Editor’s note: The following recap contains spoilers for Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 16.

As the saying goes, sometimes less is more, but what occurs when someone takes this idea to the extreme in their personal relationships? This week’s episode of Elsbeth showcases the vibrant and maximalist character of Elsbeth (Carrie Preston) engaging in a dramatic confrontation with minimalism consultant Freya Frostad (Mary-Louise Parker), whose husband has tragically been discovered deceased in their hot tub. This episode compels all characters, especially Elsbeth, to deeply reflect on their lives and the emotional baggage they carry, whether it be physical possessions or interpersonal connections. It’s a substantial exploration of what we cling to in our lives, prompting all of us to consider the implications of our attachments.

Mary-Louise Parker Faces Relationship Challenges in ‘Elsbeth’ Season 2 Episode 16

The episode opens with Freya, her spouse Axel (Will Swenson), and their partner Taylor (Jess Darrow) examining their shared calendar, a large, handwritten magnetic calendar that certainly adds a unique flair compared to a digital Google Calendar. Freya is visibly upset as she feels excluded, noting that their calendar favors Axel and Taylor’s time together at the expense of her own. Taylor reassures Freya that she is always welcome to join them, but Freya declines, as their bonding moments often involve the hot tub, which she finds unappealing. Taylor acknowledges this, promising to prioritize more inclusive activities, yet Freya requests to have some one-on-one time with Taylor the following day, a request that Taylor happily accommodates.

With the calendar dispute settled, Freya presents Taylor with a gift from herself and Axel, celebrating the six-month milestone of Taylor’s involvement in their unconventional throuple. The gift is a decorative storage box, but with a catch: to keep it, Taylor must relinquish one of her possessions to adhere to Freya’s strict philosophy of maintaining only 44 items. Freya’s ideology, rooted in minimalism, posits that individuals only need to retain a limited number of belongings, raising questions about whether this rule extends to furniture or other essentials. Observing the clutter in their home, I find myself pondering how such a philosophy can be applied to everyday items like clothes and underwear. Freya’s approach to decluttering stands in stark contrast to my own love for collecting, making me curious about the unspoken rules of her minimalist lifestyle. Later that evening, Axel and Taylor enjoy their scheduled one-on-one time in the hot tub, where Axel surprises Taylor with a gold pendant as a genuine anniversary gift, without requiring her to give anything up. However, Freya witnesses this exchange, and her anger boils over, leaving us to speculate whether her fury stems from the intimate bond between Axel and Taylor or the violation of her strict 44-item rule.

The following night, Freya and Taylor spend their scheduled time at a hotel, where Taylor suggests they engage in some fun activities outside. Freya, however, insists on staying in, ultimately enticing Taylor with promises of intimacy. Back at home, Axel finds himself alone in the hot tub, which poses a significant danger, especially given Freya’s current mindset. She keeps tabs on the hot tub’s status through a phone application, while Axel struggles with a clogged drain that contains both his hair and the pendant. In a desperate attempt to clear the blockage, he dives underwater but ends up entangled in the second drain. Once Freya receives a notification about the clogs, she activates the cleaning device—a not-so-lovable Roomba equivalent known as Sopa—which proceeds to trap Axel inside by shutting the lid. The next day, Freya and Taylor return home, only for Taylor to discover Axel’s lifeless body in the hot tub, a moment that leaves them both horrified.

The police arrive soon after, accompanied by Elsbeth, who brings along a box of black and white cookies intended for Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson), who is set to tackle her first full case with Elsbeth’s guidance. Unfortunately for Elsbeth, the detective assigned to the case is Detective Edwards (Micaela Diamond), who briefs her on the investigation. Given the prevalence of injury and death from suction-related incidents in hot tubs, Edwards initially believes the case is straightforward. Despite her recommendations to close the case, Elsbeth’s curiosity drives her to engage with Freya and Taylor. Freya, horrified by the crumbs Elsbeth leaves behind, is more disturbed by Elsbeth’s disregard for cleanliness than the death of her husband. As they introduce themselves and recount their connection to Axel, Edwards returns with the pendant, prompting both women to deny any familiarity with it for personal reasons, raising further suspicion. Freya distracts from the inquiry by fixating on the fact that Elsbeth is carrying four tote bags, which overwhelms her so much that she offers to send Elsbeth a copy of her book on decluttering, a gesture Elsbeth declines, emphasizing her affection for her belongings.

