‘The Good Wife’ Review: ‘Parallel Construction, Bitches’

Worlds of The Good Wife fans became whole again when the show returned from its too long two month hiatus last night. “Parallel Construction, Bitches”, the first of a three-episode event surrounding Peter’s newest scandal, brought us back to Chicago and into the lives of Alicia Florrick and company.

I must acknowledge the lack of hateful exchanges between Florrick/Agos and Lockhart/Gardner. What a relief to have an entire episode without them fighting, being nasty to each other or simply trying to undercut one another somehow.

I’d like to discuss a few things I loved from this episode:

Alicia Watching TV

One of the most normal things to do, I know. Something about Alicia’s complete lack of understanding of what she and Grace were watching was both hilarious and adorable. Add to that the fact that we got a rare downtime moment of her with her kids and this scene was a win. I would have been satisfied with just that one, but then they gave us another at the end where Alicia said what I quickly added to my ‘Reasons Why We Love Alicia’ list: “I think this will make sense if I get more wine.” Yes, Alicia. YES. She…is ME.

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The Gang’s All Here

As I mentioned before, all lawyers were present and defending Lemond Bishop, without hateful exchanges. I loved seeing them all together again. They’re all fabulous lawyers and characters we love. Well, maybe not Cary so much. At least, not for me. (I am NOT commenting on the Kalinda/Cary stuff…nope). But, to see them all together, fighting to save Mr. Bishop, gave me a little case of nostalgia. Judge Kluger saying their names out of order and Diane standing to attention in response when he said “Mrs. Florrick” was icing on the LOL cake for me.

Mama Bear

When Mr. Bishop and his slimy little lawyer, Charles Lester, made accusations that someone at Florrick/Agos was possibly leaking information, Alicia immediately jumped into mama bear mode and came to the defense of her baby: her firm and her employees. Alicia is known for fiercely protecting her children, so to see her extending that same protection to her staff was a nice change and another way to show us how she’s able to hold her own now. “If there was a leak, and I very much doubt that there was, then I’m responsible.” HBIC.

No Peter or Damian or Isabel

Either Santa came early for me or my birthday gift was on backorder and finally arrived. Whatever the reason? Hallelujah! I had an entire episode without Peter Florrick, Damian Boyle or Isabel Whateverherlastnameis. Now, I’m not stupid, I’m sure that Damian will pop back up again soon and I fear it won’t be in a pleasant way. Isabel has absolutely no relevance to, well, to anything, so no reason for us to see her again. I also, admittedly, find it rather odd that we are not seeing Peter. I mean, these episodes are revolving around HIS scandal after all. However, I will enjoy this while it lasts.

Will Gardner

Must give credit where credit is due. Agent Nelson Dubek of the Office of Public Integrity really did try his best hand at getting Will to cooperate with him: “I was under the impression that Gov. Florrick’s wife stole some of your top clients.” Nice try, buddy. Will did not give in. He had his chance to hurt Peter, and in the process, Alicia. What a perfect payback for him, right? The woman he loves, in his eyes, betrays him; her husband, that she ended everything with him for, committed election fraud and he could bring him down. Bring them both down. But, he doesn’t. I can’t help but wonder why? Is it, as the Alicia/Will fans assume and hope? That he loves her too much? Or is there more to it? I’m really pondering this one.

Alicia’s Hair and Wardrobe

Hello Alicia Florrick! Her hair? It changed from the courtroom to her firms offices. I’m not complaining, though. From beginning to end, her hair was flawless. I wanted everything she was wearing. From the sweater at the start of the show to the coat she was wearing when she met the judge for lunch (another fabulous hair moment!) to the top she was wearing at the end. All of it.

Now, I have to mention my absolute favorite scene of the episode:

Alicia and Mr. Dubek

Oh, Alicia. You and your snark. How much do I love thee? Let me count the ways. Mr. Dubek thought he could show up at her office and intimidate her into incriminating her husband. He didn’t stand a chance. Alicia had a comeback for each of his attempts at making her feel uneasy. She even turned the tables on him and gave him a little life advice. Alicia superbly kept her cool and maintained her professional demeanor when we all know she was panicking inside. A fact that became clear when she immediately called Eli after Mr. Dubek left her office. As we all know, her main concern in this entire thing is the role Zach plays in it. He was on the witness stand. This could be problematic for young Mr. Florrick.

So, after a two month absence from our lives, I give The Good Wife an A+ for a fantastic return episode that left us with more questions than we had when we started it. An added bonus was the promo for next week, which had a teaser for the following, shocking episode. I’d love to know what everyone thinks the big shocker is. I have so many theories, but I can’t bring myself to believe the Kings would do any of them. What do you guys think? Leave your comments and let me know!