The Good Wife: The Best & Worst of Season Three

A Look Back at the Most Memorable Moments

Summer 2012 Hiatus | Post Date: June 16, 2012

______________________________________________________________

With season three of The Good Wife officially in the record books, it only seems fitting we pause to celebrate the best (and worst) of those 22 glorious episodes.  It was a year that saw fans shrieking with joy (Team Gardner, we got this!) and moments later, covering their faces while repeating, ‘did that just happen?  No really.  Did THAT just happen?!’  Okay, maybe those were *my* reactions, but I like to think I’m not totally alone.  Honesty, did anyone see the whole Wendy Scott-Carr situation ultimately being about Peter?  Who would have predicted the end of Alicia and Will would be as simple as a ringtone?  To that end, whose heart didn't get torn into a million pieces during their breakup?  And last, but certainly not least, who would have thought Kalinda’s husband (ex-husband? Who really knows?) would be the start of her potential undoing?  While K waits at her door, gun close at hand, let's kick back and enjoy some of season three's most memorable moments.

Best Guest Star - Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni

“Whew!  Look at all this paper.”  It’s a phrase fans of The Good Wife (I swear, it’s not just me!) have incorporated into everyday conversation, all because of the brilliantly whimsical and stunningly clever Elsbeth Tascioni.  She was hired by Will on Alicia’s recommendation and outsmarted Wendy Scott-Carr in court and outside a play about dancing bears.  All I can say is: ‘Someone, please get this woman an invite to the Lockhart Gardner Christmas Party!’ – just imagine the hilarity that would ensue!  Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni is dynamic and charming… and strangely makes me yearn for more legal debauchery so she can grace our screens again.  I can’t help but think: Elsbeth having to defend Kalinda would be outrageously entertaining.  “Whew!  Look at all these uncashed cheques and stacks of money…”

Worst Story – The Florrick Homestead in Highland Park

The truth be told, I had to toss a coin to decide this one.  Heads was Alicia on the teeter-totter of her old Highland Park home; tails was Grace getting fauxnapped by Internet Jesus.  Oh how I long for the days of season one when Zach and Grace were channeling their PI skills and doing something useful.  *Sigh* Heads won, so it was decided: The back and forth on the Highland Park house was enough to make even Eli want to scream (which is saying something, since he specializes in mitigating disasters).  The house continues to provide an interesting device for a story arc as we head into season four and Peter makes a run for Governor.  With Jackie’s money tied to the house and Peter committed to doing yard work when he’s not trying to take out Mike Krevesta (Matthew Perry) at the knees, the idea of ‘can you ever go home?’ seems to be a theme the writers desperately want us to conquer.

Best Random Resurfacing Character (Single Episode) – Tammy
Okay, okay.  I know what you’re thinking. “Tammy?!  Really?!”  Oh yes, I’m not kidding.  Anyone who can elicit such dramatic expressions from Alicia deserves an honorable mention.  Not only that, she rocks journalist chic in an epic way.  While it’s no secret I’m a Team Gardner fan, for reasons I cannot explain, I have always found myself to be intrigued by Tammy’s character and how she fits into the bigger picture. 

Best Judge – Linda Emond as Leora Kuhn

Colonel Leora Kuhn, aka, Will’s arch nemesis in the land of military justice.  Her demeanor is dry but her wit is sharp and if there’s one thing she’s serious about, it’s making Will uncomfortable.   In many cases Will is able to charm and persuade not just Judges, but everyone (let’s not forget, he IS one of Chicago’s most eligible bachelors).  With Leora Kuhn, the opposite is true and it makes for deliciously awkward and hysterical scenes.  Season three’s “Whiskey Tango Foxtrot” prominently featured Kuhn and, for those of you keeping score, Lockhart Gardner didn’t win the case that went before her, despite a well-fought argument (and the beloved Captain Terrance Hicks).  Let’s hope the military gets roped into something next year.  Double points if Elsbeth and Will have to team up and go before Kuhn together.