Elsbeth Struggles to Release Emotional Baggage in Season 2 Episode 16

At the precinct, Elsbeth begins sifting through her bags, contemplating which one she could part with when she spots Blanke passing by and calls her over for her opinion. Elsbeth notices the case file Blanke carries and offers to brainstorm together, even extending a cookie from her stash. However, Blanke politely declines both offers, citing her commitment to reducing sugar intake and expressing her desire to tackle her cases independently. Just as Blanke exits, Edwards arrives, presenting a stack of files revealing that Axel had previously sought urgent care for gastrointestinal distress multiple times. This information, coupled with his history of accidents—including one with possible electrocution—raises doubts about whether Axel’s fate was simply a matter of bad luck or if he was deliberately targeted for murder. The case becomes increasingly convoluted, challenging the initial assumptions of a straightforward investigation.

The following day, Elsbeth is at home when Teddy (Ben Levi Ross) returns from walking Gonzo and offers to assist her with the case, noting that Roy (Hayward Leach) has set up podcasting equipment at home, which leaves Teddy feeling cramped. He brushes off Elsbeth’s inquiries about his relationship, instead focusing on the mental blocks she faces regarding the case. Elsbeth shares her two pressing questions: why someone would opt to kill rather than simply break up, and whether one can fulfill all their emotional needs through a single partner. Teddy points out that Elsbeth herself must have believed in the latter, given her marriage to his father. While she acknowledges this, she reflects on how their separation ultimately yielded Teddy, making the divorce worthwhile. Teddy appears conflicted about his own relationship but avoids delving too deeply into his feelings, instead steering the conversation back to Elsbeth’s romance with Angus (Ioan Gruffudd), which brings a smile to her face. With these profound questions lingering, Elsbeth sets out for the day, her tote bags noticeably fuller than usual.

Dr. Cameron Clayden (Sullivan Jones), the medical examiner and Blanke’s boyfriend, presents his findings to Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce), indicating that Axel drowned, but also noting signs of injury on his knuckles, suggesting a possible struggle. Wagner theorizes that Axel may have fought for his freedom before falling into the hot tub and drowning. However, Elsbeth points out the absence of blood at the crime scene, which raises further questions, especially considering Edwards confirms that Axel was alone that night. Wagner instructs Elsbeth and Edwards to return to the scene for further investigation. Upon their return, Blanke arrives seeking Wagner’s insight on another case. Elsbeth offers to help, but Wagner reminds her of Blanke’s capability to manage independently, emphasizing her growth. Seizing the moment, Elsbeth discreetly pulls Cameron aside to discuss her plans for Blanke’s birthday, revealing her knack for organization amidst the chaos of the investigation.

Elsbeth and Edwards revisit Freya’s residence to inspect the hot tub alongside a representative from Tub Top (April Matthis), who provides insights into the system. While discussing Axel’s injuries, the representative informs them that the hot tub is equipped with a motion detection system that should have prevented the lid from closing automatically if there was movement—thus eliminating that scenario. However, the representative also points out that there are two override mechanisms: one through the Tub Top app, which Axel lacked access to, and a manual switch located at the hot tub’s base. The representative notes that this placement constitutes an electrical code violation, which voids their warranty and liability concerning Axel’s death. Surprisingly, Freya, who enters the scene, insists that the placement was necessary to avoid her seeing it. As Elsbeth explains their investigation, Freya covertly activates the cleaning device, causing it to bump the switch, slightly moving the cover. Freya then feigns distress, crying that she “accidentally” killed her husband by activating the cleaner when she believed he would be out of the tub.

The Sopa is later taken to the precinct, where a representative from the company joins them. Despite the evidence pointing to user error, Edwards clears both companies, asserting that Freya was quick to assume responsibility for the mishaps, which raises Elsbeth’s suspicions. She proposes testing the clump of hair extracted from the drain, suggesting that the volume of hair indicates several months of buildup, which contradicts Freya’s obsessive cleanliness. Wagner consents to the test, provided Tub Top covers the costs, and the representatives are dismissed. Once alone, Edwards confides in Wagner that she shares Elsbeth’s belief that the circumstances surrounding Axel’s death are suspicious, particularly due to the inconsistencies in his health records and Freya’s potential involvement.

