The Good Wife: “A Precious Commodity” - The Beauty of Betrayal

Season 5, Episode 3 | Original Air Date: Sunday, October 13, 2013
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“A Precious Commodity” made me want to put my heels together and click with glee – this is the rhythm I had hoped season five would have.  In fact, episodes like this remind me why I love The Good Wife so much.  Eli is busy manipulating, Peter is trying to be good, Alicia is sticking to her guns, Grace is doing everything she can to frustrate me (oh, and be pretty), Will is rallying the partners and Diane is making payout demands and looking fabulous in the process.  It’s pure Good Wife bliss!

Let’s Get Packing

Our worst suspicions – that Diane threw Will under the bus in her Mandy Post interview (not that David Lee secretly has a fashion consultant who purposely finds him the worst ties possible) – has come true.  We don’t know exactly what the article says, but it involves Will, the missing $45,000 and some sundry details about Lockhart Gardner.  While I give Diane credit for coming clean with Will when she really didn’t have to, I will confess to being disappointed that she sold him out at all, especially after all the time she put into defending him.  That’s politics though. It’s the thrill of the chase and the thought that opportunities like becoming a Supreme Court justice don’t come around every day.  And the truth is, they don’t. 

Wasn’t it Diane who told Alicia last season to walk through the doors that are opened for you, even if the circumstances aren't ideal?  Indeed it was – in “The Seven Day Rule” – where we learned Diane made partner because Stern was accused of sexual harassment.  While Diane isn’t sitting around pouting about the latest turn of events (rather, she’s looking statelier than ever while keeping her fingers crossed the judgeship will pan out), she is quickly losing the friends and colleagues who have helped build her career.  She’s nothing if not stoic though, and why not?  If she becomes a judge, those at Lockhart Gardner won’t want to have mistreated her.  Despite the whole “betrayal” situation, things for Diane stand a reasonable chance of working out.

Meanwhile, with Diane getting ousted by the partners, Will is now making a pitch to bump Alicia into a named partner role.  With her recent ‘wife of the Governor’ status upgrade, he thinks people will be suitably impressed and not question the fact she’s a fourth year. 

But let’s think about that for a second…

A fourth year… a fourth year.  No, there’s absolutely no flaw with this plan.  I’m sure David Lee will be happy to have Alicia on the letterhead while he sits around makes the firm a kazillion potentially money-laundered dollars.  Or not.  Still, it’s an interesting proposition, though not one that should really even be entertained for fans of Team Gardner… or good business. That said, we are apparently supposed to have forgotten entirely that the car kiss of last season ever happened and ‘good business’ isn’t really a thing Lockhart Gardner has hung its hat on in the past, so I’ll happily comply with the allure they are creating.  At least until next week.

Two Firms, One Font

While Alicia is juggling how to be fair and impartial in the great oust of 2013 – aka, the upheaval of Diane – she’s also balancing her new ‘staff’ of fourth years who have taken to drinking diet Coke, Red Bull and beer during team meetings in her well-furnished living room.  This new firm is something Alicia seems ready for – Cary, too – but I’m mildly concerned about the rest of those on board, aren’t you?  Maybe it’s because of the handful of people coming with them we only know Robyn, or maybe it’s because they are trying to push Alicia to betray her ties to the equity partnership at Lockhart Gardner in one breath and decide on business card fonts in another.  I can’t help but feel as though Florrick Agos needs to find some more senior talent before things turn into a playground rumble. 

The truth is, Alicia is torn between two firms, and despite knowing the toxicity of Lockhart Gardner is only going to increase with time, the doors being opened for her there are seriously impressive.  Named partnership at an established firm as a fourth year?  Why didn’t I become a lawyer?  This career progression seems like no big deal.

I Feel Pretty

The ‘Grace is suddenly hot’ storyline continues this episode and I can’t help but wonder where all of this is going.  Apparently Grace just wants to be pretty (which makes me want to start singing ‘I feel pretty’ and therefore completely forget why we’re talking about Grace in the first place.  Oh, right – family drama.  We love it).  Grace growing up means Eli is growing grey and Alicia is growing increasingly more territorial over her young.  It’s mildly entertaining to watch the reactions of those around but at the same time I’m having flashback visions of Grace getting napped by Internet Jesus and wondering if she’s going to run off with her new youth pastor only to have Kalinda or Robyn find her making out behind a dumpster.  All I know is they are setting us up for trouble.  And by ‘us’ I mean Grace.  And by Grace I mean the entire fate of the show, because in the end, doesn’t everything seem to tie back to this junior Florrick?

Too Pretty vs. The State

As it turns out, Eli and Peter have decided to restructure the Ethics Commission and bring Marilyn back from the Transit Authority.  In the case of ‘too pretty vs. the state,’ too pretty has won handily.  Peter can’t look unfairly biased one way or another (especially when it comes to lovely blondes who are sure to cause him political misfortune down the road).  Eli is playing his cards close to the chest while Peter is busy trying to keep his eyes at, well, eye-level.  To be fair, it’s an unenviable position.  It’s a shame that’s where my sympathy for Peter begins and ends.

Other Notables

If you like it then you Better put a Ring on it:

Has anyone else noticed the size of Alicia’s rings this season?  Once again, where did Peter get money for that size of diamond?  Eli – pull the accounting on this!  I think we’ve got ourselves a Gerald Kozko situation on our hands.  It’s like the tennis bracelet debacle of 2009 all over again.

Best Lines of the Episode:

David Lee: “Ah – here’s our quorum.  Did you travel by bicycle?” 

