Editor’s note: The recap below contains spoilers for Elsbeth Season 2 Episode 18.

After a period of calm, the tension in the narrative is palpable once again! It’s a rare occurrence for a television series to elicit audible gasps from me, yet Elsbeth successfully accomplished that remarkable feat not once, but twice in Season 2 Episode 18, titled “I Know What You Did Thirty-Three Summers Ago.” Elsbeth’s (Carrie Preston) journey toward dismantling Judge Milton Crawford’s (Michael Emerson) corruption was always expected to be fraught with challenges, but I must admit that the spectacular twists in this episode took me completely by surprise. I now find myself reconsidering my predictions for the season finale, as everything I anticipated has dramatically changed!

Exploring the Twisted Past of Judge Crawford in ‘Elsbeth’ Season 2 Episode 18

The episode commences in a poignant flashback to the summer of 1991, a staggering 33 summers ago. We meet three young individuals — Andy (Ian O’Boyle), Sherry (Ava DeMary), and an unnamed male friend (Ethan Dubin), whose identity is easily inferred due to a strikingly familiar performance reminiscent of Michael Emerson. They sneak into the yacht club where Andy is employed, aiming to enjoy a late-night swim in the pool. Milton makes a move on Sherry with a level of sleaziness that would make any toxic male proud, yet she is far more interested in Andy. Just as Andy is about to join Sherry in the water, Milton intervenes, claiming that Sherry views Andy as a third wheel. The naive Andy, not wanting to intrude, decides to step aside, allowing Milton to join Sherry alone in the pool.

Sherry is left stunned by Andy’s departure, yet her night quickly descends into a nightmare when Milton aggressively pursues her, disregarding her clear refusals. He resorts to violence, slapping her after she fights him off, and demeaning her with cruel insults. In a moment of defiance, Sherry manages to land a solid punch on Milton’s nose, exposing his true nature as “the lurker,” a man who stalks them all summer without being a teenager himself. Tragically, the encounter escalates further as Milton holds her underwater, drowning her. Elsbeth has never shied away from confronting the harsh realities and horrors that women face, both socially and within the workplace. This episode marks perhaps the most visceral and poignant depiction of sexual violence in the series so far. As Andy prepares to leave the scene, he has a change of heart and returns to the yacht club to return Milton’s car keys, only to discover Sherry lifeless in the pool, surrounded by a pool of blood. The sequence of events raises immediate questions about Milton’s intentions and his attempt to frame Andy for this horrific crime.

Fast forward to the present day, we find Judge Crawford in a tense meeting with Victor Landis (Pun Bandhu), a lawyer tasked with scrutinizing Crawford’s past as he prepares for his nomination to the federal judiciary by the White House. Landis warns him that once his nomination is public, people from his past may appear to discredit him, repeatedly asking if there is anyone who might try to tarnish his reputation. A brief flashback reveals Crawford’s involvement in Andy Mertens’ (Quincy Dunn-Baker) tragic fate, and it becomes apparent that they are, in fact, the same Andy. Crawford confidently reassures Landis that no one will surface to challenge his past.

Meanwhile, at the precinct, Captain Kearshaw (Jen Colella) convenes with Elsbeth, Captain Wagner (Wendell Pierce), Detective Kaya Blanke (Carra Patterson), and Detective Rivers (Braden De La Garza). She emphasizes that before accusing Crawford of murder, they must ensure he is indeed guilty, given his esteemed position. Elsbeth assures her that she has compelling evidence, revisiting her “Donna Summer theory” regarding the case. Rivers points out that he failed to note the record playing in Andy’s apartment, and Elsbeth recalls that Delia (Meredith Holzman) testified during her trial that she couldn’t hear Andy’s attack due to loud music, yet the specifics about the music genre were never disclosed. After the trial, Crawford infamously referred to Andy as a “disco-loving pervert,” a detail he would only know if he had been present during the incident.

