The Good Wife: "Battle of the Proxies"

Episode Title: "Battle of the Proxies” aka The Sweet Smell of Disaster

Season 4, Episode 10 | Original Air Date: Sunday, December 2, 2012

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There’s no time to bury the lead this week.  “Battle of the Proxies” caused me to gasp, cover my face, laugh, scream and add to my ‘I didn't see that coming list.’  In fact, I’m almost at a loss for words with this episode.  Almost.

Let’s cut to the chase: The Florrick campaign office was raided, Will duked it out with Laura in court (and then went drinking with her…), Alicia was having sex talks with her kids and Kalinda found out Nick really was smuggling heroin under the guise of a tow-truck business.  Oh.  And then she may have killed him.  Soooo, there’s that.

This week I’m going back to one of my favourite ways to relive an episode: The reaction round-up.  Jump in on the comments below, because, if you’re anything like me, you've got some thoughts!

Battle of the Proxies: Reaction Round-Up

Hot Sauce, Hot Mess

Eli’s eating in a diner, listening to classical music, reviewing campaign stats and playing the air piano.  It’s less glamorous than then air guitar, but we’ll forgive him that because he’s brilliant… and also because we can’t picture him playing the guitar.  In the midst of a concerto, Eli is interrupted by a man looking for hot sauce.  The man, David, seems harmless at first – he likes spicy food and enjoys chatting about accordions – and then he drops a bomb.  Wostergraph Industries.  We don’t know why, but Eli starts to sweat.  David knows something and he is also working at the Department of Justice, so things are beginning to look a lot like disaster. 

Eli’s first call is to Diane from a campaign worker’s phone.  After finding out his lines had been tapped in season two, he’s taking no chances this time around.  Up next?  Showing Diane the picture Kalinda had given him that Nick had stolen from Lana’s apartment.  Looking for a flow chart?  Me too.  Did I mention Eli doesn't want Alicia or Will to know about David and the question of Wostergraph Industries?  

Reaction:  My first ‘I didn't see that coming’ moment of the night, just three minutes in.  Could Eli be the next scandal on the Florrick campaign?  Why did Diane feel the need to wear her sunglasses to the meeting with David in the diner (see below)?  Was she trying to conceal her identity or does she not want to be seen at a place that serves eggs after 1pm?  How does the photo of Eli and Kalinda tie into what David is after?  I have so many questions about this story line.  

Thankfully, we were given a little more to go on.  Apparently, Eli’s association with Wostergraph Industries ties back to his ex, Vanessa (remember, she’s the one who slept with the Bin Laden) and the question of campaign financing.  I love how even though we haven’t seen Vanessa in what seems like a year, she has come back to haunt.  I also love that Eli seems panic stricken.  David is definitely on to something and it looks as though it could be seriously damaging to Peter’s campaign.  The icing on the cake is that since David works for the Department of Justice, apparently he can issue warrants.  So, he does.  He has confiscated the entire Florrick campaign office.  Okay, I really didn’t see that coming.  Phone taps are the least of Eli’s worries now.  Do I smell a third ham sandwich?

The Condom Conundrum

Alicia is busy researching clay loam (for a case, not for apartment balcony landscaping) when she discovers a recent internet search for types of condoms.  Thrown off, she decides to head to the source: her kids.  First up: Zach.  Is he dating Neesa still?  Yes.  Okay, good.  We actually had no idea what was happening with their budding romance, so it’s nice we’re back in the loop.  Are they sleeping together?  Zach says no and I tend to believe him.  Next up: Grace.  Generally, I trust her less, but the look of horror on her face when Alicia asked her about Conner was genuinely priceless.  Also, apparently Conner wants to live in Thailand and play with water balloons after graduation.  Alicia now has multiple things to worry about: sex and Thailand. Okay, make that one thing.  After picking up a stuffed horse from Grace’s floor and petting its mane to remind Grace she’s still “good,” Alicia isn't sure what to think. 

Thankfully, she has Zach, the computer genius, close at hand.  He’s as intrigued as anyone to find out who has been using the Florrick home computer for condom searches, so he decides to clean their cache.  The result?  It all comes back to Thanksgiving and Grandma.  But not Veronica, oh no.  Jackie.  Hello ‘things I didn't see coming.’