Will to Diane: “We work together until it’s not fun or profitable anymore.  Are you having fun?”

Worst Line of the Episode:

Peter: “I love you.”  Alicia: “I love you, too.”  Me: “What. Just. Happened?”

Up Next: "Outside the Bubble" 
Elsbeth Tasioni returns to represent Lockhart Gardner, which can only mean one thing: Magic! Also returning: Diane's (maybe?) finance, Kurt McVeigh.  Oh, this is going to be good.

The Good Wife: "Everything is Ending" Like a Westside Story Brawl

Season 5, Episode 1 | Original Air Date: Sunday, September 30, 2013
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They say good things come to those who wait.  Well, I've been waiting patiently since the end of April for this season premiere and I didn't show up to be disappointed.  Luckily, I wasn't.  Mostly.  There was that whole, ‘we’re off the merry-go-round’ commentary and, yes, the kids still appear to be around… so it wasn't everything I had hoped, but I’m willing to put in more time to see where this goes.

Was it The Good Wife’s strongest premiere?  In my opinion, no.  But was it entertaining?  Yes.  Did it set the stage for what’s sure to be an exciting first quarter?  Absolutely.  And did it make me want more?  You bet.

To kick off this season, I’m going to look straight at the heart of the matter – the five things that are changing the face of The Good Wife.  As always, please feel free to sound off in the comments below!

1)      Rolling in the Deep

As Adele says, “We could have had it all…” but at Lockhart Gardner I’m not sure that’s the case with anyone.  Well, that’s not entirely true.  David Lee might have it all, what with his smarmy antics, his Bluetooth and his bowl of candy.  Everyone else is left with a piece of a pie that always seems a day or two away from expiration.  I mean, look at Monica from litigation, wheeling around as a robot in an attempt to telecommute.  Alicia is there opening doors, carrying in Monica’s stick stand and peeling off the paper happy faces someone stuck to her screen.  The more things change at Lockhart Gardner, the more they stay the same... like a clown car driving in the narrow lane of crazy at the intersection of total destruction and prosperity.  Still, I love this firm.

However, with the upheaval of Lockhart/Gardner is now a rolling simmer, breaking the surface like a sauce that hasn’t been stirred quite enough, and Alicia has been put in an awkward position that I don’t think her other fourth year colleagues are mature enough to understand.  Alicia is coming into this new partnership with more experience – and not just in age – but in life.  She is the Governor’s wife.  She has raised a family.  She is an equity partner at Lockhart Gardner.  The other associates just want their bonuses… and maybe a nice bottle of Scotch.  For Alicia, leaving the firm that gave her a chance at a second career – leaving Will and Diane… and Will… did I mention Will? – means more than almost any other choice in her life and a rumble in a parking garage – like a Westside story Jets/Sharks showdown – isn’t going to change that fact.  With David Lee on the prowl (and now signed to a full-time acting gig on The Good Wife, I might add), things are going get worse before they get better, and Alicia is going to be the one left in the crossfire.  People will be disappointed in Cary.  But it will be nothing compared to how they feel about Alicia.

2)      The case of the Cary’s

There are few things I enjoy more on The Good Wife than Cary and Alicia sharing a drink and talking.  Cary is sort of like the new Kalinda.  He’s also sort of like Will in this new firm marriage.  Basically, Cary is the new everything and I can’t get enough.  Apparently he’s also the *first* Cary, as a random fourth year, also named Carey, has surfaced.  I’m not entirely sure why they felt the need to confuse the Cary/Carey situation (which is made slightly more complicated in my life as my name is also Kari… yet I rarely write in third person – a decision that is saving us all at this point) – but they did.  Speculation on this dramatic device is welcome.  

3)      My What a Big Office You Have…

Peter is finally out of his campaign bus and back in an office.  I can’t say I’m disappointed in this upgrade of surroundings as all the bus shenanigans were making my eyes bleed.  As someone firmly on the ‘Florrick for Governor, Gardner for Life’ bandwagon, I’m glad to see he’s in cushy quarters, reviewing important documents on a comfy couch and getting caught up in all kinds of things that are bound to explode/turn ugly/ruin his marriage again in what can only be assumed will be a few short episodes.  Did I mention her name is Marilyn?  Eli is already concerned, Peter has already admitted she’s “too pretty” and now Marilyn has been bumped from the ethics commission over to the transit department.  Eli is painting it as an upgrade, but let’s face it – buses aren't as fancy as ethics.  Not even campaign buses.

4)      Calling the new Chief of Staff

Now that Peter is Governor, he’s looking to fill out his administration with the best-of-the-best.  It’s likely to involve a little back scratching here and there, but now he’s in, things should mostly be on the up-and-up.  Oh sure there is that little thing called ‘ballot tampering’ and yes, Will Gardner has some evidence in his back pocket that might surface at some point this season… and then there’s Marilyn, whose looks could be compared strongly to those of Amber Madison… but aside from these small annoyances, the Florrick camp has everything going for it.  The only thing that could make things better?  Adding Eli to the payroll as Chief of Staff.  If Obama has McDonough, why shouldn't Florrick have Gold?  Eli’s smart, well-versed in the family Florrick and can spot a scandal a mile away.  He’s the perfect fit.  Also, he’s better when he’s not at Lockhart Gardner stirring up trouble, throwing tantrums with David Lee and drinking the firm’s espresso. 

