The Good Wife: “A More Perfect Union” – Mixing Business with Pleasure

Season 4, Episode 21 | Original Air Date: Sunday, April 21, 2013
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It’s election season.   Grandma Veronica is in town and has brought stuffed puppets with her.  Zach is 18.  Peter has a ring.  Alicia’s partnership paychecks are clearly rolling in and making their way straight to her closet.  Lockhart Gardner admin staff is on the verge of striking.  Grace is saying crazy words like ‘porn.’ Owen is giving out favours in the form of campaign analytics. Charlie Rose interviews Alicia.  Kalinda fights for a raise (again) and Cary continues to recruit for his new firm. 

Now that you’re all caught up, I’m calling it quits for a more official recap.  Why?  Because there are so many other things to discuss!  Take, for example, the intrigue behind David Lee’s obsession with Veronica or how (and why) the campaign bus has become the ‘it’ spot for dinner.  If only someone had a nice car we could kick back and dine in.  I know, I know, I’m such a dreamer…

Of course, then there’s the big question: When does the idea of ‘it’s not personal, it’s business’ go from an excuse to something more?  All of our main characters like to dip their toes into the watery unknown where the line between personal and business is blurred.  Diane is marrying Kurt (I mean, right? I think that’s still happening), Will and Alicia are… well, whatever Will and Alicia are, and Peter is drawing closer ties to Diane, Owen and yes, even Alicia.  What’s business and what’s personal?  Or is business, personal, just by its very nature?   

For as long as we both shall live – Peter Florrick              

It’s a vow with which most people are familiar.  Okay, not everyone.  People have their issues and their reasons for making the choices they do.  Peter is a good example of vows gone wrong (which is different than Girls Gone Wild, but not by much).  I’ll confess that season four Peter is a pretty decent guy.  Punching Krestiva upped his overall merit; however, that wasn’t enough to get me to join Camp Florrick.  Sure, I think he would be the best Governor (I have the campaign signs and coffee mug to prove it #FlorrickForGovernor), but that doesn’t mean I’m on the Florrick for Husband bandwagon.  

That's why when Peter popped the ‘will you renew our vows with me in Hawaii?’ question over a campaign bus dinner of pizza and wine, I was strangely intrigued – half because I wanted to hear her answer and half because I wanted to see someone storm off that blasted bus.  The resulting conversation after the popped question was, I have to admit, one of my favourite parts of this episode:

Alicia: “I don’t know.  Because things are good right now, but that doesn't mean they’ll stay that way.” 

Peter: “ Doesn't mean they won’t.” 

Alicia: “No – they never do.”

When I first listened to this, I thought, “oh Peter, you are *so* destined to screw this up,” but then I realized Alicia’s rationale might not have to do with Peter at all.  If Alicia goes through with the vow renewal, she wouldn’t be following her heart, which means an inevitable crumbling of this relationship.  She could be the one to bring down the house of cards.  Alicia Florrick – it’s time to get off the campaign bus.

Then, of course, there’s the whole idea behind a vow renewal.  We all saw how well that went for Jon and Kate (Plus Eight) – didn't they renew their vows in Hawaii and then have the biggest divorce on the planet?  I didn't watch, but I’m pretty sure there’s a life lesson there… and it’s not that Hawaii is a bad place for vacation – it’s that it’s cursed for vow renewals.  Hmmm… on second thought, maybe this isn’t such a bad idea.  I’m seeing this plan unraveling already.

Before I digress further, here are my two main concerns (minus the whole Hawaii thing):

1) I’m feeling uncertain as to whether Peter is trying to secure last minute votes by being able to announce that he’s recommitting to family… or not.  I’m hoping that’s not the case… but this is business.  Wait.  This is personal.  Wait.  What is this?

