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THE GOOD WIFE Redux: A Trap Is Sprung

Tiffany Vogt — Sun, 28 Apr 2013 17:37:17 +0000

Perhaps there was no more heart-breaking moment on THE GOOD WIFE than in the 2nd season episode “Foreign Affairs” when Alicia (Julianna Margulies) found out that her estranged husband Peter (Chris Noth) had slept with her new best friend Kalinda (Archie Panjabi). We could just see the glass shattering around Alicia as her carefully constructed façade of control began to slip. With expediency that one can only marvel at, Alicia had the locks changed on her apartment, packed Peter’s things, and rented an apartment for him — all within hours of learning of his latest betrayal. Peter had betrayed her one last time and she was not going to take it anymore.

Yet throughout the 3rd and 4th seasons, we were chagrined as Peter began to woo Alicia again and as she slowly began to allow him back into her life. Fortunately, it was not without a rebellious phase as Alicia threw caution to the wind and embarked on a torrid affair with her boss Will Gardner (Josh Charles). But then her better instincts prevailed and she called the affair to a halt before it destroyed both her professional career and her delicately-balanced personal life. So the affair was almost over just as soon as it started.

However, for the majority of this past 4th season, Alicia chose to rekindle the relationship with her husband, albeit from a distance. She still would not allow him to move back in, and she always initiated their romantic liaisons. So she was in control of the relationship and she assisted Peter in his campaign as far as it continued to serve her interests as well — meaning she used it to gain status in her professional life which led to a coveted partnership offer. So just as much as Peter used Alicia to further his political career, she used him to gain respect and stature in her career as well. It was mutually beneficial to both and provided them both with an accepted sexual partner as well – one that would not blow up their strategically-planned career paths.

But then Peter threw a curveball into the game, which Alicia quickly seized to her advantage. He wanted to renew their wedding vows as a way of showing Alicia and everyone watching his campaign that he was a changed man. No one was more surprised that the viewing audience. We were incredibly surprised that Alicia would accept his proposal. Yet a glimmer sparked. Alicia must know that the timing was suspect and that Peter would only propose such a thing because it was advantageous to him. So why would she go along with it?

It was the perfect time to spring the trap Alicia had been carefully laying for the past couple of years. Her time for revenge had come. How to best hurt Peter the way that he had publicly and privately hurt her? Peter had given her the perfect opportunity – she would stand with him seemingly ready to recommit her life to him, and then utter the one word he would never expect to hear: “No.” It would devastate him and perhaps damage his public persona in a way that he may never recover. Payback is a bitch.

And the timing was ripe for another big power play. The 4th year attorneys were covertly planning to leave Lockhart Gardner to start their own firm and an offer had been extended to Alicia to leave with them. Yet why would Alicia make such a leap on the heels of finally being offered partnership? Given the callous disregard that the partners of Lockhart Gardner operated and how ruthlessly they used Alicia and her connections to get exactly what they wanted, regardless of how it may damage her relationships with her clients or her reputation, Alicia was not feeling very happy with her partners. In addition, they would not look favorably upon Alicia’s well-timed revenge stroke against Peter. They would fear the back-lash on their firm. So the timing is perfect for Alicia to leave Lockhart Gardner, reclaiming her self-respect and giving back as good as she has endured under the Lockhart Gardiner regime.

The crowning moment would be if Alicia were to tell Will: “I quit” and in the same breath ask him to marry her. Who knows if Alicia would actually have the guts to go so far as to quit and then propose to Will, but the timing is perfect. Dating the boss was frowned upon, but she would not be so constrained once she left Lockhart Gardner. It would also be the final payback for her soon-to-be ex-husband Peter who always suspected that Alicia’s heart belonged to another.