Wagner openly admits his lack of understanding regarding the dynamics of throuples, displaying a rather judgmental attitude in the process. In an effort to clarify, Elsbeth attempts to explain the relationship between Freya, Taylor, and Axel, analyzing how the dynamics may have faltered due to the differing energies within the triad, particularly noting the excessive time Axel and Taylor spent together that may have created tension. Edwards, drawing from her own experiences, supports Elsbeth’s insights. Although it seems unfair for Edwards to be compelled to disclose personal matters at work, especially to gain respect from a dismissive boss like Wagner, Elsbeth stands up for her colleague as soon as Edwards departs.

Returning to Freya’s home to return the Sopa, Elsbeth struggles to locate it among her belongings. Freya, unable to contain herself, insists that Elsbeth empty her bags to facilitate decluttering. While this scenario may not be riveting television, Elsbeth’s patience shines through, as she humorously obliges Freya’s request. However, she queries Freya’s whereabouts, realizing that beneath her controlling demeanor, Freya genuinely cares for Taylor, and ultimately empties her bags onto the couch, revealing a staggering 67 items. This number raises questions about why Elsbeth feels the need to carry such a multitude of belongings. Attempting to steer the conversation toward the clarity that decluttering brings, Elsbeth draws a connection to her investigation into Axel’s murder, but Freya keeps her focused on the task at hand. Afterward, Freya reassures Elsbeth that her collection isn’t the oddest she’s encountered, recalling a particularly peculiar case involving 147 gold-plated deviled egg dishes. Freya argues that people cling to items for the emotional connections they evoke, maintaining that the real value lies in memories rather than objects. While I find myself disagreeing with her perspective, it seems the show intends for us to question the validity of her assertions. Elsbeth inquires if Freya’s ability to release attachments aided her in her polyamorous relationship, and while Freya attempts to defend her stance on not needing a single partner, Elsbeth incisively points out that with Axel gone, the emotional landscape feels less cluttered. Freya concludes their session by assuring Elsbeth she’ll take care of the items she decided to part with.

Meanwhile, Teddy takes Gonzo for another walk, accompanied by Roy, and becomes increasingly uneasy with the closeness of his boyfriend and his mother. This escalation leads Teddy to believe their relationship is advancing too quickly. Roy counters that they had been together for six months before Teddy even mentioned him to Elsbeth, but Teddy’s greater concern stems from his fear of committing to a single partner for life. While I personally cannot relate to the apprehension of sacrificing the thrill of romantic prospects for the security of a committed relationship, it remains a valid concern. In a pivotal moment, Roy issues Teddy an ultimatum: either they solidify their commitment, or they part ways. Roy expresses that change is inevitable, and they should embrace it together, emphasizing that should the time come for either to seek something different, they will respectfully let go of one another.

Finding Clarity Through Decluttering in Season 2 Episode 16

At the precinct, Cameron returns with the results of the hair sample they collected, confirming it belongs solely to Axel. This revelation poses a significant issue, as there should have been traces of Taylor’s hair as well, considering both used the hot tub regularly. Furthermore, the hair sample is much older than the samples taken from Axel’s body, and suspiciously, traces of arsenic were found in the hair, which Elsbeth notes aligns with Axel’s ongoing health problems. Edwards concurs that this finding raises alarm bells, but while Elsbeth theorizes that Freya may have been attempting to poison Axel, Edwards suggests that it could have been Taylor who wanted Freya all to herself. In a bid to mend fences with Edwards, Wagner instructs them to focus on Taylor as the prime suspect. He then takes a moment to apologize to Edwards for his previous remarks, acknowledging that his ignorance is not an excuse for judgment, and reinforces the importance of actively listening to others.