2) Alicia is having some seriously competing feelings when it comes to which side of the fence she’s on.  One day it’s Florrick the next it’s Gardner.  While I’m sitting comfortably on the greener side of the fence – Team Gardner – Alicia can’t separate what happens at work with her personal feelings.  She’s a mess.  Which makes Will a mess.  And both of these things make me a mess.  Even David Lee’s a mess, but that doesn't have to do with Will and Alicia, but rather Veronica who he is potential canoodling with in his corner office.  Ewww.  That’s all if have to say about that.

Before that mental picture gets painted to vividly, let me change the subject:

When it comes to the ring, I’m not the one you should be asking about specifics – not because I don’t like jewels, but because I spent that entire scene with my head in my hands like an inconsolable fool.  For those of you on Team Florrick, I understand the appeal of a vow renewal – I mean, they are, well, married (insert sigh).  This development would mean the family is back on track.  

Technically, it shouldn't fundamentally change things.  That fact is, it will though.  As Veronica so astutely pointed out during her dead-pan chat with Will:

“You have a window, but it’s closing.  That schmuck of a husband of hers wants to renew their vows and I know my daughter – if she does that, you’re never going to pry her away from him. So you've got to move now.”

And breathe.  That just happened.  I think my heart stopped. 

This scene was for the record books.  The awkward beauty of this interaction paired with Will’s thoughtful and deep stare was telling before words were even spoken.  The final moment of silence said, 'I understand' -  and it's what every Team Gardner fan has been thinking since season one’s “Heart.”  “Make a move she can’t refuse.”  It’s not only catchy, it’s accurate.  You've got this Will Gardner.  Maybe.   It might involve tequila and two plane tickets, but I know there’s a plan out there that could work… I just don’t know what it is yet.

Side note: Am I the only one loving that Will is now on a first-name basis with Veronica?  Sometimes it’s the little things in life that lead to happiness.  This is one-such example.

A love since Georgetown – Will Gardner

Damn you, unrequited love.  I’m sure that’s what Alicia is thinking, too.  While her romantic shuddering subsided this week (thank goodness – that was bizarre), it was replaced with something entirely different: rage and disappointment.  When it comes to Alicia at work, she tries to take the high road.  I’m not saying Will doesn't  but he seems to be focused on it less often.  This week, with the administrative staff of Lockhart Gardner up in arms over salaries and benefits, Will and Diane had some tough decisions to make.  In the end, they gave the admin ringleaders new titles and salary bumps, as a show of good will.  Well, sort of.  It was a borderline payoff to keep the others at bay, but that’s part of the game.  Who doesn't know of someone who has been paid off every now and again?  Okay, me, but that’s not the point.  They did what they had to do.  It’s business.

But, not for Alicia.  Upon hearing of the decision, Alicia looked at Will with disappointment, while I looked at them both with frustration.  Once again, I discovered that yelling at my TV is completely pointless. 

So, she looked at him; he looked at her; they never made eye contact, but they knew they'd failed each other in some way (and me in all kinds of ways).  Alicia’s problem here is that she can’t separate the business decision from her personal feelings.  Will let her down with the admin vote, so she immediately jumped to the conclusion that all of the feelings she’s been having – all of that shaking nonsense – was a blip on the radar and that yes, Peter is the most stand-up chap of her suitor pool, so she will, indeed renew her vows with him.  Say what?  This is a bloody disaster.  The worst part is, it doesn't even make sense.  Her saying “I don’t know” to Peter was logical.  This... this is absurd.

With the words, “I’ve loved you since Georgetown” running through my head I can’t help but be heartbroken for the third time this season.  Why can’t things go right for Team Gardner ever?  Like ever.  Now I’m quoting Taylor Swift.  Oy vey.

Kalinda, Cary and the Raise

Cary is off to the races.  His firm is coming together and he’s slowly picking off recruiting the best of Lockhart Gardner.  Alicia is thinking about Cary’s proposal and now Kalinda is contemplating her next big move.  Of course, if there’s one thing Kalinda likes more than Alicia, it’s money, so she’s out to get the best deal between these two competing firms.  Game on.

