The moment we discover that Alicia (Julianna Margulies) and Will (Josh Charles) are working on a case that involves a pro-life/pro-choice debate, the tension is up. Invariably, this subject must be approached with caution, or else a show is likely to alienate about half its viewers.
And as always, The Good Wife approaches the case, and there fore the subject, from the point of view of the law. Feelings will not sway the course of judgement - only law can do that.
For the first half of the episode, Will is, as always, certain that the case will be won. He, therefore, refuses to make a deal, which would involve dropping a civil suit involving over 60 couples who were denied the insurance for life-saving surgeries performed on their babies while the baby was still considered a fetus.
And when the judge is forced to rule against the couple, Will cannot be indifferent.
Our big tough lawyer, who is willing to make a deal with drug dealers to keep his firm from going under, is reduced to tears because he did not choose to drop the civil suit. He could have, and the insurance company would have paid, but he did what he had to do for the many. And he hates himself that it hurt that one family. To see him at such a moment of weakness and vulnerability, his strength not fully and always for show, just gave another layer to the character.
It was also a perfect moment for that first kiss between him and Alicia. Had it happened in any other way, I doubt I would have believed it. Despite everything, Will has a real sense of honour, and he never would have done anything to hurt Alicia in regards to her husband or her job if he had not been in such pain, in such need of the love and reassurance of another human being.
And when she fled, and came back, and left again, she went to Peter (Chris Noth). She too needed the reassurance of another human being, preferably her husband whom she still wants to love.
The scene where Alicia begs Will not to hate her, and he admits that they've never had good timing, was also expertly performed. Such honest moments are rarely shown on television, and my heart went out to both characters, both who are subject to the whims of fate and timing.
The Good Wife continues to be amazing; I can't wait to see how the rest of the season develops and how they will top the whole thing next season.
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