Most frustrating character – Eli Gold

Now, don’t get me wrong.  In general, I love Eli.  He’s a public relations mastermind and his snappy dressing is second to none.  Unfortunately, this season posed a challenge for his character.  With no active campaigns, Eli was left floundering between crisis management and the brink of his own insanity.  Take, for example, the fact he spent the last quarter of the season trying to undermine his former ally, Diane.  We were never really given the full story as to why Eli wanted to oust Diane from named partnership, but the best thing to come from that story line was seeing him butt-heads with David Lee.  With the exception of Eli’s gig at the Dairy Association, his bed-side visit to Jackie and a smattering of brilliant one-liners, Eli Gold was a mere shell of his former self.  I can’t wait for his season four redemption, back in campaign mode and not crying over spilled milk.

Best Scene – “It’s a surprise party for you”
This category was almost impossible, but I had to challenge myself to come up with a single moment in time that I loved above all others.  Here goes:

Episode 3.22: “The Dream Team”

Location: The elevator (because, let's face it, that's where all the best things happen) followed by the reception area on the 28^th floor at Lockhart Gardner

Scene:  Will and Peter end up on the same elevator and engaged in awkward conversation. When the doors open, Alicia is there to greet them both.  Enter Eli who doesn’t know what to say to the Florrick/Gardner/Florrick team when Cary comes into the scene balancing a banker’s box on one knee while trying to shake Peter’s hand.  Through the group rolls Patti Nyholm’s baby who Will calls ‘their new associate’ and then, *ding* the elevator doors open to reveal Kalinda.

Why this scene was so great: It was a collision of, at minimum, five storylines at one time.  It was brilliantly scripted and exquisitely filmed.  Beyond that, this scene boiled so much of the show down to one key theme: Nothing is ever simple – we live in shades of grey.  It’s something Alicia mentioned at the beginning of season one and it’s a quote that continues to permeate the stories on The Good Wife each week.  

Best Overall Performance - Christine Baranski as Diane Lockhart
There is little I can say that will do any justice to Baranski's excellence this year.  The character of Diane Lockhart has been strong since day one, but season three was the year for Baranski to shine.  Not only was she the glue that held Lockhart Gardner together, she defended Will's professional integrity, brought a legal aid organization into the firm and dated two men... at the same time.  She's like superwoman but in Stuart Weitzman heels. If ever there was a time to honor this actress with an Emmy, this would be the year.

Top Six Episodes - The Season's Best... In My Opinion
According to a recent article, The Good Wife has submitted 10 episodes for Emmy consideration.  That's 45% of their total shows this season.  Now, let's be honest.  I'm not great at narrowing things down and readers of this blog can all attest that brevity isn't my forte.  Noting this, how was I able to boil things down when the writers and producers couldn't?  It's simple.  I used a formula.  I don't want to get into specifics, but it involved a precise calculation of moments that made me laugh, clap, cry and cover my face while shrieking. I gave bonus points for scenes and episodes that did all four, especially when they did so simultaneously.  It's very scientific.

• Feeding the Rat - While Alicia is tackling a complicated pro-bono case, Will, Peter and Celeste are all busy attending a local conference.  The result?  An outrageous charade.  Also, Will drops an 'I love you' into conversation with Alicia.  Needless to say, I adore everything about this episode. 
• Executive Order 13224 - Alicia lands in hot water with the Treasury Secretary Monitor (the cupcake loving Mr. Higgs) and she hires Elsbeth Tascioni to help her from winding up in prison.
• Alienation of Affection - "You've been served."  Three little words that haunt everyone at Lockhart Gardner as Diane's soon-to-be love interest, Jack Copeland, shows up around Chicago delivering ominous manila envelopes.
• Another Ham Sandwich - Two words: Grand Jury.
• After the Fall - Will's suspension is official and his sisters arrive to comfort him during his time of need.  Hilarity ensues.  Rewatch count: Probably shouldn't admit.
• Blue Ribbon Panel - Alicia and Kalinda finally begin to connect about the mysterious tax file, but before long, Alicia gets pulled onto a Blue Ribbon Panel and finds herself looking for justice while defending herself from sociopath, Mike Kresteva.