While Will seems as sick of these ‘I need more money’ conversations as I am, he’s willing to play along – at least for the short term.  Part of me really wishes I could see Kalinda’s pay stub, because I can’t imagine they’d be underpaying her by that much, especially given the value she adds to the firm.  Not only that, Alicia has a $10,000 office decorating bonus – how can Kalinda be missing out on important things like health care?  There goes my aspiring career to be a PI – it sounds like a rough life, even if I can run in stilettos (which, by the way, I can). 

When it comes to keeping business and personal relationships separate, I’m not sure where Cary is going to fall on the spectrum.  Sure, he likes Kalinda, but he’s out there starting a new firm and he knows she’s the best.  He doesn't want to go up against her again… but she’s not lured by any kind of loyalty to anyone.  For Kalinda, business is business.

Other highlights:

• Peter “I don’t want to get caught with my pants down, if you know what I mean.” Oh yes, Peter, we know what you mean.
• Owen helping Peter with his campaign analytics – I didn't see that coming.  Also, was Owen turning a Peter corner this week, or was it some reverse psychology in action?  I love Owen, but I also love that he lures Alicia into the areas I most want her to be…
• Veronica – Always so crazy, always so entertaining, always left wanting more. 
• Alicia giving David Lee the stink eye when he started talking about her Mom.  I’ll take ‘Priceless’ for $500 Alex.
• Nancy Crozier at the top of her game, always willing to tell Alicia how much of a Mom she is.   Somehow her 'I'm just an innocent girl from Michigan' routine is still working, but her legal acumen is definitely increasing.  Might Cary find a good legal partner in Crozier down the road?    

What’s Next?  Spoiler Alert!

Well, this to start:

“What’s in the Box” marks the final episode of the season and it looks like we’re in for a real treat.  It’s election night, there’s voter tampering, Alicia may or may not get a little tipsy and something steamy happens with her in Will’s car.  Who needs a campaign bus when you’ve got a back seat?  Oh yes, and Peter wants to punch Will.  So there’s that.  Let the season finale drama begin!

Side note: How many times do you think I can watch this preview this week?  Hint: More than 15. 

Side note part II: Next week’s blog might be a little delayed, as I’ll be writing from the UK.  Happy season finale!

The Good Wife: "Rape: A Modern Perspective"

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

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

 

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

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

Top Four ‘What Just Happened There?’ Moments:

1)  Diane’s Mountaintop Adventure

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

Whhhhhhhat?

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

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

So Kurt then?

No, not Kurt.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

3) Kalinda Sharma – Anonymous

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

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

4) Florrick Agos and Associates

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

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

What’s Next?

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

The Good Wife: "The Wheels of Justice" - Season Four’s Piece de Resistance

Season 4, Episode 19 | Original Air Date: Sunday, March 31, 2013

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How can I put into words how much I loved “The Wheels of Justice?”  One simple phrase: Best episode of the season.  I know not every episode can be my favourite (right?), but if I have to pick one on the season, this would be it.  As I sit typing this week, I find myself at a loss for words… and also freaking out.  It's like season three's "Feeding the Rat" all over again. Not only am I going to struggle to fall asleep tonight, I foresee a very restless summer coming my way, as this week we were given the incredible news The Good Wife is back for season five.  The best part?  Like a fine glass of wine, these episodes keep getting better with age.   

The only way I can think to organize my thoughts and provide thoughtful commentary this week, is to pull out all the reasons this is the episode to which all others should be measured.  Feel free to pop by the comments section at the bottom of this piece and let me know how you feel about “The Wheels of Justice.”

The Curtain Rises

Reason #1 this episode had me jumping for joy: An amazing opening sequence

Opening scene: Alicia’s new office is revealed and so is her decorating budget of $10,000 (which makes me wonder, what would Clarke Hayden say?  How can the firm afford this?  Where is David Lee with his calculator?).  Cary’s new office is similarly shown off, but he’s forced to build a couch out of three folding chairs.  Poor Cary.  The upside is that Diane has given him a golden carrot – the thought a partner might be leaving in the next six months and that if he does what he can to make the firm succeed, he’ll be picking out a nice leather swivel chair before long. 

