The Good Wife: 10 Things we can't wait to see in 2015

It’s 2015.  Alicia is running for office, Cary is headed to prison, Peter is canoodling with his personal attorney and Diane is wondering what happened to her life over the last 12 months. 

Quite frankly, I am, too. 

Over the past year, virtually everything on The Good Wife has changed. This time last year we were all happily going about our days saying, ‘Will Gardner this’ and ‘Will Gardner that.’  Now there is no Lockhart Gardner (at least not really), there is no  Will – only Will’s office, now known as Alicia’s office (otherwise known as a strange twist of fate), there is no trendy brick-lined loft space, no time when I can remember Cary’s life didn’t suck and no possibility of me ever not being disappointed in Zach Florrick.

So, a lot has changed.  But that’s not a bad thing.  It goes back to the old adage – when one door closes, another one opens.  Let’s be honest: Who thought I’dever get over the loss of Will Gardner?  Over here, I still use my Team Gardner mug and I’ve yet to turn my Team Gardner t-shirt into a polishing rag.  Things are different now, but I’m strangely okay with that fact.  Lemond Bishop is getting a lot more screen time (aka, never a bad thing), Cary is finally securing a terrific and dramatic storyline and Eli is making his political puppetry look easy.  And then there’s the addition of Matthew Goode as Finn Polmar – the unexpectedly witty hero-lawyer who tried to save Will but couldn’t, despite best efforts.  I didn’t think I could love again – but he’s proving me wrong.

Matthew Goode | Image via theguardian.com

With that, it’s time to look at the top 10 things we’re excited to see on The Good Wife in 2015:

1)  Cary Agos – Prisoner: Cary is going to jail.  JAIL!  What?!?!  Wasn’t it just yesterday he was competing with Alicia for a job at Lockhart Gardner?  Now he’s being locked up for four years.  I know there must be a way for him to get out of this mess… but how? Could his freedom come down to Kalinda’s last grand plot?  Or what about Elsbeth? Why hasn’t anyone hired her?

2)  More Late-Night Brunch: Finn and Alicia in a diner, late at night, with flickering lights and plates full of pancakes?  Seriously.  What could be better?  Pass me a hot latte – I could watch this for H-O-U-R-S.

Julianna Margulies & Matthew Goode | Image via Bustle.com

3)  Peter’s Demise: I don’t mean his death.  That would be sad, even for me and my extreme distain for him.  That said, I’d like to watch his political implosion at the hands of this latest gigantic indiscretion, otherwise known as “Ramona Lytton.”  Could this man BE a bigger liar?  I think not.  Let’s all watch his life go south. Please!

4)  Kalinda’s Final Surprise: By now, we’ve all heard Kalinda will be leaving The Good Wife.  Of course I’m sad, but in a way, also exhilarated.  We don’t know how, or when, or why it’s going to happen, so each episode is like digging into a box of unmarked chocolates: You don’t know what you’re going to get – but you hope it’s the orange cream.  Let’s hope she leaves in a delightfully sinful blaze of glory, but let’s also hope she doesn’t die.  There’s something comforting in the vague chance of her resurfacing…

5)  Alicia’s Race: Will Alicia win the race for State’s Attorney?  Do we even want her in office?  Of course, she would be amazing, because that’s who she is.  She’s fair, level-headed and less morally corrupt than a good number of people on this show.  Still, if she wins, everything is going to change and, quite obviously, become more complicated.  Lemond Bishop is fueling her campaign through her PAC and there’s little she can do about it.  Her friends and colleagues won’t really be able to associate with her, so what will she have left?  Bible study with Grace? Tequila shots with… Eli? 

6)  Room for Marissa: Over the course of The Good Wife’s seasons, a number of great characters have come and gone, but few as thoroughly enjoyable as Sarah Steele as Marissa Gold.  Sharp, dry, clever and the one I’m voting most likely to save Alicia from personal disaster at any point.  I can’t wait to see what else is in store for Marissa in 2015, but let’s hope her roll continues to increase.

Sarah Steele | Image via cbs.com

7) The Evolution of Lemond Bishop: He’s secretly supporting Alicia, he’s tracking Kalinda’s every move and he’s having people “removed” from his inner circle faster than a camel drinks at a desert oasis.  Will he continue to evade the law, Capone-style, or will his undoing come sooner than we could imagine?  If he does end up in jail, one thing is for sure: I’m going to miss his suit/tie/pocket squares.  He may be a bad guy, but his fashion is impeccable.  