The best part?  The following exchange:

Alicia (in one of her most stunning blazers to date): “Zach… we’ll never speak of this again.” 

Zach: “I’m good with that.”

Reaction:  Oh. My. Goodness.  These scenes were a smooth blend of hilarious and horrifying and I loved every minute!  First off: Jackie?!?!??!  I have no words.  This is me.  NO WORDS!  I do, however, have two questions: 1) Will Alicia tell Peter about Jackie’s internet searches? 2) Am I the only one to be delighted by the irony that Jackie tried to spy on Alicia’s computer last year and now she’s been found out because she can’t clear her search history?  Oh sweet justice.   Next: How is Neesa only 15?  Why is she Zach’s study partner… isn’t he preparing to head to college soon?  Color me confused.  Also, why does Grace have a movement lamp (I’m sure that’s not the technical term) above her bed?  Is she three?  I’m not saying I don’t want one – I mean, she really was sleeping like a baby – but still.

One Man and his Swivel Chair

For all of you who are upset about Cary’s lack of screen time, this episode was unlikely to help the situation one bit.  That said, I like to take what I can get, so I’m choosing to focus on how much I love that Cary can swivel around in his chair and talk to Alicia whenever he wants.  I adore these two hashing out cases together – I just wish we got more of it.  On the upside of Cary’s lack of story again this week, he wasn’t replaced or upstaged by Alicia’s new giant giraffe.  Also, his name was dropped and resulted in the beginning of the end of Nick, so, things are coming up roses in the land of Agos.  Well, ish.

Goodbye Nick Savarese

Nick wants Cary off his case.  Alicia wants Nick out of the office.  Cary wants a love interest, a story line and maybe a law firm with Alicia. But back to Nick.  Apparently he didn’t like Cary coming to his tow yard and dropping words like ‘smuggling’ and ‘heroin.’  It’s too bad for Nick that Alicia has Cary’s back on this and doesn’t want him for a client.  After saying Lockhart Gardner will no longer represent him, things get personal.  Nick threatens Alicia and tells her not to go to the State’s Attorney’s Office with anything she’s been told.

Flash forward – Alicia and Kalinda:

Alicia: “Am I not in danger?” 

Kalinda: “You won’t be.”

This kind of statement can only mean one thing: Badass Kalinda time.

With Audra Mae’s ‘Jebidiah Moonshine’s Friday Night’ playing in the background, Kalinda hops in her car and heads to the industrial park where Nick, henchman Bill and a few other random people work.  Gunning it, she drives her car and t-bones a vehicle and nearly some guy.  He ends up on the ground, so she takes him out, grabs his gun and shoots open the truck of another car.  Inside?  Bundles (bricks?) of heroin.  I’m not up to speed on the lingo, but I can tell you it’s a lot of drugs.

Now K knows Nick is the shady dealer he’s been suspected of being, she takes matters into her own hands.  Let’s face it: She can’t have people threatening Alicia.   When it comes to Kalinda, that’s the worst possible thing Nick could have done.  She’ll put up with abuse, theft and drug trafficking, but she won’t stand for threats directed at Alicia.  Everyone has a line – this is Kalinda’s.

The next thing we know, Kalinda is standing face-to-face with Nick.  She tells him to go and gives him a map as well as a key to a locker filled with $10,000.  He basically says, ‘meh’ when it comes to getting out of Chicago and challenges her by asking what she’ll do if he doesn't go. 

Flash forward: Alicia is sipping tequila by herself, waiting for Kalinda while the song, ‘Where is my Mind’ plays in the background.  Kalinda surfaces.

Kalinda: What did I miss? 

Alicia: Not much, where were you? 

Kalinda: Out. 

Alicia: You look relieved. 

Kalinda: I am. 

Alicia: And you’re safe? 

Kalinda: Ya. You are, too. 

Alicia: Good.  What if he comes back? 

Kalinda: He’s not coming back. 

Alicia: You’re sure? 

Kalinda: Ya.