The idea of Eli as Peter’s Chief of Staff is something I hadn’t considered but I think it’s a fabulous development.  It’s either that or hiring Geneva Pine.  I wouldn't be against that either.  She’s super sassy and it’s a move that would definitely help all the speculation around Peter’s racial bias.  Also, she rocks a suit/pony tail combo better than anyone.  I’m not saying that’s a reason to hire her, I’m just saying I think she can probably get ready at the drop of a hat, which in a crisis can be handy.  Perhaps some office Olympics, “Geneva vs. Eli” is in order.  I’d watch that, wouldn't you?

5)      Round and Round

I’ll be honest.  I was more than a little disappointed with the Team Gardner situation in this premiere.  When last we saw these two, they were having an epic moment in Will’s car.  For those of you who need a reminder, it looked something like this:

Now, it’s like the car never happened, the kiss never happened and Will never said, “to hell with bad timing – we talk.”  It’s like I made it all up.  Which I didn't.  I swear.  Things seem more off the rails than ever before, especially now Will has thrown out this ‘we were on a merry-go-round and now we’re not’ crap.  Remind me why we aren't on the merry-go-round anymore?  Weren't  we just there… like last night?  I’m confused.

Sadly, I think things are going to get worse for these two before they get better.  With the impending firm implosion, Will is set to lose his cool with Alicia.  That said, in “Red Team, Blue Team,” that worked to the Team Gardner advantage, so maybe all bets are off.  Until I know more, I’ll happily sip tea from my Team Gardner mug and hope that Alicia leaving the firm will give her the distance she needs to make this “Will thing” happen.  Come on Kings – you can do it!

Quote of the Episode

Alicia: “Everything is ending…”

Cary: “…Beginning, too.”

Ahhhh.  Every time I read this quote I feel inspired and warmed (unlike how I felt when this whole 'Grace is suddenly on the 10 Hottest Politician's Daughters list' story surfaced) – like Christmas shopping while sipping something drizzled in cinnamon syrup.  The best part?  It’s appropriate to the premiere and my life.  Within the next four weeks the firm of Florrick, Agos and Associates will begin to take shape, Lockhart Gardner won’t ever be the same… and I’m going to have a baby.   On The Good Wife, everything seems like a new beginning – and it’s always Cary who likes to remind us that change can be good.  Personally, I agree, and not just because I’m about to grow the Team Gardner fan base by one (yes, the baby knows it has to pick a side – and that side is Gardner).  With that, I’m going to do my best to keep this blog as timely as possible. I might not always be able to post within 24 hours of the episode, but I’m going to try!

Favourite Guest Star

Without question, Jeffery Tambor as Judge Klugar.  It may have been because I wanted him to say, "There's always money in the banana stand," but either way, he was a solid judge that didn't tip the scales on being overly dramatic or whimsical.  We had Moni-bot for that dose of humor.

Here’s to season five – where, I have a feeling, anything goes!

The Good Wife: "What's in the Box?" - Top Four Scenes and their Impact on Season Five

Season 4, Episode 22 | Original Air Date: Sunday, April 28, 2013
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It seems like yesterday when Zach was driving down the interstate with Alicia relaxing in the backseat; Kalinda was sitting at her front door with a gun tucked in her white arm chair and Will was getting ready to come off of suspension.  Remember those days?  Things were so… so… up in the air.  Somehow 21 episodes have passed since then and now we’re back to living with what’s sure to be an unbearable hiatus.  Oh yes, and things are more uncertain than ever.  I love how the more things change the more they say the same.

The best part, in my opinion, is that “What’s in the Box” delivered on everything it promised to, including rendering me speechless on more than four occasions.  A few weeks ago, a friend coined the hashtag, #TeamPaperBag and I was quick to jump aboard that ship.  Hyperventilating aside (because we all know that happened), “What’s in the Box” was the perfect set-up to what I’m already anticipating will be an electric season five.  Now, if only we didn’t have to wait until September.  Oy vey.  What am I supposed to do until then? 

Fortunately, that’s a problem for another day.  Let’s dive into “What’s in the Box” by looking at this episode's four best scenes and how they’ll impact season five.

Warning: Spoilers/predictions/excitement ahead.  If you haven’t watched “What’s in the Box” yet, you need to – and on repeat.  A minimum of three times is recommended. 

This week I’m not going to do a full recap.  Why?  Because I’m assuming everyone has seen the episode.  If you haven’t, see above warning.  There are dozens of great recaps out there, so if you need a play-by-play, check out my April 29 news feed for some suggestions.

For this year’s finale, I decided to make things memorable by watching it over in London, UK.  Okay, that wasn’t planned, per se, but it happened and now I’ll always have that ‘where were you when’ moment to look back on fondly.  It’s like how people remember where they were when world events happened - like Will and Kate's royal wedding (Disney World) or the Toronto Blue Jays winning the World Series (at home, in front of the television).  Of course, I would have been happy with ‘couch’ being my answer, but instead I have ‘hotel room in London.’  Not a $7,800 hotel room, mind you (oh season two finale, how I still love you), but I’ll take it.

When it comes to the best and most memorable moments/scenes from “What’s in the Box,” I struggle not to write, ‘everything,’ though don’t think I’m not tempted.  It’s for this reason I waited hours before writing this, as my initial discussion would have read: “I’m sorry what?  Wait. No. Really?! No. Yes. What? Where?! That did not just… what the?” See, we all win with me taking a breather.

Top Four Scenes (in no particular order… at least that I’m willing to admit to)

1)   The Car: Need I say more?  Who am I kidding?  Yes I do!