The two-pronged revenge plan would be executed flawlessly. This is assuming that Alicia is strong enough to go through with it. But if anything we have seen over the past 4 years is that Alicia’s core strength. She is not a woman to be trifled with and she will bide her time to strike back. No one ever sees it coming and she makes them bleed in ways they never anticipated. The saying “hell hath no fury like a woman scored” is more than apt. The show is called THE GOOD WIFE after all. It was always a play on the words as Alicia was only a “good wife” so long as it suited her. Peter’s infidelities and public humiliation of his wife were not going to go unpunished. He may have served his time for his professional transgressions, but Alicia certainly had not forgiven or forgotten to how deeply he had hurt and humiliated her. She was just more patient and had waited for the perfect opportunity to enact her revenge.

This is all wild speculation, but it certainly fits the woman we know as Alicia Florrick. She has been the “good wife” and the “good employee” for too long. It is time for her to reclaim her life, her pride and her dignity. We will be anxiously watching this week’s episode “What’s In the Box” with breathless anticipation. Will Alicia’s perfect trap be sprung at last? We are praying that it is. What a glorious revenge that would be.

To see what Alicia ultimately does, be sure to tune in for the 4th season finale of THE GOOD WIFE on Sunday, April 28th at 9PM on CBS. The clock is ticking down on Peter’s fate.

Protecting the Tiffany Network’s Crown Jewel: We Make the Case for CBS Treating THE GOOD WIFE Like a Thirteen Episode Cable Drama

theTVaddict — Thu, 21 Mar 2013 22:31:37 +0000

By: BigTVFan

THE GOOD WIFE is CBS’ crown jewel drama. It’s a show that has garnered three Emmy nominations for Oustanding Drama (and should have been nominated last year too). Multiple series regulars have been nominated for Emmys and Julianna Margulies has won one for playing the titular character, Alicia Florrick. It’s also the prime destination for great actors to show up in guest starring roles. The only thing is, it’s not a big ratings hit. By CBS standards the numbers it currently gets would certainly get it cancelled at the end of this season. (On Tuesday the NCIS twins both got a 1.9 for reruns, while a new episode of The Good Wife on Sunday got a 1.5). That’s not gonna happen because CBS knows what kind of acclaim and prestige this show garners. Plus it brings people to CBS that don’t regularly watch other CBS dramas. CBS is in such good shape with the 20 plus million people who watch NCIS and THE BIG BANG THEORY [TBBT] regularly, that they can afford to have a lower rated, high income, prestige show on their schedule, especially one that many, including CBS themselves, love.

As I have previously written, I just don’t see CBS leaving the show in such an important time slot as Sun 9p much longer. A few months ago I suggested it was destined for Fridays at 10 next season, possibly after another older skewing CBS drama, BLUE BLOODS. I think that’s still a possibility, as is maybe Sun at 10 (which would all but push it out of primetime in the fall on the East Coast due to NFL delays). But I started to think that there’s something CBS can do that will help them appease the showrunners and stars and still keep this important drama on their docket for a few more years: Cap each season at 13 episodes.

Julianna has talked about how she was searching for years for her “cable” show, i.e. a smart, break the rules, adult drama. She has joked that she got her cable show, it just happened to be on CBS. Most fans and TV critics will acknowledge that it is a show a little left of center to the other more traditional procedural dramas on CBS. The Emmys, who of late seem to relegate their entire Drama category to shows only on cable all but seem to agree – the last few years (except last year when it was ridiculously snubbed) it was the only broadcast drama in the category. So maybe CBS should treat is a cable show. Make 13 episodes a season. CBS doesn’t need 22 episodes of this show. It’s not like NCIS, TBBT etc. which garner huge ratings that add to their bottom line. This show brings prestige, awards, high income viewers and critical raves to the network. That’s quite valuable but that will all still be achieved with 13 episodes. In fact it might even make the show more impressive. Creators Robert and Michelle King will have the luxury of more time to finesse and craft their episodes and since they’d be making fewer of them, they could arc out their season even better and make each episode jam-packed with even more goodness.

Last year while doing press, Julianna expressed gratitude for being on such a great show, but she also lamented network TVs punishing hours when you’re making 22 episodes a year and as the lead you’re in all but every scene. That’s 9-10 months of the year with a minimum of 14 hour days. For a woman with a husband and a young child that’s tough. Julianna recalled telling her husband of the punishing schedule “This is why Judy Garland was addicted to pills”. Surely a 13 episode season would make life easier for her.