Season Three Honourable Mentions - Most Memorable Moments
What can I say?  There are a few things I can't help but mention again...

• Alicia and Will at his apartment in the season premiere. Should they go to his room?  No.  The cabinet at the front door works just as well.  This was quite possibly the steamiest scene of season three (that is, depending on how you felt about Kalinda getting "flexible" with Lana...)
• Alicia’s infamous “Mom pick up the phone” ringtone exposing her relationship with Will. (Urgh. Will I ever be over this?  Unlikely.  I’m holding out hope for a season five Team Gardner reunion.  Who's with me?)
• David Lee coming to work in his HMS Pinafore costume
• Cary and Kalinda sharing a kiss
• Will saying, "I love you" to Alicia
• Diane confronting Will about his relationship with Alicia in the ‘we’re ousting Bond’ rooftop courtyard
• Alicia walking out of the courtroom during the grand jury showdown versus Wendy Scott-Carr
• Will’s sisters come to town and make every moment with their brother on-screen magic
• Kalinda getting arrested
• Will and Diane dancing around Lockhart Gardner to Audra Mae's 'Here I Go Again'
• Peter deciding to run for Governor 
• Alicia returning to Highland Park and remembering her former life
• Kalinda and Alicia finally sharing a drink together <insert jazz hands and tequila shots>
• Kalinda sledge hammering her bedroom wall/pulling up a chair to await her husband's  impending visit, gun close at hand

A Note of Thanks 

I’m particularly fond of season three because my love for all things The Good Wife came together in the form of this blog.  It brought some wonderful new friends into my life and helped me reconnect with those with whom I’d lost touch.  A special thanks to everyone who has supported my (occasionally) irrational love of Team Gardner... and to those of you who have celebrated Good Wife Sundays and Mondays with me every step along the way.  Here's to season four - here's to a new day!

"The Dream Team"

Episode Title: The Dream Team – Season Three's Brilliant Finale

Season 3, Episode 22 | Original Air Date: April 29, 2012

______________________________________________________________

When a finale includes sledge hammers, elevators, fruit platters, menacing phone calls, tequila shots and 9mm ammunition, there’s really nothing more an audience could ask for.  In fact, this is the benchmark to which I’m going to hold all finales from now on.  There’s really only one word to describe The Good Wife’s season three capstone: Brilliant. 

In My Opinion – Episode Commentary

I hardly know where to start when it comes to this episode.  “The Dream Team” was everything of which dreams are made.  Now, I’ll admit, bittersweet finales are the crux of my television weakness.  I countdown, I plan and I’m ever-thankful for commercials that give me something to ponder while I prepare for the big event.  Then, when finale night comes, I’m exhilarated at the prospect of an epic episode while simultaneously cursing the four-month hiatus that inevitably follows.  While I’m sad The Good Wife’s third season has come to an end (with one fewer episode than last year), I’m thrilled it went out on a high note with the promise of a fourth season that could be their best yet.   

Side note: I apologize in advance for the length of this post.  I just couldn’t control myself!

The Art of Being Flexible

Kalinda.  Alicia. Side-by-side.  So much joy.

Everything about the opening scene of this episode made me want to scream and cry for sheer and utter joy.  If I had a confetti cannon, I would have set it off during this sequence.  Alicia and Kalinda are one of the show’s most important synergies.  If I didn’t think Will and Alicia belonged together, I would dare say Kalinda and Alicia would be the show’s best couple.  In a way, I think they are… and that’s why this was the moment we'd  all been waiting for.  While sipping tequila, Kalinda confessed to Alicia: “I’m not gay.  You asked whether I was gay…”

Alicia: “Yes, two years ago.” 

Kalinda: “I know.  I wanted to answer.  I’m not gay, I’m… flexible.” 

Alicia: “Okay… flexible.  Good.”

Squee!  I have no words, except to say: It’s a new day.

Bedside Bamboo

Eli. Jackie. Gunshots and a synagogue.

