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: “Dramatics Your Honor” - The Shot That Changed Everything

Season 5, Episode 15 | Original Air Date: Sunday, March 23, 2014
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Spoiler Alert! If you haven’t watched ‘Dramatics, Your Honor,’ turn back now and immediately catch up.  What has happened is huge.  Gigantic.  Epic. 

Sitting Here in Camp Denial

They say it is better to have loved and lost than to have never loved at all.  For this reason I’ll be thankful for the time I had with the original Good Wife cast and not bemoan the fact I’ll never have a Team Gardner Sunday again.  Sigh.

Assuming everyone reading this has heeded my warning, I’ll skip burying any more of the lead.  

Will Gardner is dead.  

Really dead.  

It’s not one of these, ‘he’ll be back in a few years and surprise everyone’ sorts of dead either.  He was murdered in a courtroom massacre, by a client he was trying to defend.  He was shot in the neck and pronounced dead at the hospital.  It was one of the most tragic things I've witnessed on a television drama, maybe ever.  In fact, it is being touted as one of the most shocking deaths in television history.  I have to agree.  If I’d seen it coming, I’m not sure that would have made it any less sad, but the fact no one expected it brought a true sense of vulnerability to the situation. 

It’s not just that Will is gone that has left me grieving, but what – and who – he has left behind.  Diane – his business partner, cheerleader and ethical compass; Kalinda – his friend, confidant and drinking partner; Alicia – his one true love, legal rival and lifelong friend.  It’s about his sisters, the firm and the fact he’ll never have to testify against Peter in the show’s third grand jury (which I image should be aptly named Another, Another Ham Sandwich).  Selfishly, it’s also the end of one of my favourite on-screen romances – the end of Team Gardner and a love that deep inside, always stood a chance.  There’s no accounting for a lifetime of bad timing.

“In the end it’s all okay.  If it’s not okay, it’s not the end.”

I’ve loved and lived this quote a few times in my life and it’s always worked out for me.  This is the end of an era.  It’s the end of Team Gardner.  It’s the end of Lockhart Gardner.  It’s the end of the Peter/Will rivalry.  We’ve seen the last of Will and Diane dancing in the halls.  There will be no more tumblers of Whiskey between Kalinda and Will.  I’m sad because I’m going to miss all of these things tremendously and also because it means we’re going to have to watch David Lee lurking around more than ever before and thusly I will have to shower twice on Sundays just to feel clean. 

I don’t know how long the sadness will last.  Saying goodbye to a character I've backed from the beginning won’t be easy. While I can’t quite believe he is really gone, I find myself thankful for the time we had with this dynamic character.  I’m not yet angry we’ll never see him again, though of course I’m disappointed Will and Alicia will forever be remembered as a couple with perpetually poor timing.  Still, their chemistry was electric and we’ll always have the elevator, a $7,800 hotel room and a butler named Jerome. 

I’m thankful that the writers didn’t back away from a challenging situation by taking the easy way out.  That’s what The Good Wife has always been about – taking chances and challenging us on a weekly basis.  Whether Will had been killed by a bookie, one of Bishop’s henchmen, a Florrick underling or an unstable client, it wouldn't have mattered.  Okay – a Florrick underling would have been something different altogether – but the point is, the writers took a stand and it was shocking.  It made all of us feel a bit more human, if just for a moment.  The fact is, what happened to Will could have happened to anyone on the show.  He was in the wrong place at the wrong time.  It’s a situation that is sadly played out in real life each day.  The writer’s choice to have Will killed doing the one thing he always did best and loved most – law – provides pause for each of us to be grateful for the times when the right place and the right time allowed us to say ‘I love you,’ hug our kids or mend broken fences before it's too late.

The Show Must Go On

Now we’ve been left to grieve alongside Alicia, Diane and Kalinda.  It’s going to be an emotional ride, and one with a few flashbacks that might provide some kind of closure, or at least give us some perspective on Will’s final moments.  Seeing Diane cry breaks my heart and knowing Alicia and Diane are going to cry together is almost more than I can bear.  I have a feeling I’ll be digging into a fresh case of Kleenex, just to make it through.  I better go to Costco this week.

What will become of Lockhart Gardner is anyone’s guess.  It will surely involve a new named partner (please Julius, come back!) and more new stationery (this, on the heels of all that rebranding).  Perhaps it will mean new characters.  We’ve seen Louis Canning will be part of the mix, but who else will come along for the ride?  How will The Good Wife rebuild from this loss? At the end of the day, The Good Wife is about Alicia Florrick and her journey through life.  While I will always ship Team Gardner, I hope that Alicia is able to move on and find someone new to love.  I don’t think it’s Peter – I think it’s someone else entirely and I look forward to seeing Alicia move past this extraordinary loss to find happiness.

Now it’s your turn.  How do you feel about the death of Will Gardner?  What are you going to miss most about him?  What do you think is next for The Good Wife?  Sound off below!

P.S. – Thanks to everyone for so many thoughtful messages about me writing this post… and also for the condolences.  I have been a huge Team Gardner fan and this is certainly a loss!  I’m glad I have all of you to share in this next adventure with me though.  Cheers! 

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!

