The Good Wife Review: The Comedian, Breasts and Brazil

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"Anatomy of a Joke" introduced us to a woman (Christina Ricci), who used humor not only to make a living, but to get through the rough parts of life.

I really identified with her and couldn't help but giggle with her foot-in-mouth moments. She was a wonderful guest star with an interesting message.

Christina Ricci as Therese Dodd

Two weeks in a row and the focus was on women and their place in the world. I wonder if the power struggle between men and women and male bits and women's bits will ever be concluded.

There were two stories talking about penises. One about breast cancer. I don't know what slang words for penises are allowed to be used on prime time, but apparently none for breasts are permitted, as even on The Good Wife they managed to attempt a humorous way to mask any of them instead of really saying them out loud. It's ludicrous.

I found it fascinating how they compared the types of programming and that it made a direct difference in a network's decision to display nudity. Schindler's List was alright because of the subject matter, but because a comedian took on the subject of breast cancer in a less than serious way, it was offensive.

As Maddie Hayward continued running with the story about Peter's penis and a birthmark of Brazil, the joke found its way into Therese's comedy routine by the end of the episode. I couldn't tell if that was good or bad for Peter's campaign, but Alicia got a solid laugh. I'm glad they figured out Maddie had been planning her move for over a month, and I can't wait to see how they use it against her. Eli will surely have a fantastic scheme.

It has been long overdue, but so welcome to see Alicia and Cary sharing time together. Not only were they working the comedian case, but after running into Cary's dad, Alicia decided to knock on Cary's door and they sat on hotel room beds drinking, remembering how they were when they met and how far they've come.

We need a lot more of that on The Good Wife. With Alicia and Cary in particular, as they walked into the doors of Lockhart/Gardner at the same time. Their history is so interconnected, as even when Cary was forced out, he worked closely with Peter. There is so much material to mine between an Alicia and Cary partnership. When they work cases together, they could be unstoppable. 

The story between Cary and his dad was absolutely heartbreaking. When he told Cary he needed to talk, I was certain he was going to say was dying. His tone had a life or death aspect to it, and Cary heard it as well. Imagine his surprise when he found out dear old dad who hadn't spoken to him in years was asking for a handout. The audacity of some people is overwhelming.

Was I the only person who was confused about the actions of Mr. Prescott (Murray Abraham) and the role he played in the network vs. Therese case? One second he was standing with them and the next he was against them. His comments on their behalf with one of the FCC chairmen resulted in the dismissal of the case. I was so happy he didn't end up purchasing Lockhart/Gardner.

I wish Therese could have said something to make Mr. Hayden take a hike. His story has run its course, as has the entire "the firm is out of money" bit that has been on the front burner since The Good Wife began. I've lost track from from what their money challenges stem at this point. Swindling? Poor management? They've lost so many lawyers they can't possibly be paying too much in salary. 

The two most boring stories are Peter's cheating and Lockhart/Gardner's inability to stay afloat. The interpersonal stories are so much more interesting: Cary and Alicia, as was noted above, and Alicia helping Laura Hellinger find a job after she quit the Navy. What made that stand out was not so much her assistance, but Peter's complete faith in her recommendation. It's time to reintroduce the good wife of The Good Wife.

Where are Peter and Alicia in their marriage? There are little hints of them getting along much better, but taking the time to fill in the dots wouldn't be painful, at least to this viewer.

Anatomy of a Joke Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 (102 Votes)

Carissa Pavlica is the managing editor and a staff writer and critic for TV Fanatic. She's a member of the Critic's Choice Association, enjoys mentoring writers, conversing with cats, and passionately discussing the nuances of television and film with anyone who will listen. Follow her on X and email her here at TV Fanatic.

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The Good Wife Season 4 Episode 7 Quotes

Therese: Nice paperweight. First effort in metal shop or something?
Commissioner Bicks: That's from 9/11.
Therese: Damn those terrorists and their paperweights.

People aren't mean. They're just polite liars.

Alicia