CBS would be able to air 13 episodes consecutively, thus satisfying fans of the show. A 13 episode season would satisfy CBS, the creators, its star, and viewers – everyone wins!

CBS wouldn’t even have to put it on the fall schedule. It can be penciled in for midseason. Maybe it will show up on Friday but CBS will also have the luxury of using it for a hole left by an under performing new show. With such a head start CBS would be able to give critics a handful of new episodes to screen and garner lots of advance praise before the launch. Today it was reported that CBS entered in to a unique (for them) multi platform syndication deal for reruns of this show. It’s clearly the first of its kind for them because they want to keep the show on their network and this help funds another season for a lower rated show. Making less episodes each year also saves them money. Plus if it helps the creators craft a better show and makes its star even happier, all the better. Like I said – everybody wins!

BigTVfan has been analyzing the business of show since September 2010. Visit his blog at bigtvfan.wordpress.com or follow him on Twitter @bigtvfan.

THE GOOD WIFE First Look: Former GREY’S ANATOMY Star T.R. Knight Checks In

theTVaddict — Wed, 12 Dec 2012 14:30:06 +0000

Just when you thought THE GOOD WIFE’s seemingly never-ending string of Emmy-worthy guest stars couldn’t get anymore, well Emmy-worthy, comes a first look at the show’s January 6th episode featuring a familiar face. And while star T.R. Knight checking into the show for the start of a multi-episode arc is good news for GREY’S ANATOMY fans, it’s not such a positive development for one Eli “Doesn’t Play Well With Others” Gold (Alan Cumming) who will be forced to work alongside Knight’s up-and-coming campaign strategist Jordan Karahalios on Peter Florrick’s campaign for Governor. See for yourself, after the jump.

THE GOOD WIFE: "Boom De Ya Da"

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"Boom De Ya Da"--Democratic strategist Frank Landau (Mike Pniewski, right) forces Eli (Alan Cumming, left) to work with a second campaign manager, on THE GOOD WIFE, Sunday Jan. 6 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Photo: Jeff Neira/CBS ÃÂ©2012 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

THE GOOD WIFE airs Sundays at 9PM on CBS (10PM on GlobalTV in Canada) and stars Julianna Margulies,Matt Czuchry, Archie Panjabi, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski, Chris Noth, Makenzie Vega, Graham Phillips, Alan Cumming and Mary Beth Peil. Catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

THE GOOD WIFE First Look: Guess Who’s Coming to [Thanksgiving] Dinner?

theTVaddict — Wed, 14 Nov 2012 23:12:15 +0000

Are you among the millions of Americans who find themselves increasingly anxious around the holidays due to the requisite family drama that comes with it? Well, consider the following: No matter what fireworks are served up with alongside that succulent Turkey this Thanksgiving, it will probably pale in comparison to that of the Florrick family reunion! Case in point, the November 25th Thanksgiving-themed episode of THE GOOD WIFE ominously titled “A Defense of Marriage” that promises sparks-a-plenty when Stockard Channing drops by as Alicia’s mother. More first look photos of which can be found after the jump.

THE GOOD WIFE: "A Defense of Marriage"

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"A Defense of Marriage"--Jackie (Mary Beth Peil, left), has a tense conversation with AliciaÃ¢ÂÂs mother, Veronica (Stockard Channing, right), on THE GOOD WIFE, Sunday Nov 25 (9:00-10:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network Photo: David M. Russell/CBS ÃÂ©2012 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

Dispatches From The Couch: THE GOOD WIFE, 666 PARK AVENUE, DEXTER & More!

Richard M. Simms — Wed, 17 Oct 2012 15:07:51 +0000

What a difference a season makes. Last year, I was wildly intrigued by THE GOOD WIFE’s Kalinda and her mysterious background. Now that her abusive hubby is on the scene, I want them both to go away… or for her to at least drive a stiletto heel through his heart and get back to work. On the plus side, WIFE continues to turn the new frontier of electronic media into a breeding ground for fantastic lawsuits. This week’s story about the manipulation of search engine results was fascinating.