Wagner highlights that Crawford has been a persistent issue since Elsbeth began questioning his motives for wanting Delia convicted of murder. With Kearshaw’s approval, he instructs Blanke to reexamine the case with Crawford as the prime suspect and sends Rivers to shadow her for learning opportunities. Blanke suggests they begin by establishing a motive, as Elsbeth’s theory lacks that crucial element. Although she doesn’t have the answer, she discovers that Delia has brought a box of Andy’s belongings. Elsbeth uncovers a photograph of Andy at the Stockport Yacht Club, a job he held for just one summer while living nearby, coinciding with the Crawfords’ membership at the same club. Is it merely a coincidence? The investigation is taking an intriguing turn, and it’s time for a road trip!

Elsbeth Embarks on a Critical Road Trip in Season 2 Episode 18

Meanwhile, at Elsbeth’s residence, Teddy (Ben Levi Ross) has come over to take care of Gonzo while his mother visits Stockport. He also intends to review his LSAT results with her. To his surprise, Teddy scores a remarkable 177, surpassing even the musical version of Elle Woods, though still falling short of the cinematic Elle Woods. This achievement solidifies Teddy’s decision to pursue law school, as he had previously been uncertain about following in his parents’ footsteps. As Teddy begins researching potential law schools, Elsbeth sets out to meet Wagner, dragging along an excessive amount of luggage. Back in Crawford’s office, Landis continues his investigation into Crawford’s financial history and scrutinizes his yacht club membership. Although the membership appears legitimate, Landis notes that Crawford has not disclosed his nearby residence as a secondary home. Crawford reassures him that everything else is above board, yet it’s evident that the trouble is just beginning.

At the Yacht Club, Elsbeth and Wagner meet Jordy (Scott Drummond), a former colleague of Andy’s who attended school with him. Jordy reveals that Andy initially intended to stay local and attend community college until a last-minute scholarship changed his trajectory, leading him to a school in New York, from which he never returned. During their conversation, Elsbeth uncovers evidence that Crawford was indeed a member of the yacht club, finding his name inscribed on an old rowing trophy. Jordy recalls that the Crawfords had been members for generations, but he and Andy never interacted, as staff and members typically kept to themselves. This leads to a dead end, but the situation brightens when Elsbeth discovers a vintage swim team photograph, prompting Jordy to mention that the club’s pool was closed in the ’90s after Sherry’s tragic death.

This revelation sends Elsbeth and Wagner to visit Sherry’s sister, Laura (Zoe Mann). Laura recounts that Sherry frequently broke into the pool alone with a bottle of alcohol, a behavior typical for her sister. She shares that Sherry was infatuated with Andy and followed him closely all summer, expressing her lingering anger over Andy’s absence at Sherry’s funeral. As Laura steps away, Elsbeth connects the dots for Wagner, theorizing that if Sherry and Andy were inseparable, and Sherry died while Andy left town soon after, the circumstances surrounding her death could very well implicate Crawford as well. Laura returns with a box of Sherry’s belongings, which includes sealed evidence bags from the crime scene. Elsbeth and Wagner plan to consult Detective Haines, the officer who investigated Sherry’s death, at the site of the now-filled pool. Haines acknowledges discrepancies in the case, such as the empty bottle found at the scene, despite Sherry’s low blood alcohol level, coupled with the exorbitant price of the scotch she supposedly drank.

Elsbeth points out that a spot of blood was discovered on Sherry’s fanny pack, yet the distance she fell suggests it couldn’t possibly be hers. Since DNA testing was unavailable in rural departments during the early ’90s, it is now an opportunity to reexamine the evidence. As they exit the club, Wagner concedes that if Crawford is indeed a murderer, it’s a strong motive for him to have killed Andy, yet they must first establish that he was responsible for Sherry’s death. Unbeknownst to them, Landis overhears their entire discussion as he arrives to investigate the club himself for Crawford’s confirmation process. He contacts Crawford, alerting him that two individuals have been inquiring about him, and Crawford quickly deduces who they are.