Alicia + Will + Car = pure magic!  Lately, we’ve watched Alicia struggle with her feelings for Will, and now, in the calm of a late, misty night, she brings everything back up.  Her feelings, she admits, she can’t escape, but she doesn't know what to do.  The logical answer is to kiss.  And they do.  From my little corner of the world, fireworks are flying and I’m over the moon.  After the world’s most adorable forehead touch, Alicia asks, “what do we do?”  Before Will can answer, Diane knocks on the hood of his car.  Thankfully, Will’s windshield is fogged up to the max (like the car Rose and Jack found themselves canoodling in aboard Titanic) and Diane seems to have missed everything.  While I’ll confess I was looking forward to her fist of furry and a rage-filled speech, there’s something nice about knowing everything doesn't have to be a complete mess for these two each step of the way.  Before they exit the car the following, what I hope will eventually be monumental, remarks were made:

Will: “When this night is over, we talk.” 

Alicia: “We can’t...” 

Will: “To hell with bad timing. We talk.”

To some, this conversation might not mean much, but I feel as though I could get my Ph.D in “Gardner/Florrick Communication.”  I’ve studied these two for four long years.  I've earned it. The key here, from my perspective, is Will taking the lead.  Back in season one, Alicia told Will she needed a plan.  Unfortunately, through it all, that’s the one thing he’s never delivered.  While I’m not dismissing Alicia’s sometimes spazztic decision-making when it comes to Will, she gave him the Lincoln Logs and he has yet to build the cabin. 

Here’s to season five – a season with some good timing and maybe, just maybe, some new developments to inspire Will to conceive a plan.  Come on Team Gardner, we’ve got this!

2)  A Backroom Payoff: Saying goodbye to Jackie’s better half?

It has been awhile since we saw Jackie’s caregiver/lover/special friend, Cristian, and I can safely say I’ve missed him.  While I’m not entirely sure what his relationship with Jackie is, that’s part of why I enjoy him.  Really, I like him more than I ever liked Jordan, and I saw him much less.  He’s mysterious but charming and has an air of whimsy I can’t help but appreciate.  The best part?  He’s not going anywhere.  

Sure, Eli gave him a personal cheque from Peter for $25,000 to get lost, but what Jackie wants, Jackie gets and Cristian isn’t going anywhere.  He just happened to get a nice bonus.  After shaking hands with Peter and announcing that he’s staying, I had a feeling of impending doom for our new Governor.  Is Cristian really bad news?  Is he working his way into the Florrick family for more than just the benefit of Jackie (because, let’s face it…)?  I would love to see more Cristian in season five - on a cruise ship, as a life guard, or locking death stares with Peter and Eli.  I feel as though Cristian could be the genie in the bottle I've been looking for when it comes to Jackie and Peter – is it possible he could bring them both down?  I don’t know… yet… but I’m willing to strategize throughout the summer.

3)  What’s better than a ballot box? A septic tank truck, that’s what. 

Oh Jim Moody, campaign cronie and devious political navigator.  He has skills, I’ll credit him that, but when it comes to flying under the radar, he needs a little training from Kalinda.  Starting the episode, he plans to send a rogue septic tank truck into a neighbourhood high on Kresteva to deter them from heading to the polls.  I mean, he has a point – only the most dedicated voter would preserver through the smell of raw sewage to cast a ballot.  Oh, and New Yorkers.  Having been one, I can say, ‘that’s a day in the life.’  Bring on the septic tank!

The Florrick campaign had issues bigger than poop to deal with however, not the least of which included a tampered-with box of ballots.  Our favourite 18-year old spotted the issue-laden box while getting his first taste of democracy and quickly documented it on his phone.  Before long, it was off to an emergency trip to court with the entire Lockhart Gardner team in tow.  Remembering I’m not here to do a recap, all I’ll say is this: the ballots were in, they were out and they were in again.  Oh, and Patti Nyholm was representing Kresteva because apparently drug manufacturers like Republicans.  Jordan resurfaced to be annoying and was quickly caught in a lie (because no one messes with Eli Gold and Zach Florrick – no one!).  The case was solid and I thoroughly enjoyed how it tied to the foundation for the episode: the election. 

The thing is, everyone has a vested interest in Peter becoming, or not becoming, Governor.   By now we all know he won (and if you didn’t, now you’re caught up), but the story doesn’t end there.  Will Diane be given the opportunity to become a Supreme Court Judge?  Are her ties with Will still too strong?  Who will be the next State’s Attorney?  Could it be the esteemed Wendy Scott Carr (can you even IMAGINE?) or someone new altogether?

Perhaps most intriguingly is the fact Will was given video footage showing Jim being the one behind the fraudulent ballots.  Will had the chance to seal Peter’s fate… but he didn’t.  Why?  Will Peter now owe him something?  The fact is, the ballots – the actual numbers – don’t matter.  It’s the fact a campaign worker was willing to rig the election.  That Eli Gold was behind it and the Peter Florrick would allow it to happen.  Will has the chance to be the whistle blower on Peter’s ethical compass.  Like Kalinda’s husband, this footage could be gone forever, but then again, maybe not.  If you were Will, would have thrown Peter under his own campaign bus, or would you have done what was best for your client for the meantime?  Either way, I see this as leverage.  For what I don’t know, but that’s not important now.  I’m a fan of a stacked back pocket.

