Julianna Margulies
Matt Czuchry
Archie Panjabi
Graham Phillips
Makenzie Vega
Alan Cumming
Zach Grenier
Matthew Goode
Josh Charles
Christine Baranski

Created by:
Robert King
Michelle King

2009-
Crime, Drama, Mystery
CBS
TV-14

“The Good Wife” is one of my all-time favorite television shows, possibly my favorite television legal drama. The writing is pitch-perfect, especially for traditional network television. It’s a superlative example of that. In addition, the actors are brilliantly cast; each actor seems to be the perfect choice for each role. And the pacing is superb; they understand how to change rhythms to suit the ever-changing tone of the plot (from drama to comedy to tragedy and back again). This show drops bombs left and right, but it does so with skill. As a viewer, you need to be ready to weather constant obstacles along with the main character, Alicia Florrick (played by expert TV actress, Julianna Margulies).

During its fifth season, a major character is eliminated due to the actor’s desire to leave the show. And some fans have refused to accept that reasoning. In my opinion, it’s not up to me to write the show. As a viewer, it’s up to me to determine whether the show is delivering good to great material. This show always does that. So, while the loss of a major character is a shock, as long as this show remains in top form (so far, it has), I’ll certainly stay on board.

Another one of the strong points of “The Good Wife” is its inclusion of great roles for women. Christine Baranski and Archie Panjabi join Margulies to form a trio of central female characters. They each expertly portray characters with depth and individuality. The male leads and featured actors are also top-notch, including Josh Charles, Matt Czuchry, Alan Cumming, and Chris Noth. Many wonderful actors and actresses have appeared on this show in guest spots, as well (a hallmark of a great TV show).

The creators of this show, Robert and Michelle King, have outdone themselves.

Verdict: Great

About: (Source: goodwife)

THE GOOD WIFE is a drama starring Emmy Award winner Julianna Margulies as a wife and mother who boldly assumes full responsibility for her family and re-enters the workforce after her husband’s very public sex and political corruption scandal lands him in jail. Pushing aside the betrayal and crushing public humiliation caused by her husband, Peter, Alicia Florrick starts over by pursuing her original career as a defense attorney. As a junior associate at a prestigious Chicago law firm, she joins her longtime friend, former law school classmate and firm partner Will Gardner, who is interested in rekindling their former relationship. The firm’s top litigator and other partner, Diane Lockhart, likes Alicia’s work and her connections so she and Will award her with a full-time associate position following a trial period. Alicia beat out Cary Agos, a clever young attorney who takes a job in the state’s attorney’s office, now bitter and vengeful. Alicia finds an ally and a friend in Kalinda, the firm’s tough and mysterious in-house investigator. Gaining confidence every day, Alicia transforms herself from embarrassed politician’s scorned wife to resilient career woman, especially for the sake of providing a stable home for her children, 14-year-old Zach and 13-year-old Grace. Now that Peter is back home and planning to run for office again with help from Eli Gold, his cunning image consultant, Alicia continues to redefine herself and her role in her family’s life.