In the third episode of the second season of "Elsbeth," titled "Devil's Night," we are taken on a wild ride through the life of former child star Mackenzie Altman (played by Brittany O'Grady), who wakes up with no memory of the previous night's events, which include a bloodstained dress, a new tattoo, and a mysterious hickey. The episode begins with Mac's arrest for criminal mischief by Officer Kaya Blanke, setting the stage for Elsbeth's involvement in the case.
The episode is a Halloween special, and we see Elsbeth, played by Carrie Preston, in a perfectly executed costume as Audrey Hepburn's Holly Golightly from "Breakfast at Tiffany's." This choice adds a touch of elegance and wit to the proceedings, as Elsbeth navigates the case with her usual flair. The contrast between Elsbeth's sophisticated attire and the chaotic events of the night is a delightful element of the episode.
As Mac is questioned by Kaya, we learn about her past as the eldest daughter on a show called "Father’s Keepers," and her current struggles with fame and memory loss. Her lawyer/manager/agent/accountant, Danny Beck (Ryan Spahn), arrives to help her navigate the legal troubles, but Mac's suspicions about her potential involvement in a murder lead her to confide in Elsbeth.
With the help of Mac's roommate Cissy, Instagram posts, a bartender, and a tattoo artist, Elsbeth, Kaya, and Mac retrace the steps of the previous night. The timeline they construct reveals a dead body and the shocking realization that Mac may have shot someone she knew—Sonny Miller (Geronimo Ambert), an aspiring rapper and on-again, off-again friend.
Detective Smullen is quick to pin the murder on Mac, but Elsbeth and Kaya are not so easily convinced. They find reasons to doubt the charges against Mac, including the impossibility of her carrying a gun to the event and her lack of memory suggesting she was drugged rather than drunk.
As they delve deeper into Mac's relationships and Danny's involvement in her life, they uncover a potential motive for Danny to kill Sonny. Sonny had discovered that the club Mac was investing in, which was supposed to be a lucrative retirement plan for both her and Danny, did not exist. This revelation could have been a motive for Danny to silence Sonny.
Bloodwork confirms Elsbeth's suspicion that Mac was drugged with scopolamine, known as Devil's Breath, a substance used by Colombian drug cartels to compel people to commit crimes. This discovery, along with Danny's knowledge of the drug from a previous case, points to his involvement in the crime.
The final piece of the puzzle falls into place at a party thrown by Mac's friend Roya, where an invisible ink stamp on Danny's wrist reveals that he lied about his whereabouts. This evidence leads to Danny's arrest, and while Mac cannot be held criminally responsible for Sonny's death, she faces a legal process that will take time.
"Devil's Night" is a gripping episode that combines elements of mystery, dark comedy, and character development. It explores the themes of memory, identity, and the consequences of fame. The episode is a testament to the show's ability to tackle serious issues with a touch of humor and style, making it a standout in the series.