As it turns out, Jackie is still recovering from her stroke in the hospital.  As someone who is usually pristinely put together, seeing Jackie in such a vulnerable position, especially without her headband or pearls on which to rely, is a little sad.  Enter Eli with a bunch of bamboo.  He doesn’t seem at all worried about sending Jackie into cardiac arrest and gets quickly down to business.  He’s tired of hearing about real estate and this ridiculous Florrick homestead.  He warns Jackie that if she wants to see Peter win the election, she needs to apologize to Alicia and make this whole house debacle go away.  Before long, Jackie starts talk about religion and dying; Eli gets uncomfortable and has to leave.   This is the type of thing I love about Eli – he brought a gift, had a meltdown and left in under three minutes.  He’s meddling in all the right ways, unlike his thwarted plot to overthrow Diane.  Busy “campaign Eli” is better than “I lost my dairy account to a bunch of fruit fanatics Eli” any day. 

In Any Other World…

Will. Alicia.  An elevator.  Again.  At last. 

Will: "That was weird." 

Alicia: "What?  With Peter today?  (Pause) Yes it was." 

(Pause) 

Will: "Do you think it was a mistake?" 

Alicia: "No." 

Will: "Goodnight, Alicia." 

Alicia: "Night, Will." 

No regrets, Team Gardner, no regrets.  This scene was delightful.  I love the way Will and Alicia talk to each other with such calm, cool and honest tones and express sincerity with every carefully chosen word.  They both know that circumstance is what’s keeping them apart and they translate that into an intense respect for each other.  Now, sure, I’ll confess: I was pulling for Will to reach out and touch Alicia’s hand in this scene, but there’s always next year and for that I’m grateful.   Thank you to The Good Wife writers for giving Team Gardner fans another elevator scene to watch for months to come.

Taking Care of Business

The IRS. A sledge hammer. $21,000 and a husband.

Taking a page out of Will’s “how to have a disastrous year” handbook, Kalinda is well on her way to ending up a casualty of her own past.  The IRS has agreed to a compromise on Kalinda’s tax file which is the good news… about the only good news (well, minus the shared tequila shots, of course!).  While going through K’s files, Alicia spotted some checks that hadn’t been cashed.  As her lawyer, Alicia thought she’d follow up to see if K’s past employers would re-issue payment (it would help with the IRS bills, after all).  The problem?  The checks hadn’t been cashed for a reason.  Take, for example, a check for $21,000 from F & E Construction based out of Toronto, Canada.   Let’s face it: F & E Construction is a front for some kind of shady operation.  The mystery construction man (who, by the way, sounds like he should be lurking in a back alley while carrying a mysterious duffle bag and eating a man-meat sandwich instead of operating heavy machinery and building luxury homes) tracked Alicia down at work and at her house.  This is a going to be a problem.

So, what’s this duffle bag-toting man’s deal?  He’s none other than Kalinda’s husband.

No.  What?! <insert confetti cannon>. Gasp!

Kalinda had nothing left to do but take matters into her own hands.  Of course, this meant proceeding to the hardware store to buy a sledge hammer.  Heading in her apartment (I know this is a serious story line, but I can stop for a moment and say how excited I was to finally see inside her home?  It’s so… so… white.  It was, quite frankly, just as awesome as the rest of Kalinda.  Sorry, back to business), Kalinda pulled down a mirror, lifted the sledge hammer and went straight through the drywall.  A few solid hits and a hole emerged that was just big enough for Kalinda to pull scads of money, guns and ammunition.  Getting out of town was the first thought that crossed her mind, but upon finding out Alicia could be in danger, Kalinda grabbed a chair and began a sit-in at her front door.  Knock, knock, knock…

As my father has astutely pointed out: “Whoever is on the other side of that door is going to end up with lead poisoning.”  Agreed.  Kalinda isn’t going to go down without a fight.  What’s next?  I have a theory.  It involves Kalinda, her husband, the alleged fire she set to her home, her faked death, her change of identity and the construction check.  Stay tuned in May for my special feature: “Kalinda Sharma: A Biography.”

