Finale Watch: 4 Things That Surprised Me On The Good Wife 

When I first started watching The Good Wife, I don’t think I knew what I was getting myself in to. I was excited to see Julianna Margulies return to the small screen and I was impressed by the caliber of the rest of the cast. I loved that the creators, Robert and Michelle King, were exploring a concept we’ve never seen a series based on – the wronged wife – and I loved that she was the main character. I really had no idea this show would quickly become one of my favorites. It just works on every level for me. I love the complex woman at the center of the show, the ripped-from-the-headlines cases, the complicated family life she must navigate, and her dynamic work environment. The guest stars they are able to attract with the amazing writing and interesting stories is impressive. What I love most, though, is that every single character is complicated. Nothing is easy and no one is stereotypical or simple. And that’s why I love this show.

I knew the finale wouldn’t let me down but it did surprise me. Let me count the ways.

1. Peter needs to see justice done on Glenn Child’s last case. No matter how I feel about Peter’s infidelities, now I know – beyond a shadow of a doubt – that he’ll do the right thing. I don’t think I’ve ever questioned Peter’s professional integrity. No one but Peter is responsible for the state of his relationship with Alicia except Peter and he needs to take responsiblity for that. He won her back once and I do think there’s a chance of winning her back again. Right now Alicia needs to do what is best for her and if it’s exploring things with Will, he’s got to give her that. I can understand that he doesn’t want to and I can understand why it’s difficult but if Peter really loves Alicia he needs to back off. And he’s done a good job of that lately. I am excited to see Peter get back to work. I think it will be extremely exciting to see Cary continue to go up against Lockhart Gardner and even more exciting to see Peter at work in the State’s Attorney’s office. We saw Glenn Childs in court with Cary. Does that mean we might see Peter there too?

2. Kalinda regrets sleeping with a married woman. I’ve always liked that Kalinda is confident in her sexuality and not afraid to use it. She’s slept with Kelli Giddish‘s Sophia Russo before, but for this time Kalinda realizes Sophia’s married. And Kalinda’s just not that person anymore. I love that she doesn’t feel the need to explain herself (I mean, that’s just not the Kalinda I know and love anyway) but she does feel the need to get the heck out of there. Interesting. Very interesting. I’d like to think this is Kalinda’s first step back to Alicia. It doesn’t matter that Alicia doesn’t know Kalinda’s made this important life change. It’s just important that Kalinda’s done it. And even though it will take a while for Kalinda and Alicia to get back what they had (if it ever happens and I really hope it does), I feel like Alicia’s icy facade is beginning to crack. At the end of the day, I do think Alicia knows she can count on Kalinda. Maybe not personally yet but definitely professionally.

3. Eli refuses to stand down when Alicia tells him to take his business to another firm. I get why Alicia can’t stomach the idea of Eli being at Lockhart Gardner. She thinks Eli will be her boss but I also think she doesn’t want any part of Peter’s professional (or personal) life to touch her at work. Work is a refuge for her. It’s a place she can go and not think about the trouble in her personal life for a bit, or at least until she sees Will in the office. I’m excited that Eli’s going to be in the office for a number of reasons. First, this is a great opportunity for Alicia. We saw her admiring Diane’s office. This relationship can get her there sooner. Second, I love seeing Eli and Alicia interact and I’m ecstatic Alan Cumming is now a series regular. Alicia is someone people want in the political sphere so whether or not she wants to be there, she’ll have to continue dealing with it. Third, no matter what she thinks now Alicia needs to find a way to stay connected to Peter. I can’t imagine she’d ever want to use anyone as an intermediary but Eli could certainly serve that purpose if needed.

4. The incredible amount of obstacles between Will and Alicia getting a room. That was ridiculous bordering on laughable but they made it work for me. There were so many opportunites for them to continue on their streak of bad timing but when one was faltering the other seemed to know what they wanted. The first challenge? The front desk. The reservationist was distracted and then informed them the hotel was fully booked. After a bit of prodding, she tells them the Presidental Suite is available. It’s a bit pricey but Will’s a name partner. I guess $8K isn’t too much to pay for an hour of good timing. Next they encounter some evelator trouble. One is crammed full of hotel personnel (why aren’t they using the service elevator?) and the other is vacated by a brat who has just pushed the buttons for every single floor in the hotel. Will and Alicia get on but as they stop at every single floor and watch the doors open and close Alicia seems to be losing her nerve. But Will won’t let her. Instead they turn it into a delcious buildup. When they finally get to the room, Will can’t make the card work no matter how he slides it into the slot (dirty!). Finally, Alicia takes the key from him and works her magic. The door opens with no problem. And they both go in. That’s where we leave them for now. I don’t know what happened when that door closed but I’m not convinced they slept together. Maybe their streak of bad timing continued, maybe it didn’t. Either way I look forward to whatever the fallout might be in September.