as far as acting, you gotta give it to Bates, the other two are good but when it comes to a scene that requires and emotional intensity. Well, Kathy is very, very good.
as far writing it's a tie between Poker Face and Elsbeth with perhaps Poker Face getting the edge. Poker face is all in on the alternative narrative structure. It will definitely confuse the watcher if not paying close attention. But the writers of Elsbeth are no slouch and they were the best until Poker Face came on the scene. but I just love how Poker Face sets up a scene and then says now lets see it from another perspective. And this method of storytelling is not a one off. They do it in all the episodes.
As far as the overall show I give it easily to Elsbeth. Yeah, Elsbeth is kinda like Columbo. But Poker face is kinda like Route 66 and Madlock is kinda like Murder She wrote (replace city for law office and murder for law cases).
Actually, there is another female sleuth show in the mix. High Potential. Interesting protagonist. But the show seems to be missing an aura of authenticity the other shows have.