Meanwhile, Diane is hiring Kalinda to investigate a partner at the firm: her.  Being up for Supreme Court Justice means Diane needs to know what kinds of things have the potential to be dug up from her past. 

In other news, it’s Colin Sweeney time – pretty much the best time ever, if you ask me – and that means he has done something terrible.  Allegedly.  Okay, he’s guilty 98% of the time, but in this case, he really seems innocent.  Also, his creepy factor has increased exponentially since the last time we saw him, as he’s now sporting a goatee and comparing Alicia to Mary Poppins.  In any case, Alicia is going up against Laura (which is making Sweeney strangely jealous) and through a weird quirk of fate, Cary realizes why the State’s Attorney’s office won’t settle on this case.  Sweeney is one strike away from life in prison based on his two other offences. 

Pieces of a Puzzle

Reason #2 this episode was epic: Everyone had a role… especially Cary 

Like pieces of a puzzle, the beauty of The Good Wife is how well the cast fits together, especially when given the opportunity.  Cary and Robyn have a new-found synergy; Cary and Alicia continue to be each other’s better half when it comes to work; Laura, Alicia and Will are muddling their way through a bizarre work/love triangle; Kalinda is out investigating for Diane; and somehow, for the first time in a long time, everyone is working together.  Even the sinister (and, let’s face it, eerie) Sweeney is in on things, by using his knowledge of Will’s relationship with Laura to fuel the fire in the courtroom.  At no point in this episode did I think, ‘I wish I’d seen more of <insert here>'.  Everyone had a perfect role AND we didn't have to look at the inside of the campaign bus.  

Love and Marriage

Reason #3 this episode blew my mind: Diane, Kurt and things I didn't see coming

The only way to prove Sweeney's innocence, given a trial prep of less than 24 hours?  Bring in the world’s best ballistics expert, Kurt McVeigh. 

Ahhhhh, Kurt.  We haven’t seen this handsome face since “Gloves Come Off” in season three, and let’s just say: he’s been missed!  The political banter, the way he can calculate a bullet’s trajectory and the way he gets thrown off by the mere sight of Diane – he’s the best of all worlds when it comes to being a love interest.  Not only that, Diane’s lack of after-hours prospects this season has been more than a little disheartening, especially because last year she was juggling both Kurt and Jack.  This year has been like the Atacama Desert: nothing but dry.

Now, I’ll admit my list of things I didn't see coming is a little shorter this year than last.  Kurt coming into back into town?  Not shocking.  Watching he and Diane fall back into old habits without any need of small talk?  I’m all over it.  Tackling the Sweeney case by day and sharing drinks by night?  I’m blissfully accepting.  Having Diane propose to Kurt, having him respond “I’m not rejecting it… I just need time to think” and then having Diane cut him off at the door after saying, “I’m worried we’ll always be waiting?”  What?!  I’m not sure what just happened, but I think Diane might be getting married in six months.  Of course, who can be sure?  The scene cut and I was left with my hands over my face shrieking an inaudible “whhhhhhhat?!?!?’ The only thing I’m sure about is the fact I can’t get the lyrics of “Marry You” out of my head.

It’s a beautiful night, 

We’re looking for something dumb to do, 

Hey baby, 

I think I want to marry you.

Before moving on, can we stop and talk about this development for a minute?  Can you even imagine how different season five would be if Diane got married and became a Supreme Court Judge?  What an incredible thing to think about for the next few months.  Of course, I’ll be staying tuned to any tidbit of casting news possible: let’s hope for more Gary Cole!

Three’s a Crowd

Reason #4 this episode made me scream with delight: The Team Gardner bus is back on the road

Somehow, I’ve waited until point number four before mentioning the fact some seriously amazing Team Gardner things are beginning to brew.  How did that happen?  I’m beginning to show major restraint! 