In Elsbeth’s office, she shares her ideas for Kaya’s birthday with Cameron, who reciprocates with his own thoughtful suggestions. However, before he can elaborate, Kaya enters, inadvertently heightening their suspicions with their awkward lie about discussing real estate investments. Once Kaya departs, Cameron attempts to resume their planning, but in a surprising turn of character development, Elsbeth chooses to let go of her folder of ideas, reassuring Cameron that whatever he plans will turn out beautifully. With Cameron occupied, Elsbeth returns to her screen, intrigued by a West Village carriage house…

Edwards brings Taylor in for questioning, specifically probing why she was so frequently present at the hospital during Axel’s numerous accidents, which began only after she joined the relationship. Taylor defends herself, asserting that her presence was due to Freya’s germaphobia concerning hospitals. She acknowledges that while Axel and Freya had their disagreements and agrees that Freya can be intense, their relationship dynamic had worked—at least in theory. Taylor elaborates that Axel would train them at the gym, she would guide them through meditation, and Freya would concoct individualized soothing beverages. If that weren’t enough to raise eyebrows, Taylor mentions having tasted one of Axel’s custom drinks, finding it bitter to the point of being unpleasant.

As Freya emerges as the primary suspect, Edwards inquires about a recurring charge on Freya’s account labeled “Self.” Taylor speculates that it may pertain to some form of self-care, but both Elsbeth and Edwards caution her to tread carefully around Freya, as it appears increasingly likely that she could be responsible for Axel’s demise. Taylor agrees to keep this information confidential, but it clearly weighs heavily on her conscience. While interviewing a potential third, Broc (Sean Boyle-Johnson), Taylor inadvertently reveals the mysterious drowning incident involving their previous third, prompting Broc to hastily exit the situation. Freya, noticing Taylor’s unusual behavior, questions what has gotten into her. Taylor brushes it off as merely being honest, but her anxiety is palpable, especially when Freya attempts to shift some responsibility onto her, blaming her for leaving behind an “extraneous” necklace.

At Elsbeth’s residence, she sorts through her belongings with Teddy’s help, gifting him items for himself and for Roy. This exchange leads Teddy to inadvertently admit that he and Roy have had “The Talk,” during which Roy issued him an ultimatum. Teddy speculates that a portion of the issue arises from Elsbeth’s deep affection for Roy, which amplifies his fears of making a wrong choice akin to his parents. Elsbeth emphasizes that mistakes are a natural part of life, and what truly matters is that he takes ownership of his decisions. She encourages him to refrain from projecting his anxieties onto her and his father, urging him to embrace adulthood. This moment marks a significant display of tough love from Elsbeth, which I find immensely refreshing. Following this heartfelt conversation, Elsbeth attempts to declutter more of her belongings, but Teddy protests, insisting he lacks the space for everything and may need to secure a self-storage unit. Suddenly, a lightbulb moment strikes Elsbeth: the recurring charge labeled “Self” could very well indicate a self-storage unit, which presents an ironic twist for a self-proclaimed decluttering expert.

Inspired by this revelation, Elsbeth takes another box of items to Freya, claiming she has selected additional items to discard and requests that Freya handle their disposal compassionately. Although Freya appears to have anticipated another guest, likely expecting Taylor, she ultimately agrees to take Elsbeth’s box… all the way to her self-storage unit, filled with items she ostensibly helped others discard, including those infamous 147 gold-plated deviled egg dishes. While it’s not classified as theft for Freya to retain items that clients willingly abandoned, Elsbeth connects the dots when she realizes that the West Village carriage house had been in the same family for generations, a family that amassed a fortune in pest control, thereby acquiring a substantial stockpile of 1800s fly paper, from which arsenic could be extracted for poisoning. Freya is promptly taken into custody by the police, maintaining that although she may have lost her material possessions, she hasn’t lost Taylor. I find myself puzzled by how Freya transitioned from being irritated with her husband to contemplating murder, especially given that divorce was always an option—unless perhaps she fundamentally misunderstood Taylor’s stance on monogamy. Regardless, Freya’s motives for murder seem somewhat unclear this episode.

The episode concludes with a heartwarming montage: Taylor sits alone at a café, engrossed in her reading until a couple her age recognizes her vibe and invites her to join them. Teddy overcomes his insecurities to commit to Roy, moving more of his belongings into Roy’s apartment. Cameron successfully executes a beautiful birthday celebration for Kaya. Finally, Elsbeth is joyfully reunited with her cherished collection of tchotchkes, and we witness her continued long-distance relationship with Angus, who surprises her with a video call, eliciting a delighted reaction. While we already know which former guest stars will feature in the Season 2 finale, could it be too much to wish for a surprise return from Angus?

New episodes of Elsbeth Season 2 air every Thursday on CBS.