Reaction: I’m sorry, what?  Did Kalinda just kill Nick?!?!  I’ve thought about this scene a million times already and it’s the only possible way I can calculate his guaranteed disappearance.  But how?  She was in Lockhart Gardner’s offices.  Also, her vehicle has to be damaged after using it as a weapon.  We’ve seen the size of hole in her apartment wall and there’s no way a body is fitting in there.  Plus, hiding a body in your apartment seems like a bad idea.  Could she have killed him, taken him back to the tow yard and torched everything?  She has escaped him with fire before, could she do it again?  Would she actually kill someone?  WHAT’S HAPPENING?!?!?  Am I a little impressed that she got rid of Nick and was only a few minutes late for drinks with Alicia?  Yes.  I’m also thrilled that in one foul swoop, Kalinda is back to being deliciously mysterious.    

Two Verdicts: Guilty

Will is in court against Laura, who is turning out to be a formidable opponent.  The case?  A young woman was murdered at a music festival and her body was dumped 50 miles away.  What’s fascinating here is that the case was being tried in Chicago and Minooka County, which means two potential murderers were on trial.  While Alicia was monitoring things in Minooka, Will was holding his own in Chicago. 

The best part about this case was not that Will told Alicia to drive safe and she smiled (the smallest of Team Gardner moments, but I’ll take it!) and not even that Maton Brody was back (I was beginning to think he and Julius had made good their escape), but that we had a meticulously scripted dance between two courtrooms and two cases, both which led to the same questions.  How do you represent someone when you know they’re guilty?  Where is the line between truth and justice?  As Alicia continues to struggle with these moral dilemmas, Will has no trouble drawing a line in the sand: He was hired to do a job.  Guilty or not guilty, he’s there to do the best he can for his client. 

This week, it was an uphill battle that saw Lockhart Gardner lose to the State.  With their client off to jail, Will headed to the bar, where he found Laura.  They had a drinking buying bet going this week, so Will made good on his debt.  He signaled for two drinks (which, by the way, I never understand.  If I were to go into a bar and give the infamous Will point, I’m pretty sure I wouldn't end up with two shots of tequila) and started chatting.

Will: ‘Till the next one. 

Laura: I can’t wait. 

Me: NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!

Sure, I play it cool pretend to play it cool, when it comes to Team Gardner, but these two actually seem to have some chemistry.  This is a horrifying development!  Team Gardner can’t become Team Gardner Hellinger.  Terrific double name aside, I’m seriously upset about where things are going here.   I had liked Laura, but now I might be forced to vote her off the island.  What’s more, I can foresee a scene where Laura goes for drinks with Alicia and says something like, ‘So, I’m dating this guy… and you know him.’  The only saving grace here is that Amanda Peet isn't slated to be around forever (which does make me sad and yet...).  

Why must the writers do this?  Oh drama.  It’s good when it’s happening to Jackie, not so much when it’s happening to me.  And by me I mean Alicia and Will.  Oh for the love of Team Gardner.

What were your reactions to this week's episode?  Love it?  Hate it?  What happened to Nick?  Where are things going with Laura and Will?  

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"The Penalty Box"

Episode Title: The Penalty Box

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

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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.

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"Gloves Come Off"

Episode Title: Gloves Come Off 

Season 3, Episode 18 | Original Air Date: March 18, 2012

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What happens when Will’s ex-girlfriend, a case about hockey, two warm beers, an Australian, a ballistics expert, a job offer and Louis Canning collide?   Sheer bliss, that’s what.  After this episode, I’ve come to an important conclusion: The Good Wife should come with a warning: “Likely to render speechless.”  Thank goodness they've been renewed for a fourth season!

This week, I’m going to skip the full episode rundown and try something different – character updates – followed up with a special feature: The Top Five Things We’ve Missed about Kalinda and Alicia.

In My Opinion – Episode Commentary

At the beginning of “Gloves Come Off” I would have been the first to say the return of Tammy (Elizabeth Reaser) was going to be the best part of the show.  Expecting the unexpected is a must when it comes to The Good Wife though, and while I sit here shaking my head at my own naiveté, I do so only because the wizards of commercial production crafted a “Tammy spectacle” worthy of my pre-episode adoration.  As my closest Good Wife friends can attest, I was losing my mind at the prospect of a showdown (more about my friends later), but where were the gloves really coming off?  The boardroom, the courtroom, the elevator bank… basically everywhere.  Spoiler alert: Tammy didn’t punch Alicia… and Alicia didn’t have Kalinda take a baseball bat to Tammy’s car.  If looks could kill though, these two would be casualties of the same war.

