which Judith discovers the following day. Judith, along with Celeste, learns of Roslyn’s involvement in Claude’s murder, which was motivated by his refusal to join her heist. Unfazed, Roslyn insists that their plans remain unchanged, as their financial needs persist. In a clever twist, she also ensures it appears as though she too has been poisoned, further complicating the investigation. For those who have a penchant for dark humor, it becomes increasingly evident that Roslyn is preparing for something far more sinister than mere theft.

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Meanwhile, Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) and Officer Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson) arrive at Vivienne’s to investigate Claude’s mysterious death, accompanied by Detective Donnelly (Molly Price), who is already at the scene engaging with Valentina. Valentina explains Claude’s role as an expert in verifying jewelry pieces and polishing silver for high-profile clients, while noting that Roslyn was the last person to see him alive. Blanke, however, informs them that CSU has ruled Claude’s death an accident, stating that jewellers sometimes accidentally ingest cleaning solutions. Given Claude’s expertise, it seems implausible that he would mistakenly stir silver polish into his tea, but Valentina eagerly embraces CSU’s conclusion, eager to avoid the negative publicity a murder investigation could bring, especially with the store’s imminent reopening after significant renovations. Roslyn arrives, claiming to have shared tea with Claude the night before while he polished candlesticks for her, but Elsbeth’s keen observation of lipstick marks on the teacup raises eyebrows, particularly since the marks are present both inside and outside the rim, suggesting foul play.

At Roslyn’s apartment, Donnelly delivers the shocking news that her blood tests revealed cyanide poisoning, which she narrowly survived. Elsbeth agrees with this assessment, and as they prepare to leave, she notices an excessive amount of apple pulp in Roslyn’s trash can. Celeste quickly covers, stating they were experimenting with new flavors for her frozen yogurt business—a concept Elsbeth is surprisingly familiar with, much to Celeste’s delight. However, Roslyn discards the idea before Elsbeth can inquire further. At the precinct, Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce) announces that the medical examiner has officially classified Claude’s death as accidental cyanide poisoning, suggesting that he may have polished the cups without rinsing them properly. However, Elsbeth and Blanke are skeptical, pointing out Claude’s meticulous nature and questioning the logic behind using the same cleaning agent for both porcelain and silver.

Elsbeth and Blanke delve deeper, theorizing that the cyanide in Roslyn’s system might serve as an effective alibi, but Elsbeth emphasizes the absurdity of someone pressing their lip against the inside of a cup while drinking. Wagner, however, dismisses their concerns, not due to disbelief but rather because Vivienne’s has insisted on limiting the investigation due to their upcoming reopening. Donnelly, begrudgingly, agrees to comply, but before they leave, Wagner distributes raffle tickets in a misguided attempt to lighten the mood at the precinct, offering lunch with him as a prize.

Elsbeth and Blanke Decide to Live Together in ‘Elsbeth’ Season 2 Episode 4

Later, at Elsbeth’s apartment, she and Blanke are seen moving boxes in, as Blanke is temporarily residing there due to renovations at her own place. Elsbeth expresses her excitement about having her friend stay with her, but she is caught off guard when Blanke insists on paying part of the rent. To add to the surprise, Blanke presents a conventional rental agreement, establishing ground rules for their cohabitation. To lighten the mood, Blanke suggests they take a break and enjoy some frozen yogurt together. However, their plans are derailed when they discover that all locations of Celeste’s frozen yogurt chain have closed down, revealing that Celeste had been dishonest about the apple pulp found in Roslyn’s trash. Upon researching, they learn that apple seeds contain trace amounts of cyanide, which could explain the cyanide detected in Roslyn’s bloodwork. With Roslyn’s alibi crumbling, the duo is left to uncover the motive behind her actions. They decide to confront Celeste outside her apartment, aiming to clarify why she would cover for Roslyn, yet their conversation yields limited insight, primarily focusing on Celeste’s claim that she and Roslyn have always maintained a friendship devoid of financial transactions.

The investigation continues at Vivienne’s, where Valentina staunchly defends the assertion that Claude’s death was an accident. Yet, when Elsbeth plays the lawyer card, indicating that Roslyn could sue the establishment over the cyanide-laden tea, Valentina reluctantly agrees to answer their questions. Elsbeth probes into any potential conflicts between Roslyn and the store, and Valentina reveals that Roslyn had been miffed by her demand for proof of funds, although she acknowledges that Roslyn did comply with the request the day after Claude’s demise. Realizing that Valentina is new to the company and part of the ongoing reorganization, they seek out Judith, who has known Roslyn as a client for over two decades. Judith subtly hints at being pushed out of her job, revealing the underlying tensions within the revamped structure of Vivienne’s.

In her office, Elsbeth scrutinizes Roslyn’s proof of funds and expresses her suspicions that it may be fabricated, as extremely wealthy individuals typically do not keep their entire funds in a single account. This insight prompts Blanke to conduct a quick check, confirming that the document is indeed AI-generated. As they ponder why Roslyn would risk entering the store without the means to purchase the jewelry, Elsbeth theorizes that Roslyn’s aim was to leave with jewelry she hadn’t paid for. Their discussion is interrupted by Donnelly, who, rather than being angered at their undercover investigation, eagerly expresses her desire to assist them in cracking a jewelry heist.

Roslyn’s Deceptive Alibi Begins to Unravel in ‘Elsbeth’ Season 2 Episode 4