At the precinct the following day, Rivers reports that despite scouring Andy’s emails and call logs, nothing links him to Crawford. Even the fact that Crawford’s car was spotted near Andy’s home shortly before Delia’s arrest is insufficient to place him at the crime scene during the murder. Meanwhile, Elsbeth examines Sherry’s diary, which contains numerous mentions of Andy, ultimately culminating in her account of a bonfire party where Andy arrived with a “new friend,” a “rich creep” dubbed “The Lurker.” While she omits names — a typical teenage behavior — Elsbeth and Blanke understand the implications of this coded language.

Elsbeth Faces Crawford in an Intense Showdown in Season 2 Episode 18

As the investigation hits a standstill, Elsbeth departs for the night, only to receive a call from Wagner while on her way to the subway. He informs her that the commissioner is aware of their inquiry into Crawford and has reprimanded him. Furthermore, Wagner reveals that Internal Affairs is now investigating him, which could lead to severe repercussions. Elsbeth urges him to shift the blame onto her, but Wagner’s greater concern is the fact that the commissioner discovered the investigation at all, suspecting Crawford’s involvement. Speaking of Crawford, he confronts Elsbeth as she approaches the subway, inquiring about her road trip to the yacht club. Elsbeth challenges him, questioning why he wouldn’t recuse himself from Andy’s murder trial, citing a clear conflict of interest. Crawford feigns ignorance, claiming he simply forgot about Andy. However, he becomes defensive when Elsbeth mentions Sherry, subtly hinting at the “lurker” moniker. He quickly shifts to a threatening posture, implying that Elsbeth’s safety is at risk, just as he receives a call from Agent Celetano, her supervisor at the DOJ, whom Crawford informs was recently terminated, potentially endangering Elsbeth’s position within the police department as well.

The complications continue to escalate as Elsbeth returns home to find Teddy and Gonzo. Sensing something amiss, Teddy reveals that his father has informed him of an investigation by the Illinois State Bar regarding an ethics violation, the specifics of which remain vague but could lead to disbarment. At the precinct the next day, Elsbeth discovers chaos ensued, with Blanke pulling her aside to explain that the commissioner has cut their personnel by 25%, and one detective has already been reassigned. Blanke expresses concern that she may be among the first to go, given her recent hiring status. Elsbeth, while attempting to comfort her, is quickly summoned to Wagner’s office. She brings Wagner up to speed on everything that transpired after her confrontation with Crawford. While Wagner views this as a sign of Crawford’s fear, Elsbeth counters that this is merely a tactic to intimidate her into silence. It’s evident that Elsbeth is truly rattled when she suggests to Wagner that perhaps, just this once, they might let Crawford evade justice for the sake of protecting their loved ones.

That evening, Crawford hosts a fundraising gala for the Historical Law Society, where he encounters both Wagner and his wife, Claudia (Gloria Reuben). They present themselves as goodwill ambassadors aiming to foster an alliance between their organizations. Claudia offers to fetch Crawford a drink while he converses with Wagner. The two step aside, and Wagner informs Crawford that they are closing the Mertens case and conceding defeat in exchange for Crawford alleviating the pressure on the precinct and Elsbeth. Crawford agrees, but this apparent truce is a facade, as Wagner and Claudia depart the event with Crawford’s used scotch glass for Elsbeth to send for DNA analysis.

The following day at the precinct, Elsbeth updates Delia on their investigative progress. Delia expresses her desire for Crawford to face consequences for his actions, emphasizing how the trial irrevocably altered her life. Despite not being convicted, she struggles to find employment and housing due to the stigma associated with Crawford’s actions. Her sense of desperation is palpable, underscoring the gravity of her situation. In Crawford’s office, he meets with Landis, who conveys that all seems well except for lingering concerns about Elsbeth and Wagner’s investigation. Crawford assures him there’s nothing to worry about, prompting Landis to inform the nomination committee about his impending appointment as a federal judge.

