The Good Wife Review: Making Her Choice

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"Death of a Client" was unlike any other episode of The Good Wife. It was St. Patrick's Day in Chicago and craziness ensued everywhere.

Instead of focusing on a legal case or matter, the hour revolved around the death of Alicia's litigious client, the political campaign and ultimately to the past and present of Alicia's love life. It was a whirlwind of activity and even when it got rather convoluted it was still entertaining. 

Alicia & Mike

The murdered Matthew, played by the brilliant John Noble, was seen only in flashbacks through Alicia's memories of her client. While he drove her nuts with his numerous lawsuits and repeated Bach tune, she had a friendly relationship with him. The lawsuits provided his life with purpose and a much adored relationship with Alicia. Unfortunately, it also cost him his life. 

Initially, the focus of the inquiry was on Matthew's police harassment suit, but in the end, Kalinda speculated that it was the seemingly harmless dog barking case that led to his death. The investigator's treatment of the case from the beginning was suspect. Why would Alicia need to go down to the police station that night to answer questions? With all that happened at the police station and getting Kalinda involved, the timing didn't come across as realistic. The unbelievable set-up is forgiven because of the story that it was able to tell.

Alicia's flashbacks of Matthew and Laura's inquiry about Will provided the links she needed to work through her relationship with her former lover. The viewers never got to see much of Alicia and Will together romantically and her memories showed that they did love each other and had amazing chemistry together. And, that closeness was still there when they were in the interrogation room together. 

Even Laura saw something between the two of them. Regardless, Alicia made it as clear as she could that they both needed to move on. Even if their hearts didn't want them to, it was what was best for them both. Plus, she said she was with Peter again. What? That was a shocker. Sure, she and Peter had hooked up a few times, but the last time she rejected his invitation for a date.

Later St Patrick's Day evening, Alicia had to deal with her mother's big mouth about her children's conceptions. It was no surprise that Alicia loves her children. She shows that every single day, but it was a shock to hear her say she loved Peter. This statement on the surface makes sense, but the depth of meaning behind it was as out of nowhere as when she told Will she was back with Peter. 

I have a difficult time believing the Alicia that we saw here. There was absolutely no basis for her actions and I blame it on poor writing. The transitions between Alicia's actions have had little basis throughout this season. She's pined for Will, while having quickies with Peter. And, now she proclaims she's in love with Peter. I've never been a fan of her getting back with her husband given what little regard he has had for her.

If he wanted to win her back, he should have made a grand gesture and earned her respect back. Instead, Alicia acted like one of the floozies that Peter had affairs with and that's not the basis of a successful relationship or marriage. If Alicia does love Peter, they have a lot of work ahead of them to make the marriage work. 

While Alicia was pondering her relationships, Peter and Mike Kresteva were battling each other for a hug from the Cardinal. Politics is a dirty game and this one evening showed just how low the candidates would go. Mike was willing to sully Zach with a well-place lie in order to better his position. There was no way for Peter to out the lie because it required telling a horrible truth. The dirtiness of politics.

If anyone deserves getting punched then Mike did for his actions. Peter cracked me up the way he punched him, busted the glass, and taunted him. Peter went all in just like Mike. Way to play the game! Ultimately, the Cardinal didn't hug either man. They both disgraced the other leaving neither of them worthy of the subtle endorsement. I give the Cardinal credit for seeing them both for the relentless politicians they are.

Even though I have issues with the way Alicia's character has been written regarding her love life, I love this new spunky Alicia. Her interaction with Mike at the beginning of the party was hilarious. She just laid it all out there no holds barred. And, as always, she is one of the best mothers on television. She demonstrates how it's possible to be a hard-working woman, while loving and mothering her children.

Odds and Ends

  • The potential threats to Matthew were quite far-reaching with 18 pending lawsuits and even Mossad mentioned.
  • Even though it was St Paddy's Day, there is no way that police station would have been like that. It was insane and rather creepy. And, the music. It was too much.
  • Alicia's mother proved again that she has a big mouth. How could any grandmother think it's okay to tell your grandchildren about their "unfortunate" conception. Despite her horrific behavior, Alicia handled it perfectly. She's an admirable mother.
  • The fake GPS move by Detective Young was despicable. Why in the world would he make her think her family was in danger? It was not worth it and he should be reprimanded for his action. I'm not sure if this story is over or not, but I hope we get some resolution about this.
  • Peter asked Diane to consider being a Supreme Court Judge. Wow. That would definitely shake things up on the show and at the firm. It's an amazing opportunity. If she decides to take it, I wouldn't be surprised if something comes up to prevent her from actually taking it. 
  • Kalinda was out on a date and left to help Alicia, but then when she saw Cary he grabbed her hand. What's is the story between those two?
Do you buy that Alicia is in love with Peter and over Will? Or is she just fooling herself about her true feelings? Was Mike or Peter worse with the lies and manipulations? 

Death of a Client Review

Editor Rating: 4.5 / 5.0
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User Rating:

Rating: 4.0 / 5.0 (121 Votes)

Carla Day is a staff writer for TV Fanatic. Follow her on Twitter and on Google+.

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The Good Wife Season 4 Episode 18 Quotes

Alicia, you are saint Alicia. I know you don't like that, but you are. For tonight, go for it.

Eli

I swear if you start clocking my alcohol intake, I'll start doing shots.

Alicia