Every year, I say I’m not going to watch SURVIVOR, and every year, I do. Why? Because I’m drawn in by the fascinating dynamics that unfold when you put a group of diverse, interesting people into a stressful situation. Sadly, nobody told this cycle’s group of contestants that they were supposed to be interesting. If one of them doesn’t develop a personality soon, I’ll stop carrying a torch for this longtime favorite.

Spoiler alert: If you haven’t watched the latest episdes of DEXTER or HOMELAND, skip this paragraph! Moving along in 3… 2… 1… When Deb found out the truth about DEXTER in the season finale, my jaw hit the floor and I eagerly anticipated the fallout. Unfortunately, what we’ve gotten so far this season has been pedantic at best. Deb’s reaction to finding out her brother is a serial killer was to basically ground him. The most interesting thing so far has been the rival between Dexter and his babysitter’s boyfriend… who has now been killed off. Similarly, the show’s timeslot companion, HOMELAND, went from a game-changing episode in which Saul found out the truth about Brody to this week’s overlong outting which went nowhere. Did anybody really think things would end well for Brody’s tailor pal? Yes, there were some great performances, but when a show does as few new episodes a year as this one, I don’t expect to waste an entire hour waiting for Saul to show Carrie the proof that she was right all along.

I finally realized what it is that I love about ABC’s 666 PARK AVENUE: It’s basically FANTASY ISLAND, with Terry O’Quinn in the Mr. Roarke role. If you only know the series that sprung from the original movies (or, God forbid, the horrendous 1998 reboot), you’ll be forgiven for not knowing that FANTASY began as a far darker vision than what it later morphed into. As on 666, guests would often find that wish fullfillment came at a hefty price. The other reason I’m digging 666 is that at long last, someone at ABC seems to have figured out what the hell (pun intended) to do with Vanessa Williams, whose stint on DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES was a great case of a network hiring an actress before coming up with a plan on how best to use her. While 666 isn’t as gory as THE WALKING DEAD or flashy as AN AMERICAN HORROR STORY, it has its own merits. One of the most appealing things about it is probably the very thing that has caused audiences to dismiss it: The pace is a bit on the slow side. But to me, it feels like we’re in the early chapters of a horror novel. You know, where we meet all the players and get the sense that something bad is lurking in the shadows. I look forward to watching the things that go bump in the night take center stage. Here’s hoping that ABC sticks with the show despite its lackluster performance in the ratings. Meantime, if you haven’t checked it out, do so. Maybe we can turn things around and make 666 a grower, not a shower.

I have finally learned how to have my cake (read: guiltiest of pleasure) and eat it too (read: judge people for watching trash): While I refuse to watch THE REAL HOUSEWIVES OF NEW JERSEY during the season, I am inexplicably drawn to the show’s reunion special. The fact that they spread it out over three hours is just gravy. I don’t have to sit through all the boring moments of the season, yet still get to feel better about myself by watching these women (and their husbands) make complete asses of themselves on national television. The highlight for me had to be watching Teresa Giudice and her husband, Joe, sit awkwardly on that couch and try to convince America that they are a loving couple, especially as he explained that the “c” word is basically a term of endearment between them. Feel the love. I also couldn’t help thinking that if Rupaul ever decides to do a show on which he taught women who dress like drag queens to look like actual ladies, Teresa should be the first guest.

I don’t even know what to make of THE INSIDER. On Tuesday night’s edition, they went from a discussion about the rules of the presidential debate to Chelsea Handler saying to Jennifer Aniston, “You know everybody here at work loves your nipples, right?” Seriously. Kevin Frazier — who kicked the episode off by saying, “You may have to be American to be president, but you don’t have to be Korean to be a K-pop star” — I’m officially embarrassed for you.

Richard M. Simms is the executive editor of Soaps In Depth magazine, author of Crimes Against Civility and lives his TV-viewing life on a three-day tape delay.