A Surprise Party

Two is a party, three is a crowd… six is a hot mess of television gold

Arguably the best scene of the show: Will in the elevator with Peter… when the doors opened, Alicia was there to greet them both.  Enter Eli who was awkward because, well, he knows these three have some tension.  Before long, Cary gets added to the mix because it’s not only fun to see him with his banker’s box (because he has to work at a table instead of in an office), it’s amusing to see him deal with his ex-boss, Peter, and the secrets he knows about Will and Alicia.  The fuel to the fire?  The next elevator arrived and it was Kalinda.  Surprise! 

Gold.  Pure gold.  This scene sent my heart aflutter.   

The Dream Team

Patti Nyholm and Louis Canning are back.  They are calling themselves “The Dream Team” and anyone who knows anything about these two knows that title isn’t a euphemism for anything – it’s a reality.  Individually, these two are formidable opponents.  Together, they are like stealthy legal ninjas, always one step ahead with a plan that seeks to undermine their opposition.  When Nyholm high-kicks, Canning takes someone out at the knees.  When Canning pulls his sword, Nyholm launches a surprise attack from the back with a blindfold in one hand and a baby in the other.   It seems that Canning and Nyholm are sick of fighting class-action suits against Lockhart Gardner, so they’ve joined forces to sue for $50 million dollars, for fraud and malicious prosecution.  While Diane makes a fair point, “If your company doesn’t like being sued, stop making products that kill and maim people,” it only goes so far when the phrase “judicial bribery” gets bandied about again.  Sometimes I feel as though Diane must want to throw herself down the 28^th floor elevator shaft, but, ever the professional, she grins and bears it.  Time for depositions… generally transcribed and only slightly embellished.

First up: Kalinda

Canning: Have you ever misrepresented your occupation in order to interview a witness?  

Kalinda: Can you be more specific?  

Canning:  You know, like when you came to my house and my wife offered you hummus?  You said you were a reporter.  Things like that. 

Cary:  Why does this matter?  She’s a little from column A, a little from column B.  She is, ummm... flexible.

Canning: Because it’s illegal… and she didn’t even try the hummus or the fresh pita which I made that morning.  So, Kalinda, is this how you get your information – do you lie about who you are? 

Kalinda: Can you repeat the question?

Okay, so this wasn't the exact dialogue that accompanied the scene, but you get the point. Kalinda gave Canning an epic run-around.  It's what she does best and it's one of the many reasons we love her.

Next on the chopping block: Will

This season, Will has become a pro at answering probing questions having to do with judges, basketball and grand juries.  I’m rather certain he also knows who serves the best early-bird breakfast in Chicago, but the only one asking him that is Howard.  Flash to the questioning:

Nyholm: You’re Kalinda’s boss, correct? 

Will: Could you control Kalinda?  I doubt it.  Kalinda doesn’t really have a boss per say... 

Nyholm: Okay.  Well did you tell her to investigate on the Veriscene case? 

Will: Define “investigate.”  

Nyholm:  Seriously?  Why must you waste my time.  Oh look – my baby is at the window.  Hi Bugaboo.  My apologies, you know, I’m now a mother of two. 

Diane: Define “wasting time.”  This conversation seems to be going swimmingly. 

Nyholm: Okay, well think about this: I’m not the one with a balloon payment on his office. 

Will and Diane: (hrm) 

Nyholm: Oops, was that the elephant in the room?  

Will and Diane: (hrm take two) 

Nyholm: Fine.  Will, did you hook up judges and bookies at Wednesday night hoops? 

Diane:  You can’t ask him that – this has to do with a sealed transcript that we hope to the high heavens you never get your hands on. 

Nyholm: Oh sure, but Will can still answer. 

Will: Can you repeat the question? 

Nyhom: Oh great, you’ve been taking lessons from Kalinda.  Fine.  Get Alicia Florrick in here.  I’ll play with my baby while I wait.