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: The Bit Bucket and a Thousand Sugar-Covered Webs

Season 5, Episode 2 | Original Air Date: Sunday, October 6, 2013
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Between Grandma Veronica, Chumhum, the brief appearance of Patrick Edelstein and the surprise resurgence of a conniving Becca and a crying Nessa, “The Bit Bucket” spent the entire episode overflowing with story lines built atop a sticky web of personal/professional connections. 

If I’m being perfectly candid, I’ll confess this episode left me thinking I need to take more notes – and build more flowcharts.  Am I alone here?  Did everyone else get everything that was happening?  We had Chumhum looking to sue the government who, as it turned out, is tapping the phones of Alicia and Diane, only to find out that some terrorist group is calling the Florrick house 12 times a day.  The terrorist group is none other than Nessa, who is actually just upset that Becca is back and stealing gavels, which makes it seem like Zack is cheating (are they even still together?), which of course he isn't – it’s the world’s most annoying sister, Grace, who is getting makeup tips from Eli’s 21 year old arch nemesis.  Unfortunately, this means Peter is now being looked at for connections to terrorism and the government is more in the loop than Kalinda… which just seems wrong.   Confused?  This was strangely the least complex plot web of the entire episode.

So, what did we learn?  Grace is undermining the government, Chumhum and the state of Illinois without even knowing it.  Of all the things I didn't see coming over the last five seasons, this doesn't make the list – it’s just the cherry on top.

“The Bit Bucket:” Highlights, Lowlights and David Lee

1) The Slow Drip: I’m not one to side with David on much (especially his horrible choice of ties), however, there’s no denying his shrewd instincts when it comes to people and the firm.  “The absence of bad news is not good news” he says to Diane, who seems somewhat oblivious of the soldier ants slowly moving the grains of sand from her kingdom.  While Diane is worried about her seat on the Supreme Court, she’s missing what David is catching – and that’s a mutiny.  It’s a slow drip that she’s not seeing between her meetings with Mandy Post, but it’s there.  If only Julius were around.  He and David would fight about the lack of fourth year texts and life would be grand.

2) Welcome to your Closet: The highlight of the episode for me?  Watching Cary take Alicia to a closet filled with boxes and brooms and saying it was her new office.  Having followed Cary through some seriously unappealing work spaces, this was especially fun to watch.  The best part?  He thought so, too.  If ever I’m having a sad day, I think I’ll put this scene on repeat.

3) Pour a Little Sugar on Me: It’s not a full David Lee experience without his square dish of M&Ms and candy scattered across the boardroom.  My questions: 1) Who eats candy off a boardroom table?  2) What does Veronica see in David?  I mean, really – who knows where that candy dish has been.  3)  This line: Veronica: “You’re a carnivore.  You’re a jungle cat.” Me: “Ewww.”

4) The Golden Gavel: Two things about these scenes: 1) Peter has a ‘gift room?’  This seems like the best and funniest place on earth, especially with Eli lurking around and trying to sleuth items put into storage.  It’s like finding out relatives are coming over and having to go into the basement to track down Great Aunt Judy’s crystal ashtray to put on display, even though you don’t smoke and it actually makes no sense you would have this out anyways.  What I’ve learned here: meetings at the Governor’s office and family gatherings aren’t all that different. 2) Becca is back!  Now that “Don’t Trust the B in Apartment 23” is over, Becca is back as the “B” of Illinois, which is fun and surprising development.  She’s just as evil as before which means we’ll get to see Eli upping his game.  I guess that’s what comes with being Chief of Staff.  Sometimes you have to play in the mud… and sometimes that means paying a price for your golden gavel.

5) If Jesus Says So: The only thing better than having Grandma Veronica come to visit is seeing Uncle Owen.  This week, Grandma V was in fine form as she took Grace shopping and came home uttering the words, “Jesus has no problem with Grace looking her best.”  Even Zack is concerned – but that probably has a bit to do with last week’s findings that Grace has made the list of hot politician’s daughters.  This year, I sense, is going to be a family disaster.  The best part?  We haven’t even seen Owen or Jackie (or Jackie’s caregiver/lover, Cristian!) yet.  Once these three resurface, anything could happen.

6) I’ve Got Your Back:  Eli is backing Peter who is backing Diane who is backing Will.  It’s a strange yet comfortable place for everyone, as individually, each of these characters have connections with each other.  Though, when push comes to shove, I’m not sure they would if the roles were at all reversed.  For now though, everything is bliss as Peter tries to get Diane elected to the Supreme Court.  Well, bliss for everyone but the Chief Justice, who it now seems Peter has something on… and maybe for Diane who has avoided selling Will out for the last year, until maybe now.  Okay, so it’s not bliss for anyone, except maybe Will who doesn’t seem to know anything is happening with Diane, the missing gavel, the firm or Alicia.  I sense a rude awakening coming and the only good that can come of that is the hope Will’s sisters will once again surface.

Favourite Guest Star:

There’s no question for me this week: Dreama Walker as Becca.  She’s just so manipulative and sly – kind of like a young Colin Sweeney.  She’s one of those characters you love to hate and that’s what makes her so compelling to watch.  Of course, the fact she could be the undoing of Eli’s sanity is always an entertaining plus.

What did you think of, “The Bit Bucket?”  What were your highlight and lowlight moments?  Sound off in the comments below!

Up Next: "A Precious Commodity"

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!