With Boots gaining traction on Netflix, one of its stars made a delightful cameo in the hostage episode of Elsbeth.
This latest chapter of the CBS series premiered on Thursday, October 16, featuring a gripping murder mystery set in a renowned New York toy store that escalated into a crisis. At the heart of it all was Elsbeth (Carrie Preston), who found herself negotiating with the unexpected ringleader, an ex-con named Nolan (David Cross).
Viewers of Netflix’s acclaimed military drama might have noticed a new face alongside Elsbeth at the crime scene. The episode introduced Officer Mike Summerville, portrayed by Angus O’Brien, also known for his role as Hicks in Boots.
Debuting on October 9, Boots chronicles the journey of Cameron (Miles Heizer) as he enlists in the American military alongside his close friend Ray (Liam Oh) during the 1990s. Throughout basic training, Cameron grapples with concealing his sexuality while navigating relationships with fellow recruits, including Slovacek (Kieron Moore), Hicks (O’Brien), Nash (Dominic Goodman), John (Blake Burt), Cody (Brandon Tyler Moore), and Ochoa (Johnathan Nieves).
In a recent exclusive interview with Us Weekly, O’Brien shared insights on how Boots sparks discussions about authenticity.
“Filming the show was a poignant reminder that, despite our differences, we ultimately desire the same things: happiness, respect, and a fulfilling life,” he remarked. “The beauty of this show lies in the diverse backgrounds of the characters, who, under unforeseen circumstances, learn to depend on one another. Through these connections, they realize just how much they can learn from someone with a different life experience.”
O’Brien expressed his hope that audiences would recognize this theme, stating, “In every walk of life, there are individuals to lean on. Don’t dismiss someone based on preconceived notions; they may very well share your desires for support and understanding.”
Meanwhile, O’Brien’s cameo in Elsbeth comes as the show navigates the changes following Kaya’s (Carra Patterson) departure from her regular role. Fans were taken aback when the season 2 finale marked her exit from the series.
“We wanted to honor her departure by promoting her character to detective,” Preston shared with Us in May. “Her progression was exciting for the character, although bittersweet for us, as we truly enjoyed working with Carra.”
Preston assured fans that Kaya’s character remains in the story, albeit in a different role and added, “She’s still around the show – just in a new capacity. This adds some conflict and depth to Elsbeth’s character, which will enhance the storyline significantly.”
Elsbeth airs Thursdays on CBS at 10 p.m. ET, with new episodes available for streaming the following day on Paramount+. Meanwhile, Boots can be watched on Netflix.