 

4)  Florrick, Agos and Associates, coming fall 2013

If there’s one scene in four years that has made my head explode, it would be this one: Alicia dialing the phone from the bathroom and asking the person on the other end if they still want to talk.  The answer, we learn, is yes, and Alicia heads to her apartment to meet her caller.  At this point, I was losing my mind.  Sadly, there’s an actual picture of this – my head in my hands, gasping and covering my face while peeking through my eyes.  My written reaction? “I’m shaking! She escaped! The campaign… Please tell me he shows up!”  Once again, it’s a good thing I’ve taken a few hours to process.

Of course, I was wishin’ and hopin’ and thinkin’ and prayin’ that she had called Will, but in hindsight I can see the flaw in my plan – we were already gifted with a perfect Team Gardner treat and another would be like Santa coming twice in one night. I mustn’t be so scene-greedy in the future.  No, this was, dare I suggest, an even more perfect moment.  Cary was at the door and all Alicia had to say was “I’m in.”  The firm of Florrick, Agos and Associates is no longer a dream – a dream I’ve thought about for years – it’s a reality that will be born in season five. My question? What made her finally decide to make the move?  Was it not wanting to be *just* the 'first lady of Chicago?'  Was it about opening or closing (bah!) the door on Will or was it about something else altogether?

What will this mean?  First of all, Alicia has to leave the firm and so does Cary.  That’s going to be a disaster – but, let’s face it, completely amazing.  David Lee is going to lose his mind.  I hope he’s in a costume when it happens – that would be the icing on the cake.  Diane might not care that much if she’s gone, but I anticipate Will might have something to say about things.  That said, Alicia leaving the firm eases some of the complications surrounding Will, specifically when it comes to him being her boss/colleague.  Once he gets over things though, good timing might stand a chance for once.  These two have a history of getting heated in the courtroom (flashback: Red Team, BlueTeam) and part of me thinks that might translate into other rooms, too.  Blast!  I just made a promise not to be greedy.  But… right?!

Second, it means Colin Sweeney is going to be the firm's landlord.  Oh yes, that just happened.  He'll follow Alicia to the ends of the earth and if that means cutting Cary a deal on rent for free legal services for two years, then, why not?  I mean, it's creepy.  But that's what's both delicious and disgusting about Sweeney.  I love how torn he makes me feel.  Still, at the end of the day, I can't help but be excited we'll get more of him in season five.  Who knows what kind of shenanigans will be brewing!

The End... For Now

And so, that’s that.  We’re out for another season, and what a ride it has been.  Thank you to everyone who has joined me on the adventure this year – I’ve enjoyed every minute.  To new friends and old, I appreciate your support and readership.  Each of you has truly made my season four magic.  As for me, I plan to keep writing and speculating on The Good Wife throughout the summer, so stay tuned and, as always, please sound off with your comments.  Your passion for the show fuels my passion for the show and I have to say, I think we've got a great thing going on here.  Dare I say, 'good timing?'

Cheers!

The Good Wife: "Rape: A Modern Perspective"

Season 4, Episode 20 | Original Air Date: Sunday, April 14, 2013

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Just when you thought the tides at Lockhart Gardner couldn't turn more than they already had, “Rape: A Modern Perspective” happened… and things started to change.  Again.  Our friend Mr. Bitcoin (aka, Dylan Stack, aka Jason Biggs) returned and Alicia has started shaking.  These two events are unrelated, but they are developments none the less (more on this later).  Now, it’s probably cliché to say, ‘It’s a new day,’ because, well, that was last year, but I think there’s serious precedent this time.  Of course, some things never change – like how David Lee continues to be 100% terrible and how Kalinda will stop at nothing to get to the bottom of a case – and for that, I’m thankful.  These things are a like a home-cooked meal.  David Lee is the bitter lettuce in the salad and Kalinda’s the tangy raspberry cheesecake.

 

This episode – number 20 of the season – marks the set up to the final two shows before the summer hiatus.   While we’re being positioned to be shocked and entertained from now until the end of April (if you haven’t seen the previews, trust me on both counts; and if you have, I know you agree), this episode did all it could to put 50 shades of doubt in our minds about basically everything:  The colour of the sky, the maturity of Grace, the science behind gravity, the length to which Kalinda will go to win a case, etc, etc, etc.

At the end of it all, I was left with four big ‘what just happened there?!’ moments, which is where I’ll be focusing this week’s analysis.  As always, I encourage you to take to the comments section and let me know your thoughts.  Is David Lee really as bitter and terrible as I make him out?  Is Robyn up to no good?  Why does Will look so good with rolled up cuffs?  Is Diane’s judgeship officially out the window?    

Top Four ‘What Just Happened There?’ Moments:

1)  Diane’s Mountaintop Adventure

For weeks, we've been watching Diane struggle with how her appointment to the Supreme Court would affect both her career and her love life (which, by the way, we’re glad she has again).  This week, she was back in the hot seat with our favourite Florrick staffer, Jim, who was grilling her about Kurt.  Insert looks of shock on the faces of both Jim and Kalinda when Diane admitted that Kurt was more than a friend and a causal lover… but her fiancé. 

Whhhhhhhat?

Let’s back up this carousel of crazy for a minute.  When last we saw Diane and Kurt, she said she thought waiting for their next encounter would mean waiting forever and she didn’t want that to be her life.  I get it.  She’s always put her career first.  Now she wants more.  But that was it.  That’s all we knew.  Now we find out she’s secretly engaged – so secret in fact, that even super-sleuth, Kalinda, didn't know about it?  I’m both shocked and excited by this development.  At the same time, I have a few concerns, not the least of which is why she looked so downtrodden when Jim left the room to share the news and continue his investigation.  It was almost as though she had sadness or regret weighing her down, but I can’t figure out why.  Did Kurt actually accept her proposal?