8)   A Few Good Actors: Three characters I can’t wait to see more of this season?  Elsbeth Tascioni, Josh Perotti (preferably going head-to-head and then for dinner) and, of course, the eerily creepy yet somehow enthralling, Colin Sweeney.

9)  Eli Gold, Puppet Master:  Does this man ever sleep?  Probably not.  How could he?  He has tied himself to the Florrick family and, quite frankly, they are a bloody disaster.  Alicia is threatening teachers, Peter can’t help but have affairs and Eli is dancing around trying to keep the yodeling goat from falling off stage.  Eli is a true miracle worker, but in 2015, I think he has his work cut out for him, more than ever before.

10)  New Digs:  Where have David Lee and Louis Canning landed?  Like cats, together these dastardly snake oil salesmen have 18 lives, so we’re sure it’s somewhere not entirely unappealing.  Still, I hope they are fighting vermin-infested walls between client meetings.  Where are they now?  Let’s hope we find out more in 2015!

What are you most looking forward to in 2015?  Sound off in the comments below!

The Good Wife: "We the Juries" - Two Game-Changing Developments

Season 5, Episode 12 | Original Air Date: Sunday, January 12, 2014
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Kalinda’s looking for friendship in all the right places, Alicia is looking for answers behind closed doors and Eli is hoping for a Governor-sized miracle.  Basically, most things are a delicious mess and I’m over here devouring every single second.

Before I go on: a bit of an interlude. After a brief, albeit not insignificant, hiatus from Lockhart Gardner, I’m back – and thrilled to be so!  In mid-October I gave birth to my first child – a daughter – Baby E.  I’ll be honest in confessing it’s difficult to hold a baby, type, do jazz hands and cover my face during those “I didn’t see that coming” moments.  Trust me, I’ve tried.  That said, I haven’t missed an episode and I’m still as involved as ever.  So now, with my Team Gardner mug in hand, I bring you some thoughts from “We the Juries.”  As always, please weigh in below – and thanks for coming back to Lockhart Gardner – An Inside Look at the Good Wife!

Two Game-Changing Developments from “We the Juries:”

1) A Little Thing Called Friendship

Who doesn’t want to be friends with Cary Agos?  I’m just saying – it’s pretty much impossible.  He’s kind, smart, quick on his feet, funny, a sharp dresser (his tie/shirt combos this year have upped his fashion game big time!) and, let’s be honest, not terrible to look at.  Okay.  He’s exceptionally handsome.  On top of all that, he’s clever enough to keep pace with Kalinda and even catch her in a trap that only she would think of setting.  Oh, and he is now the named partner of an up-and-coming firm.  Take a number ladies, this man is on the move.

Meanwhile, it turns out Kalinda has come to the sad realization that she doesn’t have any friends.  It’s not surprising though - no one else does either.  Will?  Nope.  He’s forced to hang out with a tattooed sex junkie (okay, I made that up.  I don’t know her deal, but it seems fairly accurate based on the facts we’ve been given).  Alicia?  Super lonely.  Her only confidant is her brother, who, admittedly, I love, but he’s still not a friend.  Everyone seems to be a lone wolf, with the exception of Diane.  In any case, Kalinda is suddenly in the market for a friendship revitalization and who better to strike up a reunion with than Cary?  Sure, Alicia would have also been a good choice, but like Peter’s ethical compass, that ship has sailed.  All of this does make me wonder how Alicia will react when she finds out Kalinda and Cary have been canoodling after hours.  I’m guessing she won’t be overly supportive.  Not only is Kalinda working for the enemy, she kind of is the enemy.  But then again, she is she?  I’m always on the fence of whether or not to trust K, which seems to be something everyone on the show struggles with, Cary included.  One thing is for sure.  Kalinda is loyal.  You just never know to whom.  For now, I’m just excited these two are rekindling whatever it is they are rekindling.  Friendship?  Maybe.  Something more?  I wouldn’t be against it. 

2) It’s Not a Mess Without Flying Paper

Eli is in trouble.  As Chief of Staff to Mr. “I’m running the cleanest office in Chicago’s history,” things have been an uphill battle.  It could be because as much as Peter tries to be good – and, to be fair, he has been trying – he always has one foot lurking in a smoke-filled back alley.  I feel like Peter is the kind of guy who knows someone who knows someone who has probably rolled a body into a ditch off the I-90 within the last three months. 