Ask the Addict: Spoilers for BONES, THE GOOD WIFE, ONCE UPON A TIME, PRIVATE PRACTICE & More!

theTVaddict — Mon, 24 Sep 2012 22:42:48 +0000

Should Booth and Brennan fans be worried that tonight’s episode revolves around a murder of a polarizing divorce attorney? — Francine
The TV Addict: Well, since Booth and Brennan aren’t actually married, fans don’t technically have anything to worry about! That said, the amount of time spent around bickering couples, sleazy divorce layers, not to mention a couple of corpses does bring certain issues for both Booth and Brennan bubbling to the surface. Particular Booth, who hasn’t quite forgiven himself for what happened to Brennan who herself is having trouble adapting to coupledom having spent three months on the lam. And, while we’re on the subject of those three months running from the law, BONES fans disappointed with last week’s somewhat lacklustre season premiere that put a swift end to a very contrived separation will be pleased to know that tonight’s follow-up episode is vastly improved thanks to some sharp dialogue and relatable issues between their favourite Foxy couple.

Any clues as to what Kalinda’s life will be like now that her much-talked about husband is back in town on THE GOOD WIFE? — Miranda
The TV Addict:To say that Kalinda fans are in for a real treat when THE GOOD WIFE kicks off its much anticipated fourth season may in fact be the understatement of the year. Not only does Kalinda get more time in the spotlight than ever before, her storyline with her husband (Marc Warren) has us wondering if THE GOOD WIFE writer’s room spent a little too much of their down time this past hiatus reading the likes of 50 Shades of Grey and The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo.

This long suffering HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER fan could really use some encouragement: Should I even bother tuning into tonight’s season premiere? — Brandon
The TV Addict:Short answer: Yes, yes, and oh yes! Unfortunately the long answer is a slightly more complicated. So, to avoid giving away anything about tonight’s immensely enjoyable season opener, we’ll simply leave it at this: Those recording the show are going to want to make extra-sure that they’ve got those last few minutes covered! Also, serious kudos to co-creators Carter Bays and Craig Thomas for perfectly working Marshall and Lily’s newborn baby into the fold.

Any ONCE UPON A TIME Scoop? — Cole
The TV Addict:We do, but fans rooting for David and Mary Margaret’s happily-ever-after are probably not going to want to hear it. Which is to say: Fans should brace themselves for a separation of the two lovebirds throughout the show’s first three episodes of the season while newly discovered mother/daughter duo Emma and Mary Margaret embark on a mission of their very own. Also of note, expect one of the seven dwarves to discover what happens when any of the townspeople try to step past the Storybrooke city limits during the show’s second episode of the season. Spoiler Alert: Not something you’re going to want to try at home!

Word on the internet is that you may have seen the first episode of REVENGE’s second season? Spill! — Janice
The TV Addict:Since ABC doesn’t actually trust us TV types to screen an episode without giving away major plot points in their entirety, we’ve only had the opportunity to check out the first two acts of the second season premiere. Thus, in lieu of any actual scoop, we hope the opening quote that creator Mike Kelley has chosen to start off the second season will shed some much needed light on what awaits Emily in her quest for revenge, “Destiny has two ways of crushing us… by refusing our wishes… and by fulfilling them.”

When is DEGRASSI returning? — Billy
The TV Addict:Canada’s most popular export returns on Friday October 12 at 9PM, with a second half of season 12 episodes that — according to a not at all bias MuchMusic press release — promises “dramatic storylines and challenging topics, tackling issues such as bullying, depression, and gender identity struggles.”

Any idea how Pete is being written off PRIVATE PRACTICE? — Jennifer
The TV Addict:We have a sneaking suspicion as to how Pete is being written off the show, but before we tell you we’re going to have to kindly ask for you to not shoot the messenger! Ominously titled, “Mourning Sickness” PRIVATE PRACTICE’s 100th episode of the series features the doctors joining together for a celebration at Addison’s house and to reminisce about the past. Gulp!

How worried should Dexter fans be as to how Deb is going to handle discovering his secret? — Mikey
The TV Addict:Very worried! Although, having already had the pleasure of checking out the first few episodes of the upcoming seventh season, those rooting for America’s favorite serial should be less worried about Dexter’s future and more worried about his past. Specifically one of his past victims that not only comes back to haunt him in a big way, but could play a far larger role in eventually seeing him spend the rest of his life behind bars.