Flash forward.  Diane arrived at the Supreme Court for an interview and quickly found herself daydreaming about sunnier times when she’d have a gigantic leather swivel chair and a gavel close at hand.  Before long, reality arrived in the form of the Chief Justice who was quick to explain that the only thing preventing her from getting to the top of her work mountain was her partner.

So Kurt then?

No, not Kurt.

It seems that Jim got ‘partner’ and partner confused.  I mean, who can blame him?  The word ‘partner’ can be misleading.  Life partner?  Law partner?  Partner in crime?  Who can keep these things straight?  I can’t, and neither, apparently, can Jim.  So, the problem, as it turns out is actually Will. 

Color me confused. With phrases like, “your partner’s a scoundrel” being bandied about, Diane’s face said, ‘I didn’t see that coming,’ and so did mine.  If anyone else is having flashbacks to Wendy Scott-Carr circa season three, confessing the charges against Will were actually about Peter – you’re not alone.  It’s as though everyone thinks Will has all of these amazing things going on, when really he’s the biggest disaster out of the bunch.  And, apparently, the biggest scapegoat.   This man spends 80% of his life underneath the bus, 15% running behind it and 5% winning.  It’s not an awesome average.

In any case, Diane was left with what I think was an ultimatum, though I’ll confess I’m not entirely sure why.  If Diane were to be appointed, she’d have to leave the firm and therefore, her business partner.  Shouldn't that be good enough for the court?  Does the Judge want Diane to admit Will is a scoundrel? If so, who would be the benefit?  What just happened?!

2) It’s a fever.  It’s the flu.  No, it’s the return of Team Gardner!

This is the kind of magic Fraulein Maria was talking about: “When the Lord closes a door, somewhere he opens a window.”  While I can’t be sure she was speaking about this situation *exactly,* I’m willing to believe there’s relevance as it relates to Team Gardner… and also, her marriage to the Captain Von Trapp.

Let me keep things brief (because, let’s be honest, next week my entire post is likely to be devoted to these two… and Peter due to the fact there’s some serious drama brewing): I have no idea what’s going to happen with Alicia and Will.  At the Shamrock dinner, Alicia called things off (even though there wasn't anything to do except not randomly kiss each other in fits of anger and passion).  Next, Alicia started dreaming about Will and calling him late at night.  Okay, this probably went against the Shamrock pact, but, whatever.  Who am I to judge?  Now is where things are getting dicey.  And by dicey, I mean amazing.  And by amazing I mean also weird.

In ‘Rape: A Modern Perspective,’ Alicia’s feelings towards Will began to manifest in flu-like symptoms. I wish I were kidding, but I’m not.  After leaving his office late at night (my favourite time and location for these two, if I’m being perfectly candid), she went home, closed the door and looked chilled to the bone.  She started to shake and chatter.  The strangest part?  This wasn't a one-time thing.  No, it happened again, after winning the case with Will.  Now whenever she looks at him, she gets… a cold? 

While her symptoms are a bit of a head-scratcher, I believe what we’re beginning to see is mixed emotions with a heaping helping of regret.  She has pushed Will away for years, despite not really wanting to, and now all of her repressed emotions are beginning to surface.   Now we’re left to wonder how all if this is going to pan out.  Even Grace has given Alicia permission to be a little selfish by saying, “sometimes it’s good to think about yourself” (PS Thank you, Grace – this redeems you at least 3% in my eyes.  That brings you to a solid D-) and in every way Alicia knows what that would mean for her reality.

My question: Alicia said she would stay with Peter through the campaign.  If he loses, where will that leave her?  Will she continue to stand by him, or will she pursue a new relationship with Will?  All I can say is that I’m so thankful for windows that open when doors close.

3) Kalinda Sharma – Anonymous

This week’s case surrounding a rape victim, her attacker, a hacker group named Anonymous and Mr. Bitcoin, Dylan Stack.  Paired together on the case, Will and Alicia needed to convince both the jury and Judge Parks, their client was, indeed, raped.  What made this case interesting was how it unfolded.  First it came in the form of a tweet.  Next was an anonymous video message sent to Zach via text and then it was an anonymous picture sent to Grace on her phone.  While Alicia blamed Mr. Bitcoin for the clever and frustrating pieces of evidence, at the end of the day, he made an interesting point: that whoever was acting as ‘Anonymous’ had to be on the inside.  But who?  Will?  No, he doesn’t have time for that.  Robyn?  No, she’s too busy worrying about her internal one-month review.  Kalinda?  No, it couldn't be – she just hands over evidence.

But then again, maybe she doesn't.  When Judge Parks forced the case into a dismissal and therefore a retrial, K was on the hunt for new evidence.  After she found it, we watched as she lurked in a corner and uploaded it to a tip site.   Pa chow!  Kalinda was the leaker on her own case?  I definitely didn't see that coming.

4) Florrick Agos and Associates

What The Good Wife has taught me: If you want insider information from your colleagues, meet them in parks, by fountains or around unmarked corners and ask them for a stroll.  At first they will lie to you, but eventually all of the meet-cutes will make them confess their secrets.  I know this sounds crazy, but there’s proof this works.  Take Cary, for example.  All of this casual walking has him spilling the beans to a partner.  Okay, partner/friend.  The lines are tres blurred here and I think we all feel it.  Anyways, Cary’s on the move.  He’s planning to leave Lockhart Gardner in one month and take the other fourth years with him.  If Alicia wants in, there’s a named partnership opportunity waiting.  Florrick Agos and Associates. 