It’s Tammy Time

Tammy.  Will’s ex-girlfriend, best known for not wanting
Will to fall in love with her… which was exactly what happened.

When we last saw Tammy, she was heading to London for a dream job involving writing and the Olympics.  The truth be known, “Gloves Come Off” marks the first time we’ve ever seen Tammy actually working.  We’ve seen her run, dance, eat cake, roll around on the floor with Will and get frustrated when he would answer calls from Alicia, but it’s nice to see she has a viable career.  For some reason (and I can’t explain why), I actually really like her character.  She’s a little whimsical but she’s also kind.  Sure, I’m crazy for Alicia’s “three-pointer this and three pointer that” impression of her (and if Owen had been hanging around, I’m sure we would have heard it again), but Tammy brings with her a level of ease and sincerity.  Also, in this episode, she brought with her a dynamite wardrobe.  London may have been rainy, but at least the shopping was good.

This week, Tammy was back in Chicago to report on the Lockhart Gardner hockey case – could the firm really be taking on major league hockey?  Well sure, why not?  If they can tackle Lemond Bishop’s viable business, surely they can handle profession sports.  Enter Tammy with her tape recorder.  Interview one: Will.  It was as cordial as could be expected – like the singing of the national anthem in a gold medal hockey game.  Was there tension?  Sure,  but they could shake hands and be at peace with the results.  Interview two: Alicia. This went about as well as a shoot-out in game five of the Stanley Cup playoffs (okay, I’m done with hockey analogies – I do better with baseball… or wild animals).  What was great about this scene was that Tammy didn’t ask Alicia if she had slept with Will, she told her, as though she already knew… which of course, she did because of Will’s behaviour.  I had an early prediction that Alicia would play it cool, giving Tammy her patented “you’re out of control face.”  The only time Alicia has talked about her relationship with Will was when she was forced to at the grand jury.  Of course she wasn’t going to talk to Tammy, because she didn’t have to: The stare said it all.

Cary: The Extreme Packer

Cary.  While attempting to work his way to the top at the State’s
Attorney’s Office, he promptly found himself working his way down.

Last week we saw Cary confess to Peter that he’d had a sexual relationship with Dana Lodge and this week we saw the results.  Cary is back working out of a closet.  Gone are his etched glass doors and fancy wall art.  It appears as though Cary’s back where he started.  At least he has a job though, right?  He could be out with Will, playing bridge in the afternoon and sipping tea while gossiping about David Lee’s shocking lack of ability to match a shirt and tie.  With Alicia stopping by, she took note of his new digs.  Asking if he was alright, Cary had to confess he wasn’t sure.  The upside?  With the amount he moves, Cary must have packing down to a science.  If ever a show “Extreme Packing” was created, Cary would be a shoo-in to be their poster boy.  The downside?  Who knows where he’s going to end up next.

Diane’s World: Three’s a Party

Diane: The powerhouse, the matriarch, the ruler of
all that’s good.  Not only has she proven she can succeed in
a man’s world, she can run it, all while wearing
four-inch heels and juggling multiple dates.  Take notes, ladies.

If ever there was a doubt Diane was the brilliant mind behind most things at Lockhart Gardner, this episode proved it: She can defend Will, frighten Equity Partners into silence (which reminds me, what was Eli’s problem this episode?) and tread fine ethical lines like a master tightrope walker.  The best part?  She has recently found herself with two love interests.  Of course, she deserves some fun – she works harder than anyone. 

The scene:  After having been stood up because of “complications” by Jack (Bryan Brown) the process server, she called on the gone but not forgotten ballistics expert, Kurt (Gary Cole).  While arranging schedules and trying to manage call-waiting has already proven to be a bit of a challenge, Diane appears up for whatever comes her way.  In this case, that means dinner out with Jack on Friday and fishing with Kurt (yes, fishing) on Saturday.  I can’t even imagine what Diane would look like while fishing (what would she wear? How would she style her hair?) and though I know we won’t get to see her teetering in a boat, on a lake, batting at mosquitoes, we’re left to dream.   Are you picturing it now?  See – isn’t it fun?