As the precinct buzzes with activity, Blanke receives a call from Andy’s former school, revealing that his scholarship was funded by the Historical Law Society, of which Crawford’s father and uncle were members. Additionally, they learn that Crawford was already in law school when the murder occurred, making his behavior toward a minor even more reprehensible. Speculating that the scholarship was an attempt to silence Andy, they lack concrete evidence to prove what kind of silence Crawford sought. However, Elsbeth suggests that a paranoid Andy would likely avoid direct communication with Crawford and instead use Delia’s phone. By searching Delia’s contacts, they unearth a connection to the Senate Judiciary Committee, revealing that Andy attempted to contact them to expose Crawford. The committee’s records confirm that Andy left a voicemail, likely discussing Sherry’s murder, which he never had the chance to follow up on before his tragic demise. With motive established, they now require a forensic link, prompting Blanke to contact Cameron (Sullivan Jones) at the morgue for an update on the blood sample.

While awaiting news, Teddy visits Elsbeth with dinner, allowing her to provide feedback on his law school application essay. She critiques its generic nature, encouraging him to express his true self. In a moment of levity, he jokingly suggests writing about how his mother’s transition from a high-powered attorney to someone seeking justice against powerful figures inspired his own shift, which turns out to be exactly the personal touch Elsbeth believes will enhance his application. However, the moment of happiness is short-lived when Blanke informs Elsbeth that the lab has no record of any evidence being submitted for testing, including the fanny pack and blood sample. Despite Wagner and Blanke’s determination to catch Crawford, it becomes increasingly apparent that he is outmaneuvering them at every turn, leading Elsbeth to a breaking point as she storms out of the office, torn between fury and anxiety.

The Dramatic Finale: Crawford Is Killed in ‘Elsbeth’ Season 2 Episode 18

In a powerful confrontation, Elsbeth storms into the courthouse following Crawford’s nomination ceremony, declaring that he will not evade punishment for his actions. Despite making derogatory remarks about women, Crawford admits to having seen through Wagner’s ruse with the scotch glass, indicating he is aware of the DNA testing. Elsbeth follows him, vowing to prove his guilt in the murders of both Sherry and Andy, but Crawford remains skeptical, asserting that the evidence surrounding Sherry’s death has been obliterated. He chillingly remarks that the only person who could validate any claims is Andy, who is dead, effectively sealing the case’s fate. On the courthouse steps, he taunts Elsbeth, proclaiming that in spite of her faith in justice, it is the powerful who prevail.

Crawford may consider himself invincible, but fate has other plans; suddenly, Delia appears and shoots him in the chest, killing him instantly. In her previous conversation with Elsbeth, Delia had expressed her lack of anything left to lose, and this moment proves her resolve. While Elsbeth is horrified by the violent turn of events, she acknowledges that, given Crawford’s earlier attempt to assault a minor, his demise may not evoke sympathy. However, the implications of Delia’s actions raise severe legal concerns for Elsbeth. She has been openly investigating Crawford, and with no formal charges against him, her motivations for doing so could come under scrutiny. My earlier theory of the season finale revolving around Crawford manipulating Elsbeth’s previous arrests may now lead to a shocking twist where those she once apprehended might be called to testify against her.

At the precinct, Wagner expresses his dismay at the chaotic outcome, decrying it as lawless behavior. Meanwhile, Blanke is frustrated by the perception of Crawford as a martyr, feeling as though they have lost even in his death. Teddy arrives to check on Elsbeth, visibly shaken and declaring that he no longer wishes to pursue law school, disillusioned by a system that allows for such unchecked behavior. Wagner advises him that in cases like this, the goal is to strive for justice and improve the system incrementally. He turns to Elsbeth for support, but this time, even Elsbeth, the ever-optimistic protagonist, cannot muster the hope to endorse Wagner’s perspective.