Photo of the Day: The Secret to THE GOOD WIFE’s Success

theTVaddict — Tue, 28 Aug 2012 18:10:20 +0000

With television talent both in front and behind the camera making a habit of tweeting photos ranging from spoilerific to hilarious, theTVaddict.com thought it might be fun to introduce a new feature to the site that we’ve not-so-cleverly decided to call “Photo of the Day.” Today’s subject, courtesy of serial guest star Denis O’Hare (@denisohare), comes an interesting insight into how on earth THE GOOD WIFE continuously manages to attract a seemingly never-ending string of unbelievable guest stars: Free Kisses!

Your First Look at THE GOOD WIFE Season Four

theTVaddict — Tue, 21 Aug 2012 20:57:47 +0000

Question: What do Nathan Lane, Kristin Chenoweth and Marc Warren have in common? Well, if you answered that all three talented actors play pivotal roles in THE GOOD WIFE’s upcoming fourth season premiere you (a) definitely have what it takes to call yourself a TV Addict and (b) will probably want to take a moment to check out these just released first look photos from the hit CBS legal drama’s sizzling September 30th premiere.

Where Lane, Chenoweth and Cypress come in is that when the episode, appropriately titled “I Fought the Law,” isn’t focused on Alicia going toe-to-toe with an overzealous state trooper she believes wrongfully targeted Zach for a ticket, it will serve as an introduction to Kalinda’s manipulative and dangerous ex-husband Nick (Marc Warren), an appointed trustee tasked with getting the firm out of debt named Hayden (Nathan Lane) and a top-of-her-game political reporter who starts sniffing around the Florrick campaign and marriage played by Kristin Chenoweth.

THE GOOD WIFE

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THE GOOD WIFE airs Sundays at 9PM on CBS (10PM on Global in Canada)

Wicked News: Kristin Chenoweth Books a Multi-Episode Arc on THE GOOD WIFE

theTVaddict — Tue, 26 Jun 2012 19:56:34 +0000

When the TV Gods close a door, they really do open a window. Case in point, this afternoon’s late-breaking news that has Kristin Chenoweth making the most out of the unfortunate demise of her most recent ABC series ~~PUSHING DAISIES~~ GCB by jumping on board THE GOOD WIFE for what is being billed as a recurring role.

According to CBS, “Chenoweth will match wits with both Alicia and Peter in her role as a top-of-her-game political reporter who wants to know more about the Florrick campaign and marriage.” According to us — combined with the recent casting of NEWSRADIO alum Maura Tierney as a Chicago billionaire, coupled with the recent revelation regarding Kalinda’s mysterious estranged husband — the fourth season premiere of THE GOOD WIFE can’t come soon enough!

THE GOOD WIFE airs Sundays at 9PM on CBS (10PM on GlobalTV in Canada) and stars Julianna Margulies,Matt Czuchry, Archie Panjabi, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski, Chris Noth, Makenzie Vega, Graham Phillips, Alan Cumming and Mary Beth Peil. Legally catch up on past episodes you may have missed for free online at clicktowatch.tv

Good News, Bad News: THE GOOD WIFE, HOUSE & CSI

theTVaddict — Sat, 21 Apr 2012 12:51:45 +0000

Good News: NBC has greenlit a new comedy starring Matthew Perry and executive produced by former FRIENDS showrunner Scott Silveri. Bad News: Crushing our dream of a series regular gig for Perry’s highly watchable Florrick nemesis Mike Kresteva on THE GOOD WIFE. [Source]

Good News: HOUSE is bringing back a familiar female face for its upcoming May 21st series finale. Bad News: No, Lisa Edelstein’s Cuddy is not checking back into Princeton-Plainsboro, but rather Amber Tamblyn’s polarizing Martha Masters. [Source]

Good News: CSI alum William Petersen will star in a new pilot for Cinemax. Bad News: What channel is Cinemax on again and how much extra is this going to cost us? [Source]