Lucky for me, the writers are ending the season by baiting me with the promise of things to come (and don’t worry – I've already sent the thank you tweet expressing my gratitude). With Laura and Will in dating mode for the last seven days, Will is already having to confess his new-found girlfriend to Diane, who seems fairly pleased he’s pursuing someone besides Alicia.  Laura, however, seems hesitant to move things forward until she can talk to Alicia… again.  Outside the courtroom hosting the Sweeney case, and before they go head-to-head, Laura stops Alicia and asks, “Do you have a relationship with Will.”  Looking around, Alicia answers ‘no,’ but that she did, a long time ago, so there’s nothing to worry about.  If Laura’s looking for a blessing, she’s got it.  My question?  Why would Laura think these two have anything going on?  The only time she’s seen them together was the night of the Shamrock Dinner when Alicia was in for questioning.  Sure they laughed behind closed doors, but there was nothing else. 

Flash forward.  Alicia’s in bed, sipping a glass of red wine (which is one thing I love about her character) when she gets the urge to call Will.  This, of course, on the heels of her last night’s sleep when she was dreaming about she and Will and then imagining Laura in her place.  While I was waiting for her to pick up the 'Chicago’s Most Eligible Bachelor’ photo spread (which, let's be honest, we all know she still has), she opted to pick up the phone and dial Will’s number.  Of course, he answers.  It’s Alicia.  He always answers for Alicia (and I always cheer!).  Under the guise of a ‘work question,’ she starts fumbling through some words before hearing Laura in the background.   Time to hang up and forget anything ever happened.  While we know she won’t forget, and neither will we, it looks as though that could be the end of things, at least for the night. 

Meanwhile, as Will hangs up the phone, Laura asks if it was Alicia on the other end.  He says yes and then moves in for a kiss.  Immediately, Laura backs away.  Say what?  No one backs away from a Will Gardner kiss!  Claiming honesty, Laura confesses someone she dated while in the military is back in her life… and then she hastily makes her exit.  The scene ends with Will staring out his office window while sipping scotch and Alicia sitting in bed, staring into space, sipping wine.  

Now, I don’t know about you, but I don’t believe for a second that Laura has another suitor waiting at her door – I think she can smell the Team Gardner vibe a mile away and doesn't want to get in the way.  Strangely, I feel as though my master plan involving Laura might actually be coming together, albeit more quickly than I had anticipated.  She values Alicia as a friend and respects Will as a stealthy courtroom opponent – Laura is a seriously upstanding character and one which, no matter what happens in her dating life, I hope stays around well into season five.  She might just be my favourite long-term addition to the cast.

Other Highlights:

• Judge Politi yelling about not being phased by a courtroom of raised voices.  He may not be the quirkiest judge on the bench, but I think he’s quickly becoming one of my favourites.  Also, he has no known history of playing basketball on Wednesday nights, so he’s probably safe for episodes to come.

• Diane being set up as secret writer of Vampire Diaries fan fiction.  What can I say?  My face was as shocked as Diane’s.  Also, it got me thinking.  If ever I become a lawyer, and later a judge, will this blog come back to haunt me?  Hmmmm…
  
• Colin Sweeney re: Will telling him he has a relationship with Laura: “Yes I sign off – as long as I get details.”  Ewwwww.  I now need to shower.  And so does Will.
• Robyn jogging back to the office, drunk, after a night out with Greg, the associate stolen from under Lockhart Gardner's noses.  What can I say?  This girls cracks me up.

What’s Next?

In two weeks, we can look forward to the new episode: “Sex, Dolls and Videotape.”  It sounds like something in which Colin Sweeney could likely be involved, but as it turns out, there’s an anonymous hacker and guest start Jason Biggs.  Also, the campaign for Governor is down to the wire and we’ve been promised election results before the season is through.  Most importantly, at some point between now and the end of the season, Dallas Roberts is back as Alicia's brother Owen, and we have this little exchange to salivate over:

Peter: “She’s my wife.” 

Will: “Then punch me.”