In my opinion, there are two great things about all of this: 1) The fact Cary referred to he and Alicia as ‘the new Will and Diane’ – because yes, they are and 2) The fact Alicia said she’d need to think about it.  She has everything she wants at Lockhart Gardner.  Well, sort of.  She has partnership, but it’s tainted by politics and they aren't afraid to use her like a pawn.  Cary, on the other hand, doesn't want Alicia to use her, but rather because she’s a good lawyer.  Sure, her last name is Florrick, but that’s not what makes Alicia – and he’s forward-thinking enough to see that fact.  Others are not.   

What’s Next?

The much anticipated 21^st episode of the season is on its way with “A More Perfect Union.”  Peter pops a ring in front of Alicia and asks for a vow renewal while Grandma Veronica and Uncle Owen stop in to visit/meddle.  Things are set to get especially interesting when Veronica confronts Will about his love for Alicia and we’re all left to wonder if Peter will be able to secure his seat as Governor.  With just two episodes left, what cliff hanger do you think we’ll be left teetering over during the summer months?

The Good Wife: "Red Team Blue Team" – The Elephant is Back

Season 4, Episode 14 | Original Air Date: Sunday, February 17, 2013

______________________________________________________________

Some fascinating things happened in The Good Wife this week – and I’ll get to all of them – but not before I celebrate a little first.

Why?

Because Team Gardner FINALLY got a reunion kiss!  I've been waiting for this moment for 24 episodes.  But who’s counting?  Oh wait.  Me. It was like “Heart” and “A New Day” rolled into a delicious passion-infused package… and it was amazing.  Like ‘pass me a paper bag I’m losing my mind’ amazing. 

But before I get into my dream scene, I must first back-up, because this story’s too good not to share.

Money in the Bank

It was a chilly day in February.  Actually, no.  It wasn't.  Well, maybe it was, but who are we to know?  All we’re given at the beginning of this episode is a laundry list of clients who seem to be paying their bills to Lockhart Gardner… in gold bars.  Chum Hum?  That was a win.  Cha-ching.  Sweeney?  He and his turkey baster secretly (or not) love Alicia, so they’re paying their invoices.  Bishop?  Sure, his legit businesses are money pits, but the illegal dealings are handsomely paying the bills.  What this means?  Lockhart Gardner is out of debt.  Not only that, they've got $113 million in the bank.

I'm sorry.  What?  When did this happen?  I feel like I missed six months.

Now, don’t get me wrong, I know the Chum Hum win was big and that Sweeney and Bishop are high-rollers (and both deliciously diabolical and definitely on my ‘must-see again before the end of season four list’) but seriously.  How could they get this far out of debt in one episode?  Yes, we had a three week hiatus, and I’m willing to be somewhat lenient on their timelines, but being debt-free after having an entire season built on the drama of the firm’s survival is this side of crazy town.  Now, I love The Good Wife writers – I think they do an incredible job – but I can’t help but wonder why they ended this arc so abruptly.  Was it because things weren’t going to be fun without Clarke lurking over Cary’s shoulder?  Or was it because everyone is a little sick of Lockhart Gardner being unable to manage any of their finances?  Either way, nothing prepared me for David Lee unofficially assuming the role of resident accountant.  I imagine him sitting at his desk calculating profits by moving M&Ms from one column to another.  He’s dastardly… and evil… and I’m not sure why he hasn't been overthrown.

In any case, all the equity partners are high-fiving and talking about all the champagne they’re going to drink when the beloved lover of early-bird specials, Howard Lyman, stands up and mentions all of the offers of equity partnership they threw out in an act of desperation.  Diane, in an attempt to be loyal to those she used only days (months? Who knows, I’m confused) earlier, says the offers should be honored.  Will agrees – no takesies backsies.  No one else cares though; Time to go crush some dreams.

Challenge Accepted

Who better to break bad news than David Lee?  All signs point to this being his favourite time of day – the time when he shatters people’s realities and then offers them chocolate like it makes up for anything he’s ever said.  Heading into Alicia’s office, we knew he was going to drop the bomb: Alicia’s offer for equity partnership has been delayed a year.  Why?  Well, why not?  The firm needs some “time.”  Great.  He didn't even bring his germ-covered candy dish to this meeting.

Now I’m mad.  This was the worst decision the equity partners could have made, proving the firm has zero loyalty to anyone.   While I found myself yelling at my TV, “this is garbage!” I realized this is the game of The Good Wife.  It’s all about how far the characters can be pushed until they fight back.

With Cary, Alicia and the other fourth years all out of luck, there was nothing left to do but hold a mutiny meeting in Alicia’s living room.  With Grace and Zach eavesdropping like two pesky flies, the five associates decide to band together and take all of the firm’s high net-worth clients out for lunch.  It’s all about business development, seeing if the clients are happy and stirring the pot.  Genius!

Florrick Agos and Associates

Before Alicia could hand Cary a Tupperware filled with tomorrow’s lunch (which, by the way, I LOVED that she packed him leftovers!), Cary suggested the one thing I've been thinking for years: They go into business together.  If they pooled their equity partnership funds, they would have money for a start-up firm.  They could almost surely secure some of the Lockhart Gardner’s top clients and in a flash they’d be the eighth biggest firm in Chicago. Pa chow!  Cary Agos, I didn't think I could like you any more… but I was wrong.  