Julius, Eli and David: The Boardroom Brawl

Everyone’s fighting.  Enough said.

Will Gardner, Consultant at Large

Will. Working his way through probation by kicking 

back in his office, Will is busy wearing jeans and 

blazers while “consulting” on cases.  Personally, I 

think he’s mainly concerned about guarding his office supplies.

This week, the developments surrounding Will were negligible.  He was around, he looked good kicking it casual, he conferred on the hockey case and he lurked in the courtroom to keep his toes wet.  At one point he attended a meeting with Alicia, and while I couldn’t help but hope they drove to said meeting together and shared a drink at the end of things, that was simply left as an unknown.  Pure wishful thinking on my part?  Probably.  I just can’t help but envision a world with Team Gardner – it’s a blight that follows me always.

Canning, Meyers and Florrick? 

Alicia. Trying to figure out a way to balance work
 and future mortgage payments, Alicia has found 
herself between a rock and a hard place, a.k.a. Diane and Louis Canning.

Last week Alicia asked Diane for a raise.  This week, Diane took it to the Equity Partners and was met with a variety of reactions.  Meanwhile, Alicia took the opportunity to see what Canning (Michael J. Fox) was willing to put on the table to secure her very astute legal mind.  We don’t know the specifics, but the offer was good enough for Alicia to put her career with Lockhart Gardner on the line.  Watching Alicia give Diane an ultimatum over salary was almost like being punched in the stomach.  It reminded me of Will and Alicia’s break-up – nothing about it felt right.  Lockhart Gardner gave Alicia a chance when other firms didn’t and now she has threatened them with leaving?  Although you could tell Alicia didn’t want to put Diane in a difficult spot, she still did.  It’s Alicia 2.0, remember?  Even Canning felt ripped off by the deal.

In the end, Diane approved the bonus, securing Alicia’s future at the firm, but at what cost?  Will this negotiation have changed their relationship going forward?

Two Cold Beers and a Box of Tissues

Kalinda. She's been busy trying to repair her relationship with 
Alicia while simultaneously tracking down her "unsubstantiated" 
income.  As usual, things are complicated.

Let's cut to the chase.  Kalinda was busy this episode – she was lurking around corners, following men in trench coats, making phone calls and secretly posting videos of hockey fights online – you know, the usual.  This week, none of these things really mattered (okay, Lockhart Gardner won the case, so they mattered a little), but that’s not the real story.  Kalinda finally took a big step towards repairing her relationship with Alicia.  She offered her a late night beer.  (Say what?!?!?  Did that just happen?!  Why did the commercial wizards not show this juicy morsel?  Where’s my paper bag?! ).

Going into Alicia’s office, Kalinda was hesitant, but for all of her trepidation, Alicia’s uncertainty surrounding K’s advance was palpable.  Of course, Alicia couldn’t accept the beer and while Kalinda was upset, she understood.

Flash forward.

After having had the face-off with Tammy (one more hockey reference, just for good measure), the show-down with Diane over salary and the on-paper number crunching over her finances, Alicia looked through the glass walls of her office and saw a friend… her old best friend.  Slowly, she approached Kalinda and proclaimed, “I’d like to try to make it work.”  Wait… what?  Did the dream of all Kalinda and Alicia fans just become a reality? Oh. Yes. It. Did. #LosingMyMind. 

A Pre-Countdown Note

I recently met another super fan of The Good Wife – the brilliant writer of The Oncoming Hope.  In a quote I must paraphrase, because its cleverness deserves repeating, she matches my irrational love of all things Gardner with an irrational love of all things Kalinda.  Together, we are a hot mess of excitement for The Good Wife, and alongside two other cohorts (M and E, you know who you are), we’ve turned into a dynamic group who support each other’s fandom quirks.   This top five list is for all of you – my dear friends of The Good Wife, with whom I would share a drink any time, circa Alicia and Kalinda season one, two... and now, maybe three.