Pa chow! We're in for a dramatic race to the finale... and I can't wait, can you?

The Good Wife: "Death of a Client" - Five Gasp-Worthy Moments

Season 4, Episode 18 | Original Air Date: Sunday, March 24, 2013

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This week, there’s no time for small talk.  “Death of a Client” was the much anticipated party episode with more twists than a Sherlock mystery.  I laughed, I cried, I covered my face and let out audible bursts of elation… and then of rage.  Oh, and I decided my new morning alarm should be Grace’s ‘Mom pick up the phone ringtone,’ as I would surely bolt out of bed each morning with gusto never before seen in an attempt to silence the enemy.

As for what happened in “Death of a Client?”  How about everything?  Okay, that’s a little vague, I know, but this episode was all over the map.  However, there was one uniting factor: The number of gasp-worthy moments.  I counted five – but then again, I like to spend my Sunday night’s on the edge of my seat… and with a paper bag close at hand.

Death of a Client: Five Gasp-Worthy Moments

Clap on, clap off… the clapper

Will and Alicia.  Love them or hate them (wait, who am I kidding?  No one can hate these two!), they have undeniable chemistry. Whether they’re sharing an elevator, a beer or a late lunch with some peeled grapes for dessert, it’s impossible not see what these two have.  With flashbacks to a time when we were all a little happier – me especially, as I was riding a Team Gardner high – Alicia couldn’t help but think back and daydream about those secret moments when they were hidden from life’s complexities. 

Enter Will in a tux, James Bond-style, coming to Alicia’s aid because, let’s face it, that’s what he loves doing.  Maybe not more than Kalinda, but I’d be willing to watch these two duke it out over who loves Alicia more.   But I digress  - K will be in the picture before long anyways.

So there’s Will, at the police station meeting with Alicia (who’s floor-length two-toned ruby gown is really classing up the joint), and once again, they find themselves alone together.  This ‘let’s not be in the same room’ thing has gone off the rails about 12 times in the last three episodes.  Horray!  In any case, after seeing Will dressed to the nines, Alicia can’t help but share exactly what she’s thinking: “You really look good.”  And he does.  We all know it… not just because it’s nearly impossible to look bad in a tux, but because there’s something so sincere about why he came to the police station and how sad his eyes look when Alicia says things like, “We were good together, weren’t we?” 

As I’ve learned, screaming answers back at my TV to questions like this are futile; however, it doesn't stop me from doing it at least once an episode.  In “Death of a Client” this was my moment.  “Yes! You were good together! I have the Team Gardner mug to prove it!” Spoiler alert: My yelling didn’t help… and neither did my beloved mug.  Alicia and Will are trapped in an invisible (well, sort of) circle where they can’t escape their feelings for each other.  We’ve been here before: That moment when Alicia says something along the lines of, “This has to end” and Will comes back with “Can you just decide that?” and Alicia says she “can,” she “has to,” even though everyone knows that’s impossible.  This isn’t the clapper – you can’t control your feelings like a late night infomercial light.  Somehow in this place though, it makes sense.

Okay, I’m just saying that.  It doesn’t make sense.  I’m officially hating this episode… even though I’m loving it.  Damn it.  I need the clapper.  STAT!

Just when I think my heart couldn't be broken any further for the evening, I hear the noise that has haunted my dreams since “Parenting Made Easy.”  'Mom, pick up the phone.'  Are you kidding me?  This did not just happen.  Grace’s heinous ringtone has reared its exhaustingly ugly head back into the centre of Alicia and Will’s relationship.  Didn’t Alicia delete this from her phone last season?  Now I’m sad because Will’s eyes look devastated, Alicia is saying things she doesn’t mean and somehow, the world’s most annoying ringtone still exists.  This is like a Shakespearean tragedy… but worse.

