Did Elsbeth just make a Meghan Markle joke? Origin and plot explored

CBS’s crime show Elsbeth had a recent episode that caught viewers off guard with a Meghan Markle joke. In Season 2 Episode 9, Captain Wagner, played by Wendell Pierce, talked about a new case. He mentioned that the person who was hurt was last at a fancy spa where celebrities and royalty relax.

Then, he said something funny:

“The global press was already trying to frame Meghan Markle, and she wasn’t even there!”

This isn't just a random celebrity name thrown in there. Wendell Pierce actually worked with Meghan Markle before she was a royal. He was her dad on the TV show Suits from 2011 to 2019, and they had a good relationship.

But why did the show decide to put that in? It shows that Elsbeth isn't afraid to throw in humor based on real life. It's a way for the show to connect with what's happening outside the screen and make people think a bit.

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The context behind the Meghan Markle joke in Elsbeth

The joke in Elsbeth hit home because of the genuine bond between Wendell Pierce and Meghan Markle. Before Meghan became a royal, she was part of the cast of Suits, where Pierce played her TV dad. This wasn't just a role for him; he was quite close to her during their shared time on the show.

When Meghan decided to leave in 2017 to marry into the British Royal Family with Prince Harry, Pierce was one of the many cast members who had nothing but good things to say about her.

In an interview with Who’s Talking to Chris Wallace? in 2024, he talked about their last day on set:

“It was the last night of working and I said, ‘Meghan, your life is going to change, and you’re going to be in a bubble, but just always remember, no matter what, I’m your friend.’”

It was a special moment for everyone involved, especially for him, considering the relationship they had built. It's always interesting when life imitates art, or in this case, when art has a backstory that's just as fascinating as the headlines we see today. His words mirrored more than just a screen friendship.

With their shared history, the light-hearted joke about Markle being like the character Elsbeth from The Good Wife had a unique flavor to it—it wasn’t about finding fault but was more like a wink at the media scrutiny Meghan has faced.

She’s been in the spotlight for various royal dramas and tales spun by paparazzi photographers, and Wagner’s remark about her being set up came off as an observation of how quickly stories can get blown out of proportion.

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What does this joke say about Elsbeth?

While Elsbeth is primarily about solving crimes step by step, it’s not a show that shies away from sprinkling in some pop culture here and there. The joke about Meghan Markle fits in perfectly with the show's vibe—it’s clever, self-aware, and keeps up with what’s happening in the world. When Captain Wagner delivered that line, it mirrored the show's sharp dialogue.

The mention of Markle ties into the storyline in a more meaningful way than you might think. The show focuses on a character named Elsbeth Tascioni, played by Carrie Preston, a lawyer with a knack for looking at things differently. She gets involved in cases that take her through the mazes of elite institutions, and just like how Markle went from being an actress to a royal and then back to her life in the public eye, the show often explores how those in power can influence our lives.

Elsbeth's decision to include this joke is a smart move. It doesn't just throw in a celebrity name for the sake of it; it adds to the conversation and keeps the mood light without losing the plot. It gives a knowing wink to the audience while keeping the story serious and engaging.

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Season 2 of Elsbeth is now streaming on Paramount+.