The Top Five Things We've Missed about Kalinda and Alicia

Sidelong Glances – Oh how we've missed the looks between them – whether they are walking down the street, catching each other’s eye across the office or solving a case while sitting on Alicia’s bed – their non-verbal communication speaks volumes.  Despite the fact they are so different, they are drawn together by a sameness (and no, I don’t think that’s Peter).  We've seen glimpses into a new lease on friendship in season three, but so far, it has been largely one-sided: Kalinda retrieving Grace from internet Jesus, Kalinda peppering the grand jury file enough to keep Dana from accusing Alicia of forgery – you know, Kalinda being Kalinda.  This was the first time since season two that we’ve seen Alicia offer Kalinda much of anything (well, minus when Alicia bailed Kalinda out of jail – that was very friendly).  Sidelong glances, welcome home.

Best Friends at a Bar – Tequila, beer, wine… these ladies know how to celebrate with an after-hours beverage and it has typically been one of the best parts of their relationship.  Kalinda usually gets Alicia to admit something personal, Alicia usually concludes that Kalinda is as mysterious as ever, but somehow it works.  With their new friendship brewing, Alicia has put in a caveat that Kalinda has to be honest, upfront and spill on details more often.   For the audience, this is great news.  For Kalinda… I’m not so sure.  Her lips said she could accept that offer, but her face screamed “Wait, what?!”  Kalinda’s closet is stacked to the rafters with leather jackets, short skirts and a mountain of secrets.  Pass the tequila; this is going to be good.

Revealed Details – Whenever Alicia and Kalinda get together during downtime, details of their lives are always revealed.  It’s like when Owen comes to town and gets Alicia to dish on what’s happening in her life… only with Kalinda, it happens much more frequently.  Or, at least, it did.  Season four prediction?  Things are going to get very personal.  Now, if only they would hug.

Team Gardner Bandwagon – Admittedly, one of my favourite things about Kalinda is how she’s secretly a Team Gardner supporter.  Will and Alicia are two of Kalinda’s best friends (Are? Were? Tomato, tomatoe) and she wants to see them both happy.  Of course, this makes me love Kalinda even more, as if that was even possible. 

WWKD? – When making an important life decision, it’s essential to ask yourself: What Would Kalinda Do (WWKD)?  Shouldn’t all of us be using Kalinda as our inspiration?  Okay, okay, she’s made some bad decisions… but she’s loyal to a fault if you’re part of her inner circle, she’ll do anything she can to either protect you or make things right.  With Alicia and Kalinda back together, I have a feeling we’re going to get a deeper insight into her soul (and her past)… and even more opportunities to ask ourselves, WWKD?  Side note: Why isn’t there merchandise with this phrase written all over it?  I need a mug, STAT!

Quotes of the Week:

Will: “Who leaked it?” 

Diane: “Could be any of them.” 

Will: “It’s a good thing they don’t like each other, or I’d be dead.”

Diane: "Was it Louis Canning who gave you a chance after 13 years away from the law?" 

Alicia: “This is his offer.  If I stay at the firm, it has to be more.” 

Diane: “You’ll give me until the end of the week." 

Alicia: “No.  I can’t.” 

Diane: “Yep. Everybody changes. End of the week, Alicia, or you can clean out your desk right now.”

David: “We must have missed the memo. We’re now Stalin and Associates.”

Alicia “… I’d like to try to make it work.  It’s just that everything, it has to be on the table.  I can’t be the only one being forthcoming. I can’t be the only one being honest. Can you do that?” 

Kalinda: “Yah.” 

Alicia: “Okay. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

What's Next?

Matthew Perry arrives next week as a new lawyer, Mike Kresteva, for episode 19, "Blue Ribbon Panel."  It seems that a group has been called together to investigate a police shooting but Alicia and Mike don't really see eye-to-eye.  Also, if there's one thing I've learned, it's that when a commercial focuses solely on a case, it usually means there's some good personal story lines brewing in the background.  Perhaps we'll get a full-fledged attempt at friendship for Kalinda and Alicia?  With March quickly coming to a close, we're left to hope!

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