Alicia Florrick, reporting for duty

Alicia must be thinking this can’t be worse than the last time I was deposed… right?  Fingers crossed, Alicia.  Fingers crossed.

Nyholm: Do you know Judge Wynter (not to be confused with Judge Winter… which is, by the way, confusing). 

Alicia: No. 

Nyholm: So you didn’t chat with him about your case, under the cover of darkness, in a closed room? 

Alicia: No. 

Nyholm:  Did Peter? 

Alicia: Not that I know of, but he does like dark room conversations.  Sure, he knows Judge Wynter, but I wouldn’t say they were friends. 

Nyholm: Did you know Peter met with Judge Wynter three times before the verdict on your case came down? 

Alicia: No.  Really.  How many times can I say no?  Also, don’t you watch CNN?  I’m rarely the first person to find out about these back-room deals when they happen.  

Nyholm:  How don’t you know this?  You’re frustrating me.  Get Peter Florrick in here.

Peter Florrick: Off to the executioners

Canning: You met with Judge Wynter three times in the last week, right? 

Peter: Yes. 

Nyholm: Is that a lot for you? 

Peter: Yah. 

Nyholm: But you hadn’t met with him before.  In fact, you’d only met him at lunch once, right? 

Peter:  That sounds about right.  He’s nice though – I like him.  He reminds me a bit of Judge Winter. 

Nyholm:  Did the subject of your wife’s lawsuit ever come up? 

Peter: No. 

Nyholm:  Really?  Because your wife had a suit in front of him at the same time and the subject never came up? 

Peter: Right. 

Canning: So what about this grand jury about Will Gardner?  What happened there?  Why did you axe Wendy Scott-Carr and let those judges off? 

Peter: Wendy had to go – you should have seen how she handled things.  I validated her parking though, so don’t make me look like the bad guy here.  The whole thing was a bit showy and probably a bad decision in the first place, but, you know how these things go. 

Canning: Didn’t you ask Judge Wynter to decide this verdict for you wife as a quid pro quo for dropping this investigation? 

Peter: No. 

Nyholm: But isn’t that a fair conclusion? 

Peter: No. 

Nyholm: And how is that? 

Peter: Because my wife and I are separated. 

<Pa chow!> 

Nyholm and Canning: We didn’t see that coming. 

Peter: I know – I’m sneaky like that.  Also, I’m trying out a new policy.  It’s called “honesty.”  So far, so good.  In fact, if you want to know why I was meeting with Wynter, it’s because he’s going to be a campaign supporter.

Even the stealthy legal ninjas didn’t see that coming.  Unfortunately for Peter, the marital split is now in public record, but that seems like a problem to hand over to Eli another day.

All signs pointed to a win for Lockhart Gardner until The Dream Team dropped the bomb: This whole lawsuit was a sham to get them distracted from their prized client, Patric Edelstein.  In the words of Will: “Oops.”  Indeed.

What’s Next?

It’s hiatus time, which means we’re left to imagine who is on the other side of Kalinda’s door, whether or not Alicia will join Peter and the kids for pizza and if Cary will be carting around his office supplies in a banker’s box forever. We have an estimated 23 weeks until we get any answers we’re looking for, but I have plenty of original content planned for Lockhart Gardner: An Inside Look at The Good Wife throughout the summer.  Stay tuned and please sound off in the comments below.  Happy hiatus, friends and fans!

Related to this Post:

• Food Inspired by The Good Wife: Chocolate Avocado Mousse – Kalinda’s late-night indulgence
• The Latest Briefs: News on The Good Wife
• The Dream Team’s featured music:  “Real Love” by Beach House

"The Penalty Box"

Episode Title: The Penalty Box

Season 3, Episode 21 | Original Air Date: April 22, 2012

______________________________________________________________

Marking The Good Wife’s 21^st episode of season three, The Penalty Box was anything but deserving of a time-out.  If an episode makes me scream, I’m compelled to give it an instant A.  Scream twice? A+.  Scream three times and it’s getting a chapter in my memoires.  Where did I land this week?  With the deliciously sinister Lemond Bishop back in his stunning tie/shirt/pocket square combinations and Kalinda getting a seat next to Alicia at the bar, you can bet I couldn’t sit still or stay quiet.  Please, someone remind me for season four that I need to put a Good Wife survival kit together for each and every episode.  You just never know when you’re going to need it, or when you’re going to be forced to say, I didn’t see that coming.  Oy vey.  If only this was the first time…