Of course, Eli’s hands aren't entirely clean either, but with Peter now in office, he is trying to keep things a) legal and b) out of the public eye. Enter a video of those darn ballots that may have been tampered with during the election.  Now Alicia knows that Peter’s success may have been rigged and she’s mad – like ‘pack your bags and sleep in your beloved campaign bus’ mad – because now Zach could have to testify in front of the Feds.  Alicia has given Peter an ultimatum to ‘fix things,’ and we’re left to wonder what that could mean until Will arrives on the scene to chat with Marilyn.  Turns out, Will isn’t afraid to throw Peter under the bus (okay, I DID see that coming), but this time it’s not about Alicia, but rather, Diane.  Will is all, ‘why did you take Diane out of the running for the judgeship?’ and Peter is like, ‘Ummmmm… I can’t believe you’re bringing that up – I didn’t think anyone noticed’ and Will follows up with, ‘well, I think I told you about all of those rogue ballots on election night and I’m pretty sure you turned a blind eye kind of like when you erased Diane from your memory’ and then Peter shoots Will an I could have someone kill you tomorrow look and Will gives a nod that says bring it, old man. 

Peter and Will in the same room has to be one of my favourite things The Good Wife does on a not-frequent-enough-for-my-liking basis.  These two are so juxtaposed in life, with their defined connection being their relationship(s) with Alicia.  To Peter’s credit, I think he is heavier handed with greater propensity for treachery – I think he would win almost any battle against Will. 

But I digress.  Now Alicia is mad at Peter, Will isn’t talking to Marilyn, Marilyn’s not talking to Eli because Peter told Will not to talk to anyone and paper is flying because Peter is doing what he can to make it all go away, which means doing nothing.  As it turns out, dirty laundry always manages to resurface at some point.  I hope Eli has a fresh bottle of Scotch in his office – he’s going to need it.  My question?  If Peter gets kicked out of office, what’s next?

And the Honorable Mention Goes to...

I would be remiss if I didn't at least mention how much I enjoyed Matan Brody in this episode, mainly because of this exchange:

Maton: "No Your Honor, we withdraw our objections and ask that we be allowed to redirect this witness in front of the other jury" 

Bailiff Harris: "You've got to be freaking kidding me." 

Judge Spencer: "Harris!  Why is that Councilor?" 

Maton: "I don't know. I... Because?"

Brilliant.  I think I've watched this scene eight times just to listen to him stumble and look confused.  It's kind of amazing.  Amazing enough that I'd love to see Matan join Florrick Agos so I could see him every week.  Give this man a regular role!

How do you feel about Cary and Kalinda’s budding relationship?  Do you think the video of the tampered ballots will go viral? Sound off below!

New Year, New Hopes, New Reasons to Love The Good Wife

The Good Wife: Things We'd Love to See in 2013

Season 4 | Original Post Date: January 1, 2013

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With 2013 upon us, it's time to look forward to the next 365 days and what might be in store for the year ahead.  Last year I wished for a Florrick family Thanksgiving (and it came true!). With that good fortune fresh in my mind, this year, I'm throwing caution to the wind and laying everything on the line, because if there's one thing I've learned over the past year on The Good Wife, it is to expect the unexpected.  Here's to 2013: A new year, with new hopes and new reasons to love The Good Wife. 

Six Things We'd Love to See in 2013

More Cary Agos – It’s what everyone’s talking about: Needing more Cary Agos.   This season has been a bit of a roller coaster for this fourth year associate – from juggling the leather-clad nightmare, otherwise known as Nick, to seeing the true colors behind his father, Cary has been put through the ringer, but in a most ‘supporting actor’ kind of way.  Of course, Cary is the apple of Clarke Hayden’s eye, but that’s only good for getting an office upgrade, not for getting a date, or a storyline.  Here’s to a new year and a new beginning for Cary Agos.  

Season Five – This almost goes without saying, but a fifth season of The Good Wife is mandatory for making 2013 pure magic. Typically, CBS announces show renewals in March, and with great ratings abounding, all signs point to fans having reason to break out the celebratory Scotch.  I’m not just saying this because I’d be crushed without the promise of another season, but, let’s face it, I would be.  Season five?  We've got this.