Thief

Meanwhile, back at the office, Cary and Alicia are teamed up against Diane and Will for a mock trail surrounding the death of a girl who drank “Thief,” a hyper-caffeinated energy drink.  With the mandate to ‘give it your all’ and ‘come at us hard,’ Alicia and Cary put all of their energy into winning.  Of course, this meant hiring Kalinda for $400/hour and channeling the rage from the partnership deferral into the courtroom.  The result?  A resounding win for Florrick and Agos, but not before an epic encounter between Alicia and Will…

Good Timing

Will, hot off the heels of having his ego handed to him on a silver platter in court, headed to the office for some late-night business.  Or Scotch.  Either way, he got off the elevator (my favourite set) in a flurry and headed down to Alicia’s office. 

Will: You got a problem, you bring it to me, you don’t take it to court. 

Alicia: What? I’m a lawyer.  You asked us! 

Will: We asked you to take this seriously. 

Alicia: I am taking this seriously! 

Will: You’re losing us a client. 

Alicia: That’s not my fault! 

Will: It damn well is your fault. 

Alicia: Well then take us off of it! Fire us! Get rid of us! 

Will: Oh, is that what you want, huh? That’s what these meetings with clients – is that what this is about?! 

Alicia: Oh my god. Listen to yourself Will. You are not the injured party here. 

Will: Oh what, and you are? 

Alicia: I AM. YES!

<Silence>

Will looked at Alicia looking at him and he couldn't help but kiss her, because a) it’s the best decision he will have made all day b) he loves her c) he feels bad about the equity partner schmaz-fest and d) it’s been 24 freaking episodes and Team Gardner fans deserve a little love, too!

Oh yes, and is if Will leaning in wasn't good enough, Alicia 100% kissed him back.  Take that “Mom pick up the phone” ringtone.  Take that.

That Awkward Moment When...

So, Alicia ran out of her office and somehow made it home without grabbing her purse or keys.  Meh – the details aren’t important here because we should all still be reeling from the gloriousness of that kiss and the face we’re (I’m) still hyperventilating… and also that we've (I've) watched that scene six (or more) times already.  Let’s flash forward.  The verdict in the mock case was unanimous:  “Thief” didn't have a leg to stand on and was off to settle for $12 million.  That left Will and Alicia with some time to talk.  

Alicia: What are we going to do?

Will: I don't know.  It was a weak [but amazing] moment.

Their official verdict?  They shouldn't be alone in the same room together and Alicia is sorry… for basically everything in life.  Will, with his sad, but understanding eyes, knowingly agreed that this was just another example of bad timing. 

While we aren't left with a proclamation of love, we have been given a renewed sense of hope.  The elephant is back in the room and that’s all we need.

Congratulations, Alicia Florrick

The next day, David strolled into Alicia’s office with a new offer: Of the five fourth-year associates, she was the one they were picking to take the single new equity partner spot.  Alicia accepted.  Cary congratulated her and said it was the right move.  Alicia, now strong allies with Cary (and not just because he has her Tupperware) made the bold move of saying now they can get what they want – she can work to sway the other partners.  Could Alicia be working to further her own interests with Cary while taking Lockhart Gardner along for the ride?  It’s what they've done with her… and I for one am definitely open to her playing the game. 

Elsbeth and Eli, Sitting in a Tree

In other news, Elsbeth and Eli are busy fighting with the FBI over wire taps, dirty calls and cutting a few political deals.  New on the scene is Josh Perrotti (the ever-handsome Kyle MacLachlan), whose character is strangely matched by Elsbeth’s whimsical brilliance.  In the minefield of bizarre, these two dance around like nimble woodland creatures in search of the next song to sing or petticoat to fluff.  It’s an intoxicating match-up as they both one-up each other’s last move.  Even the offer of biscotti won’t sway Elsbeth, which was good news for Eli as he strapped on a wire and pretended to lure Jordan into a trap.  Instead, Eli ended up at David LaGuardia’s office (Remember him? The accordion-playing agent who raided Eli’s office after they met in a diner and shared a bottle of hot sauce?).  The result: A confession that Josh had forged documents to get Eli’s phone tapped… which means the taps they have are inadmissible.  Poor Josh.  All he wanted was a dinner date, but instead, he was Tascionied. 

Predictions to Ponder

While we have another hiatus for the Academy Awards, March is looking to be fully stacked with four new episodes.  Of course, this means there’s plenty of opportunity to ponder and predict how this season is going to play out.  Here are a few things that have crossed my mind:

1) The window of romance for Will and Alicia has once again been opened.  Word on the street is we’re going to get some flashbacks to their relationship from season three, which is sure to please any Team Gardner fan.  I am, however, doubly intrigued by Will’s comment about not being allowed to end up alone in the same room.  Prediction: A case will throw these two together in an unexpected way.  I don’t know when and I don’t know how, but with chemistry like this, Team Gardner could be back in business.

2) David Lee was all about dropping names in “Red Team Blue Team” which always provides a meaningful nudge to the audience as a way of saying, ‘don’t forget!’… as if we could ever erase the image of Sweeney’s smarmy smile from our minds.  I've read that both he and Bishop will make the rounds in the last half of season four – I can’t even imagine what Sweeney will have done… and as for Bishop, here’s hoping they spring from prison.

3) Alicia and Cary will continue to grow as friends and colleagues (working late nights on the floor, exchanging addresses… it’s almost like Cary is Alicia’s second Kalinda, no?) and her loyalty will now secretly defer to him rather than Diane and Will. 

Now, over to you! What did you think of “Red Team Blue Team?”  Do you think Alicia was right to accept the offer of equity partnership?  What do you think of the Team Gardner reunion? 

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