I’ve talked about how much I hate procedurals, and even though I’m a little unsure if legal dramas fit that mold, I generally avoid them. When there is some hook, though, I usually check them out. For example, I did watch Eli Stone and Ally McBeal. This year I decided to tune into The Good Wife, and so far, I’m glad that I have.
I think it was the star power of Julianna Margulies that initially had me interested. This is somewhat odd, because I haven’t really watched much of Margulies’s work, but for some reason, I really like her. I was never an ER fan and I skipped Canterbury’s Law (as most did), so most of my first hand experience with Margulies has been through guest appearances. Still, I like her, and so I tuned in.
Having watched the first five episodes of the show now, I have realized that Alicia Florrick may be the best new character of the season.
What I really love about The Good Wife is the somber tone that it sets so well. Most of this is through the subtle and internal struggle of Alicia. Margulies does a great job of staying prim, proper, and repressed as the titular “good wife” of a disgraced politician, while at the same time remaining vulnerable. I think it’s a testament to Margulies’s acting chops that she pulls this off.
I really think that the character has great depth. I love watching her trying her best in the difficult situation of her life. Whether it’s trying to be there for her kids while working, dealing with the young upstart lawyer at work, or clashing with her mother-in-law, Alicia is always fascinating to watch. She obviously cares deeply for her family, staying with her husband even after the details of his torrid affair became public (very public). At the same time, though, she is also wounded and angry.
Most of all, though, she kicks some serious ass. Somehow she manages her crazy life while doing everything that she needs to do in the courtroom for her clients. With her quiet dignity she is able to move ahead and make Cary, the young lawyer, look even greener than he is.
I’m enjoying The Good Wife and look forward to seeing more of Alicia Florrick.
Clacked by Bob Degon
on Oct 22, 2009 @ 10:30 EST5EDT
I’m with you in enjoying her, although I’m always surprised to see just how little she stands up for herself in the face of her husband. She got back on her feet to support her family, but what about lashing out for what Chris Noth has put her and their kids through?
Every time he talks about fixing the corruption problems and getting everything back to normal, I expect her to spit in his face. When is that coming?
I think it is coming, and you could see some of it taken out on her mother-in-law in this week’s episode. I do appreciate the quiet anguish though, and that the relationship isn’t just being played for melodrama. It’s so rare to find an understated and subtle drama.
I’m only as current as last week, but I was surprised that Alicia just hopped-to when her husband’s lawyer requested evidence, a video, a receipt; she never even paused to consider what his getting out might do, or whether or not she wants him out.
I get that “what is she supposed to do?”, but it still surprised me.
best new drama of the season, hands down. the cast is great.
I’ve looked at the things she’s done to help her husband as more like things she’s done to help her kids’ father. I believe Alicia sees herself as honoring her familial commitments — unlike her husband — while in no way excusing his behavior or even forgiving him (at least, not yet). She loves him as much as she is repulsed by what he has done — the sex and the (alleged) corruption. That’s a human dilemma, not a quick plot point.
I’m totally with Bob in appreciating the drama, not melodrama, of Alicia Florrick living her very complicated life. It looks to me like Alicia has put any decision-making regarding the future of her marriage on hold — for now. Should her husband get out on bail, or even be acquitted, she will have a serious choice to make.
I my opinion, it is simply the best new drama on TV this season. Like some others, I was did not know much of Julianna Marguliis–I have been a fan of Chris Noth since his Law & Order days–but this show has already became a “Must See” in our house.