Cary and Alicia Save the Firm – Lockhart Gardner is in trouble.  Like global warming, it’s not news anymore, but rather, something everyone has come to live with while figuring out a solution.  Years of poor management have led the firm down the rabbit hole of debt, and as it turns out, a $60 million deficit just doesn't disappear.  While we don’t know how things are going to unravel, we do know Wendy Scott-Carr is going to be lurking in wings while Clarke Hayden threatens to pull the plug on our beloved named partners: Will and Diane.  2013 is going to be turbulent which is not made better by Julius gallivanting around Chicago, David being a loose cannon and Howard Lyman searching for early bird breakfast specials.  However, with  Alicia and Cary working so closely (from enemies to frenemies to friends), it’s not much of a long shot to wonder if Florrick and Agos have the potential to save Lockhart Gardner from total ruin.  Here’s hoping!

A Team Gardner Reunion – Okay, I don’t think it will happen in season four, but  half of 2013 will (yes WILL) boast season five, so I’m pulling out all the stops with this wish list.  The thought of a Team Gardner reunion is impossible to resist.  Also, it has been over a year since these two shared anything more than a ‘thank you’ ear whisper.   We've had a few great moments of friendship – and for those I’m grateful – but as a diehard fan of Will and Alicia, I can’t help but long for a glimmer of hope for these soul mates.  I’m tired of bad timing… let’s get these two together already!

The Return of Julius Cane – As perhaps the most level-headed Equity Partner at Lockhart Gardner, Julius Cane (Michael Boatman) is quickly going the way of Justice, Diane’s beloved four-legged friend: Extinct.  We haven’t heard a word from Julius yet in season four and with the firm in dire financial straits, it doesn't make any sense.  Sure, I've imagined a variety of situations where his disappearance would be acceptable (my favourite options being a) Julius sneaking out under the cover of darkness to join Louis Canning or b) Julius taking a sabbatical in the Cayman Islands and writing a personal manifesto focused exclusively on undermining David Lee), but at the end of the day, we've been left to believe he’s working quietly in the background.  With Michael Boatman now staring on Anger Management, the most we can hope for are some strategic guest spots in 2013.

Diane Lockhart Playing the Field – Whether she’s sharing wine with Jack the Process Server or agreeing to disagree with Kurt the wilderness-loving Ballistics Expert, there’s no denying Diane is a hot commodity when it comes to after-hours get togethers.   Two words for 2013: More dates.  

Of course, my list of hopes could go on and on (Peter's election going sideways, the return of Elsbeth Tascioni, Justin from legal aid making three a crowd in Alicia's office...), but I'll save sharing more of my wishes for the upcoming year.  Now I turn it over to you. What are you most looking forward to for The Good Wife in 2013?  Can't wait Wendy Scott-Carr to show up or for Eli's past to surface?  Me either!  Sound off in the comments below.

The Good Wife: "Here Comes the Judge"

A Battle of the Suits

Season 4, Episode 8 | Original air date: November 18, 2012

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“I don’t want to be part of the problem, I want to be part of the solution” said no Florrick child ever.  Until now.  Zach has decided to use the name ‘Jay’ and work undercover on Peter’s campaign in IT, while Grace has fallen for a bad boy at school whose ex-girlfriend recently committed suicide.  You know, regular kid stuff.  Alicia truly deserves a medal – these kids are a hot mess.  Granted, not more of a mess than usual, but I’m sure it’s coming.  To be fair, however, they entertained me this week, so I’ll cut them both a little slack… but only because Thanksgiving at the Florrick’s is coming up next and I’m already excited!

In “Here Comes the Judge” we found ourselves in the midst of a number of sensitive situations – Judge Creary showing bias against Will, Cary trying to manage Nick’s tow truck dealings and Eli juggling Peter’s roller coaster results.  It was a true battle of the suits this week - let’s get straight to the highlights.

Cary Agos in Calvin Klein

I have to go here first because I’m still reeling from the fact that when last we saw the beloved Cary Agos, he was left for dead in a rain-soaked parking lot.  I can only imagine what he will look like come next week (by the nature of the attack, I’m guessing a number of fractured ribs and a lot of bruises, if not some internal bleeding).  Of course, the heinous and dastardly Nick was behind it and all because he has a jealous streak longer than the Nile.  I had hoped The Good Wife’s preview ninjas had deceived us just a little last week and that the attack wasn't going to be what it seemed, but when Nick is in the picture, all bets are off.

