NEW YORK – Carrie Preston, known for her role in CBS’s comedy-drama “Elsbeth,” found herself reflecting on recent events while seated in the YSL News newsroom, not far from where UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson was tragically killed this month. The actress plays a lawyer and part-time investigator and shares her candid thoughts.

“As soon as I heard about this real crime, I thought, ‘That’s definitely going to be an episode of ‘Elsbeth’ someday,'” she admits. “Then I caught myself and thought, ‘Wait a minute, this is real life. A tragic murder happened, and it’s terrible.'”

At 57, Preston is attuned to the developments in the case, from the arrest of the accused, Luigi Mangione, to the broader conversations about the U.S. healthcare system that the incident has ignited.

“When I heard his name, I thought, ‘Wow, that sounds even more Italian than my character’s name,'” she jokes, referring to her character Elsbeth Tascioni. “Honestly, I don’t even understand how my character has such an Italian surname. It’s quite different from me!”

However, there’s a likable quality to “Elsbeth” (its fall finale will air Thursday at 10 PM EST/PST). The show is a continuation of the earlier CBS program “The Good Wife,” created by Robert and Michelle King. Preston has been portraying her character since 2010, a role for which she won a guest-star Emmy in 2013. Her previous work includes HBO’s “True Blood” and TNT’s crime drama “Claws.”

Describing Elsbeth, Preston says, “She’s incredibly intelligent, and her mind operates on another level. I aspire to be like her—someone curious about life, someone engaged, eager to delve into conversations with people I might not typically approach. It’s rewarding to play such a character.”

Since its debut last February, “Elsbeth” has featured a variety of guest stars including Nathan Lane, Matthew Broderick, Vanessa Williams, and Jane Krakowski. In Season 2, Preston’s real-life husband, Michael Emerson (“Lost,” “Person of Interest”), joins the cast as Judge Milton Crawford, a character that clashes with Elsbeth. The couple has previously worked together on CBS’s “Person of Interest,” where Preston portrayed Emerson’s love interest in flashback sequences.

“I approached working with him like I would with any other talented guest star,” she notes about Emerson, 70, making it clear that they keep show discussions out of their home life. “I have no idea what he’ll bring to the scenes until we start working together, and that keeps it interesting.”

The show’s audience will also see Preston’s on-screen son Teddy, played by Ben Levi Ross. Preston hints that in upcoming episodes, a case from Elsbeth’s history will resurface, forcing the attorney to confront the past.

“This has been my dream, and I’m savoring every moment,” Preston shares. “I want to stay focused and not let unnecessary distractions complicate such a great opportunity. I’m absolutely determined to deliver my best work, as this is what I have always wanted. Whatever time I have in this role, I will cherish it deeply.”

Preston speaks about her role with genuine excitement, suggesting she embodies that same inquisitiveness as her character Elsbeth.