As I’m posting a little later than usual, I’m going to forego the episode review (check out the Latest Briefs for a few of my favorite recaps… and especially this one if you’re looking for a laugh), but I just can’t help but weigh on the best of "Pants on Fire."  With just one week until the finale, I have nothing left to say but hold on tight, this is going to be good!

In My Opinion – The Best of "The Penalty Box"

One Man and his “Dry Cleaning” Business

Lemond Bishop (Mike Colter) has finally returned, like a well-dressed phoenix from the ashes.  His name is mentioned with relative frequency but he has avoided the offices of Lockhart Gardner since season two’s “Ham Sandwich.”  I guess the crystal meth business keeps him pretty busy (and by crystal meth I mean his legitimate “dry cleaning” businesses).  Who knows how he dealt with the loss of his wife who he had murdered, but he doesn’t look any worse for the wear. 

Let’s cut to the chase: Lemond Bishop is a handsome man.  Okay, that’s probably the least important part about his character, but it’s true.  If my drycleaner looked like Bishop I would be investing in a lot more delicate fabrics.  Just saying.  Now, as attractive as Bishop is, he is equally dangerous.  Typically this doesn’t involve Lockhart Gardner in a personal way, but for some reason FBI agent Lana Delaney tracked him down and dropped Kalinda’s name.  Did Bishop write her bad checks?  No, of course not.  He has people for those kinds of things, but even if that was the case, it’s simply untrue.  He has money (hello… drug lord, I mean, ummm, dry cleaning lord).  The problem is, Bishop doesn’t like the FBI.  They don’t wear fine washables and they really don’t run in the same crowd.  Now Kalinda is on the lam from both the FBI and Bishop, which is basically a worst case scenario.  Even Alicia knows things are bad and has warned Kalinda: “Your FBI friend is going to get you killed.”  Ummm, ya.  K needs a friend (or two) more than ever and it’s nice to see Alicia looking out for her with Bishop lurking in the wings.

Bishop giving Kalinda a death threat in front of Alicia…  I didn’t see that coming #1.

Three Men in an Elevator

Judge Cuesta and Lemond Bishop standing side-by-side.  That’s right.  One of the city’s top judges standing next to the city’s top drug lords.  Too bad they didn’t even notice each other, or the fact that Eli Gold joined the party with Peter Florrick on the other end of the call.  The piece de resistance?  Eli was talking about Cary.  Well sure, why not?  Let’s throw another sucker into this mess.  It was a brilliantly executed scene and one more reason I love The Good Wife. 

Side note: I’m not sure what makes the King’s so intrigued by elevators – maybe because it’s a confined space and anything can happen, maybe it's because each time the doors open something fresh is on the other side, or maybe it's because they just love to shoot in tight quarters.  Whatever it is, I’m on board.  I want to ride the elevator at Lockhart Gardner for hours on end.  I realize that’s a strange statement, but after three years of on-the-elevator, off-the-elevator, I can’t help it.

Bishop, Cuesta and Gold, all sharing an elevator with the State’s Attorney on the other end of a call?  I didn’t see that coming #2.

Zipped Pants and other Baggage
Last week new lawyer and recovering drug addict, Callie, entered the scene and Will’s heart.  This week, she was back, but this time, Diane was interviewing her for a job at Lockhart Gardner.  Somehow Will missed this memo (oh, right, he isn’t actually “working” so he’s probably not allowed to get memos) and then had to come clean to Diane by owning up the fact he’s dating Callie.  Wait.  What?  He’s DATING Callie?  He couldn’t define his relationship with Tammy for months and he had a love affair with Alicia, but after sharing a greasy baked good he has decided Callie was the one he wants to DATE?  How many times I can I say DATE like it’s the most outrageous statement in the world?  I don’t know.  But, really.  Really?