Side note: I’m loving Amanda Peet as Laura Hellinger… and while I’ll forever ship/love/dream about/champion Will and Alicia, I get that we need a slight diversion… at least for awhile.  A dating arch for Will and Laura seems inevitable at this point, so I’m going to ride the wave, at least until the beginning of season five.  My ultimate hope is that Laura and Will’s relationship will bring Will and Alicia back together.  This means I need Laura and because I like her, it’s a win-win for everyone, right?

There’s the Grab

Kalinda, having bailed on a date with a lovely massage therapist, is off investigating to keep Alicia and her brood safe.  Knowing Alicia could be in danger, Cary jumps on board to help K as she rushes from the Shamrock dinner to get back to the mean streets of Chicago.  Before she can leave, Cary says, “be careful” and then reaches up and takes Kalinda’s hand.  It’s a gesture that’s riddled in friendship and romance and drenched in a delicious query dating back to whether or not they went home together after sharing drinks at the bar a few weeks ago. 

Oh Grandma

Typically I would whip this phrase out for Jackie, but this week, Grandma Veronica is in town and let’s just say: she’s crazy.   I mean sure, she’s entertaining, but she took the Florrick kids to a bar on St. Patrick’s Day and told them stories of Alicia’s past that were heavily weighing on the side of inappropriate.  I’m all for drama, but having Grace call Alicia (*the* call, by the way, that interrupted the Team Gardner talk) to ask if she was a “mistake” was awkward and terrible.  Also, the guy barfing next to Veronica at the bar during this exchange was disgusting.  All of that said, I commend Grace on her ability to see beyond her own sphere and be able to understand that Alicia had a life before the kids and that if things had been different, she may not have ended up with Peter. 

Ka-Pow!

Mike Kresteva: Sociopath, master manipulator, drunk.  Even though this is the first time we’ve seen Mike “live” this season, his ability to infuriate is admiringly remarkable.  The one thing I didn’t see coming?  Even though Mike claims not to drink and only orders club sodas or waters while in the vicinity of those he’s wary of, he still managed to fall down, drunk, in the bathroom at the Shamrock Dinner.  Even if someone – say… Peter Florrick – had punch him out, I’m not going to be the one to blow the whistle.  No, not a chance.  Because if there’s one person on this show who needs a quick dose of reality, it’s Mike Kresetva.  While he’s off dabbing his wounds, I’m thrilled to share in the simple of pleasure of watching Alicia and Eli bond over a scene that was, in one word, epic.

Diane Lockhart: Supreme Court Justice?

There’s something intriguing about the new relationship we’re seeing form between Peter and Diane.  I’m not sure if it grew from Eli working at the firm, or from Peter having seen Diane’s work through the years, but it’s interesting to watch.  Diane helping Peter with the campaign was a turn of events I didn't anticipate.  While I don’t support Alicia and Peter as a couple, I *do* support Peter in the race for Governor.  What could be better for the campaign then to have Diane ‘I can’t help but vote democrat’ Lockhart on his side?  Nothing.  She’s smart, stealthy and does a killer impression of Maddie Hayward.  There’s no losing here.

That’s why it’s interesting Peter wants Diane appointed to the role of Supreme Court Justice.  This would mean leaving Lockhart Gardner (could they be called Gardner and Associates?) and being on the other side of the fence.  This is not the first time Diane has been offered such a carrot, but this one doesn't involve Victoria Adler (a definite plus!).  The downside?  If something happens to Peter (which it inevitably will), she’s going to be tied to him in what could turn out to be an I Owe You type of situation.  With just a few hours to decide, what way will she go?  Season four is quickly slipping away and I have a feeling some changes could be blowing through Chicago…

What’s Next?

Colin Sweeney returns!  And he has a goatee!  Somehow, his new facial hair is making him creepier than ever.  Well, it does until he pulls out the quote, “Alicia Florrick… you feed my Mary Poppins obsession” and then follows it up with a purring sound.  Ewww.  But also, yay!  He’s so sketchy I can’t help but be intrigued by his every move.  We can also look forward to a decision from Diane on whether or not she’s leaving the practice for her next big gig.  Here's to next Sunday and "The Wheels of Justice."