While I’m more than a little upset about Cary getting pulled into Nick’s dirty dealings (especially because he has been nothing but kind and professional to this leather-clad scum bag), I’m glad Cary is playing a bigger role each week on The Good Wife.  Also, this attack is going to provoke a lot of interesting questions and scenes going forward.  Here’s where I’m going with this:

• Who is going to find Cary in the parking lot?  Will he be able to make it to his car to call for help?  If so, who will he call? 
• What is this “random act of violence” going to do to the firm?  A ‘buddy system’ for walking to your car at night?  (This could be a win for Team Gardner.  Just saying.)
• How will Kalinda react when she finds out what happened to Cary?
• Will Cary remember what happened?  Will he recall the comment about his suit?
• Will Kalinda suspect Nick?  (Please say yes!  Like the break-in happening at Lana’s apartment, this parking lot accosting has Nick’s name written all over it)
• Will Alicia put the pieces together and affirm her fears of Nick being dangerous?
• How will this change Alicia and Cary’s relationship?  (Stronger than ever, I hope!)
• Might Will start to cut Cary a break now that he has been through greater life struggles?  Getting beat up in the parking lot of your law firm shows a serious level of commitment to one’s job.
• Is anyone else thinking about these things or am I the only one?  

Of course, while I’m not sure how I’m going to sleep tonight with all of these questions running through my head, I’m left only to wonder if this might just be the push Kalinda needs to make Nick a distant memory.  How she will get rid of him is anyone’s guess.  Of course, I have theories (some of which involve Lemond Bishop, some of which involve the FBI and some of which involve her burning her apartment to the ground), but it’s all purely speculative.  For now, I’m worried about Cary and perhaps a little thankful he wasn't wearing his Brioni suit on the night of attack.

Will Gardner – The Suit is Off

Guess who’s back?  Giada.  Remember her?  The independently wealthy student who was arguing the Hansel and Gretel witch debacle in moot court?  The one who made Will recuse himself?  If none of this rings a bell, know this:  It was Giada’s wine Will was drinking from a coffee mug when he called Alicia in the season one finale.   Ahhhh yes.  Giada.  Talk about characters I never thought I’d see again! 

To make a long story short, Giada seemed to be friendly with the very biased Judge Creary and Will just happened to need her to testify on a rather scandalous bar conversation.  The obvious next step was for Will to seduce her… or her him… I’m not really sure in what order things happened, but before long underwear was on briefing documents and they were sharing spoonfuls of ice cream.  Of course, Giada didn’t give in when Will asked for her help (she’s always been a bit of a tough customer), but in true Lockhart Gardner fashion, none of that ended up mattering.

 

To be honest, all of this Giada business left me with one question: What happened to Callie?  Sure, she didn't buy him $180 glasses of wine, but that’s not necessarily Will’s style anyways.  Callie was more like Tammy –with not quite as snappy of wardrobe.  In any case, whether it’s Giada, Callie or Tammy, no one is Alicia.  And for that I’m grateful. 

Kalinda – Buttoned Down

Drinks with Will twice in one episode?  It must have been my lucky week!  Next to K drinking with Alicia, her shooting tequila with Will is one of my favourite things.  These two have such an interesting friendship.  It’s based on a solemn respect and admiration for one another and while they both have secrets, they don’t judge each other for the decisions they’ve made.  A drink with these two is a bit like Christmas morning.   With each sip a new treasure is revealed.  Sometimes it comes in the form of satire while other times it is pure honesty.  That’s what we were treated to this week when Kalinda popped the question: do you ever get jealous?   This wasn’t like past conversations (read: “You need a dog. Kalinda and pooch, out investigating”) because Will could sense Kalinda has been experiencing a significant life event.  He may never find out Nick is Kalinda’s husband, but somehow that seems okay.  Maybe it will come out, maybe it won’t, but the trust these two have in the realm of the very unspecific is remarkable.

Eli Gold – All Suits on Deck

Social media numbers are up and the IT volunteers are to blame… errrr… reward.  Hired!  But wait, the one responsible for all of this good work is a guy named Jay… errrr… Zack Florrick.  Wait.  What?  Zach is working undercover to help out his Dad’s campaign?  Finally, something good!  Okay, it’s not as impressive as when Zach was using his iPod to record videos of his front door, but this is, without question, the best thing he’s done in three years.  Eli might just have an ally in young Florrick, if only they can convince Alicia to sign-off on this volunteer project.  Considering Grace has befriended her school’s resident bad boy, Alicia has bigger things to worry about.  Zach – welcome to the team.   