I’m not surprised Will has finally found an Alicia rebound and if I’m being honest with myself, I don’t entirely detest Callie, though I wish I did.  As a character she has potential.  Also, she has an interesting collection of books (see image below).  I’m just not certain Will is ready to be jumping into a full-fledged relationship with her.  Sure, he has confessed he has some baggage and she has expressed interest in learning more about it… but will she be so interested when Will’s skeletons creep out of his rustically handsome closet?  Only time will tell. 

As for me, Will saying he was DATING Callie?  I didn’t see that coming #3.

Callie, Will and her book collection, including "Strange Piece of Paradise -
Return to theAmerican West to Investigate my Attempted Murder - And
Solve the Riddle of Myself." You know... some light reading.

You’re Fired!

We all know things at the State’s Attorney’s office are complicated and murky.  Cary has done well to move his way up (and down) the ladder while working for the State, but with Alicia’s endorsement, he was able to get an interview back at Lockhart Gardner.  It’s just too bad Eli spotted him in with Diane, Will and Howard, because for whatever reason he felt the need to tell Peter.  No one likes a tattle tale, Eli. 

Flash to Peter taking things very personally upon finding out Cary was snooping on the other side of the lawn to see if the grass was greener.  The result?  One month severance and a look of disappointment.  Peter seems like a tough but fair boss, but firing Cary?  That was a little harsh, even for Peter.  He seemed so fond of his mini-protégé...

Cary being fired before going back to Lockhart Gardner?  I didn’t see that coming #4.

Side note:  Is it just me or does it seem like Eli is outstaying his welcome at the firm?  He gets a new project once every few weeks and when he’s not busy he’s meddling in everyone else’s business and trying to stir trouble with the equity partners.  Look out, Eli, because when Will gets back, I have a feeling your days are numbered. 

To the Dark Side

Here’s to Cary Agos, coming back to Lockhart Gardner, aka, the dark side.  Alicia seemed thrilled at Cary’s return and they had an unexpected heart-to-heart that was broken up by a call from Peter to Cary. Whhhhat?  Didn’t Peter just fire Cary?  I’m confused.  Luckily, this was quickly forgotten upon Cary’s quippy remark to Alicia before answering the phone: “I’m here cheating with you.”  Alicia’s expression said I have no idea what you’re talking about, but I feel like I’ve got a friend in you so I’m going to make a funny face and go along with it.  I bought it, and I think everyone else did, too.  Then, as if anything else in this entire episode mattered, Kalinda entered the bar.  After thinking things over for a minute, Alicia turned and offered the seat next to her.  Bliss.

Ending this scene just before Alicia and Kalinda shared their first drink in over a year? I didn’t see that coming #5.  My surprise was duly noted by everyone around me as well as my neighbours.  I’ve said it before but I’ll say it again: The Good Wife should come with a warning.  

What’s Next?

The finale!  It’s a bittersweet time of year for all fans of The Good Wife, but we’ve got nothing left to do but count the days until “The Dream Team.”   Alicia and Kalinda will finally share that elusive drink we’ve all been waiting for and Will and Peter end up in the same elevator which can only mean one thing: fireworks (though surely less steamy than what happened in last year’s final elevator scene).  Speaking of which, rumor has it that Team Gardner fans will get something to cheer about before the season ends.  Of course, this means I'm not going to sleep until Sunday.  Meanwhile, Patti Nyholm and Louis Canning are both back and tag-teaming a Lockhart Gardner take-down.  These two are formidable opponents on their own, so together could prove to be one of the biggest challenges Lockhart Gardner has ever had to face.

Related to this post:

• Food Inspired by The Good Wife: A Springtime Cocktail - Here's to friendship at the firm!
• Why Cary Agos Belongs Back at Lockhart Gardner
• The Latest Briefs - All news that is new on The Good Wife
• Catching up: Episode 20 - "Pants on Fire"