There was a lot going on during last night’s season finale of The Good Wife … too bad little of it had to do with what makes this show so great — Alicia Florrick and her career and life.
The case of the murdered guy who had been seeking witness protection didn’t really interest me that much. Was he a cop too, or someone mixed up in dealing drugs? I totally didn’t follow that part. Nor was I particularly interested in the possibility that Kalinda’s detective friend was dirty. The mere fact that he provides a law firm’s in-house investigator with confidential information makes him of questionable character; she didn’t do herself any better by slipping him the details on the murderous wife.
I’m surprised that Will’s still seeing Giada Cabrini (Karen Olivo) — why would an adult care if an adult’s parent was fabulously wealthy? — but the plus side of it was that, as long as Giada was a presence in his life, he and Alicia wouldn’t pretend to like each other. Unfortunately, that doesn’t seem to have worked, although nothing’s clear-cut just yet.
I was left wondering, after the scene with the restaurant bill, if Peter turned the waitress down because she wasn’t charging him any money … probably. Eli Gold’s visit to Alicia was exceedingly offensive, and I continue to be disappointed that he seems here to stay — this show is about Alicia, not her self-involved husband’s political career. If you want to talk about The Good Wife having empowered women, just wait until Peter’s blind political aspirations either push Alicia to the background once more, or force her to leave Peter and share custody of her kids. Real powerful message there for the career woman.
I’ve never liked Diane, so the fact that Gary Cole’s character, Kurt McVeigh, has been involved with her has left me disinterested in an actor that I otherwise very much enjoy. But I just couldn’t believe how unprofessional and immature Kurt was after Diane deposed him. Did he seriously expect opposing council to kid-glove him because they’re sleeping together? If so, he shouldn’t be in this business.
I was glad when we appeared to be getting rid of Cary (I know, but I hoped), so his return did nothing for me. He’s going to be an annoying pest, blinded by an unfounded animosity that he feels toward Alicia. How many people like that can one show handle?
I laughed when Peter’s mother said to Pastor Isaiah (Gbenga Akinnagbe), “You are a phase.” Was that supposed to hurt his feelings, because Peter’s mommy said Peter would get over him?
I enjoyed the drama of the final scene on its face, but all of the components that went into creating the moment are things I simply can’t wrap my head around. I like that Alicia, true to herself, wasn’t impulsive with Will. “Show me a plan,” she said. And I truly believe that she’d be ready to walk out on Peter if the right situation presented itself. But there’s nothing between her and Will!!! When they were eating pizza together? Two old friends from way back when. But old friends do not star-crossed lovers make. Drop the ridiculousness of it already.
And the fact that Peter was standing up there on stage … I blame Alicia as much as I blame him. Not once have we seen him putting her before his own goals, but not once have we seen her calling him on anything he does. And if she’s checked out already? Then do it! Toss him out of the apartment, and move on with your life. Who’s Alicia maintaining the facade for?
The episode ended great, on “does she get up on the stage?” But Alicia’s unspoken choice was Peter or Will … really? This woman, who got back up on her feet after her lying, cheating, bribe-taking husband publicly humiliated her and went to prison for crimes he did commit, is left to choose “Which man?” I would have much preferred it be her conscience that was keeping her off that stage, not Will’s call.
I’m not sure what happened to pre-Peter’s release Alicia, but hopefully someone will manage to locate her this summer. Otherwise, prepare yourselves for a very different show come the fall.
Clacked by Aryeh S.
on May 26, 2010 @ 13:00 EST5EDT