Next Up:  “A Defense of Marriage” aka Thanksgiving at the Florricks

I have been waiting for a holiday episode of The Good Wife for the last 76 episodes.  If you do the math, yes, that means I've been waiting since season one episode one.   Literally.  My level of excitement is hitting a high equal to that of the anticipation leading up to “Another Ham Sandwich.”  For fans of this blog, you know this is big.  I mean business.

I love the fireworks that inevitably go off when everyone comes together (especially when Owen is around!) and I can’t get enough of the prospect of having Alicia’s mother join the drama.  In “A Defense of Marriage” David Lee becomes counsel for Alicia’s Mom’s latest divorce, while Peter is lectured with a ‘let her go’ speech.  Oy vey, this is going to be good.

Related to this Post:

• Catching up: “Anatomy of a Joke”  - Cary Agos Goes to Washington
• Special Feature: Why We’re Glad Eli Gold is Back on the Campaign Trail
• This week in news: The Good Wife’s latest briefs
• Food Inspired by The Good Wife: Beet and Dark Chocolate Muffins

The Good Wife: "Anatomy of a Joke" aka Cary Agos Goes to Washington

Cary Agos Goes to Washington While Peter Florrick Avoids Brazil

Season 4, Episode 7 | Original air date: November 11, 2012

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Every so often, we’re treated to an episode of The Good Wife that is not only deliciously intriguing, its humorous undertones echo long after the final credits roll.  Any episode starting with “I smiled at my lawyer because he’s cute” is destined to be a winner in my books.  Throw in conveniently timed car horns to cover up ‘indecent’ language and the question of Brazil-shaped birth marks, and you've got a recipe for success.  “Anatomy of a Joke” = straight A’s from this fan.

I’m not going to lie.  This week, I found myself clapping and maybe squeeing* just a little bit.  Or a lot.  There are only a couple of witnesses, so I’ll leave my reactions up to your imagination, but let’s just say, I was seriously entertained.  This week, I’m taking a look at all the things that made my love of The Good Wife grow. 

Road Rage and Football Angst

As “Anatomy of a Joke” opened, we found ourselves watching a late night program – Jimmy Fallon style – with a doe-eyed comedian, Therese Dodd (Christina Ricci) chatting about breast health.  Before we knew it, her blouse was off while the footage was paused and we were quickly transported into the courtroom where a battle between the esteemed Burl Preston brewed against the stealthy pair, Alicia and Will. The best part of this scene came in the details though.  This is what makes The Good Wife so smart.  One of Alicia’s arguments hinged on the fact the network the late show was being shown on, had readjusted time slots to accommodate football.  If ever a real life situation were to echo in a show, this would be it. East coast viewers of The Good Wife know the one thorn in the show’s side, is its placement in proximity to Sunday night football.  It was coy commentary on their situation and, I feel, served as a statement to the fans and maybe also CBS.  Thank you, The Good Wife Writers – we know you’re frustrated, too.

But I digress. 

The second best part of this scene came in the form of the road rage-filled Chicago drivers whose horns kept interrupting the courtroom drama in a most strategic fashion.  Instead of having words bleeped out, horns sounded as a court clerk worked tirelessly to close the window.  While entertaining and, let’s face it, pretty funny, these honks kept the show ‘network friendly.’  This seems like an on-going battle for The Good Wife as it continues to be compared to cable dramas, where swearing and graphic language doesn't seem to have any governing rules. 

The more I think about it, the more I realize this opening sequence was almost its own commentary on the state of The Good Wife at home on CBS.   I’m not the only one who saw those parallels, right? 

Mr. Agos Goes to Washington

Don’t get me wrong: I like Will Gardner.  Okay, maybe more than like, but I’m not completely blinded by his interoffice biases.  When the opportunity to travel to Washington DC surfaced, Will was the first to say Alicia could handle the case (awww, Will!), while Diane was the first to advocate for Cary to help (go Diane!).  Alicia and Cary are the epitome of a dynamic duo, so I was sitting there couch cheering for them to go together.   While it seems Will is still holding a grudge against Cary for the whole grand jury debacle, Diane’s voice of reason might slowly be having an impact on Will’s decision-making.  We’ll have to watch that going forward, but for “Anatomy of a Joke,” I’m sure glad Cary and Alicia were tag-teaming things.  And no, not just because Therese was wearing the scent, 'accommodation' while planting a gigantic kiss on Cary, but I mean, sure, I’ll take it.  And so, apparently, will he.

Drinks with Friends

My favourite scene of this episode, and perhaps favourite scene of the season so far (yes, I liked it THAT much), was Alicia and Cary sharing a drink in his hotel room.  After watching Cary’s interaction with his cold-blooded father, Alicia ventured the room next door to talk to the one person who knows more of her secrets than anyone else on the show.  Cary knows about her affair with Will, and yet when he found out, he was almost apologetic about having been privy to that kind of detail surrounding Alicia’s life.  He holds no judgement and is really just doing his best to be a great lawyer. 

And he is.

The conversation and interaction between these two was almost poetic.  They are comfortable with each other in a way that a lot of people on The Good Wife aren't.  Maybe it’s because of their history, but I think it has a lot to do with the level of respect they have for each other.  They don’t need to poster anymore - they know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and they are better because of it.  These two have one of my favourite friendships on television and it’s something of which I can’t get enough.  This scene has quickly moved to the top of my re-play reel. 

Let’s Make a Deal

Laura (Amanda Peet, aka, the Captain Alicia defended in “The Art of War”) needed a job and Peter needed Alicia to say he doesn't have a Brazil-shaped birthmark on his penis.  Well, it seems like a fair trade to me.  With life being a little like Let’s Make a Deal, these two struck an agreement: Alicia would talk to the press (while keeping her laughter under control) and Peter would hire Laura to take over the job Cary had last season.  The good news is, Laura and Alicia seem like they could be great new friends and with Laura at the SA’s office, we’re bound to see a lot more of her, in the courtroom and, if we’re lucky, over a glass of wine after-hours.

Am I a little uncertain about Peter working so closely with a stunning brunette who has befriended Alicia?  Yes.  But there’s precedent.  Even Geneva Pine is suspicious, but then again, I don’t think she’s Peter’s biggest fan.  Also, based on what we saw of Geneva last year, she might have a torch out for Peter when it comes to racial bias.  While I don’t believe any of Peter’s actions are racially motivated, he has made some decisions that could lead someone like Pine down the path of heightened inquiry.  This could get interesting.

Scene in a Car

Kalinda and Jim out investigating together?  I didn't see that coming.  I’m not sure whether Jim was trying to be friendly or flirty, but either way, watching these two lurk with a camera in K’s SUV was worth the price of admission.  Side note:  Did anyone else notice Kalinda’s hair in a curled ponytail?  While this is a small detail, it definitely signals some kind of transformation for her.  We’ve never seen her in curls, let alone with her hair not pristinely pinned.  I’m adding this observation to my radar list, right next to Alicia’s new wrist watch.

Okay, but back to the investigation for a second.  Am I the only person who totally missed that Maddie would turn out to be a conniving politician and also a lesbian?  Somehow I missed all of the warning signs for this entire story line.  Sure, I could see her running against Peter.  But planting the story about “Brazil?”  Befriending Indira Star?  Maddie Hayward, while a great new character, seems also to be a bit of a disaster.  Alongside Mike Krestiva, Peter Florrick is in for one long campaign season. 

Next Up:  Here Comes the Judge:

In episode eight, Will and Alicia take to the courtroom against Laura, and this time with a client everyone believes is guilty.  Also, the moment we've all been waiting for (or not): Grace gets a boyfriend.  I have no idea how I’m going to react to this story when it finally surfaces on my screen, but I have to say I’m moderately intrigued.  Let’s be honest though, I’m outrageously excited for episode nine: Thanksgiving at the Florricks.  Alicia’s Mom (played by Stockard Channing) will be in town and enjoying the holidays with Owen (yay!), Jackie, Peter and the kids.  I hope Eli’s invited and maybe Cary, too!

Related to this Post:

• Catching up: “The Art of War" and the Mambo
• Special Feature: WhyWe’re Glad Eli Gold is Back on the Campaign Trail
• This week in news: TheGood Wife’s latest briefs
• Food Inspired by The Good Wife: Chocolate Pancakes, because Cary needs a good breakfast to make up for his Dad

*Squee = "A noise primarily made by an over-excited fangirl, however it has spread rapidly and is now widely spread among the web community." (Urban Dictionary, 2012)