Article first published as THE GOOD WIFE Review Season 6 Episode 14 Mind's Eye on Seat42F.
This
week’s episode of THE GOOD WIFE on CBS, entitled “Mind’s Eye,” is
really great, and also very different than any other episode of the
series, if not of television in general. A large portion of the hour
plays out in Alicia’s (Julianna Margulies) imagination, rather than in
reality. This is not a fantasy in the traditional sense, though, nor a
musical extravaganza. Instead, the series takes us through her thought
process on several issues, sometimes interconnecting, showing
possibilities play out and how she comes to the conclusions and
decisions that she comes to.
First off, Alicia is preparing for an
interview to secure a major endorsement that could win her the State’s
Attorney election. Prady (David Hyde Pierce) does very well with his own
attempt, making her nervous. She has reason to be concerned. What if
they ask about her son, Zach’s (Graham Phillips), abortion? What is they
ask her is she’s aware her PAC is being funded by drug kingpin Lemond
Bishop (Mike Colter)? Should Alicia tell the truth, or play the
politician?
Secondly, Louis Canning (Michael J. Fox)
is still suing the firm and threatening to publicly smear Alicia just
before the election. Canning is smart, likely having his former partner,
David Lee (Zach Grenier), in his pocket. He also milks his health
issues for all they’re worth. But when he does turn out to be very sick,
Alicia rushes to the hospital, putting her compassion for a human being
ahead of her rocky relationship with the jerk of a man.
Both of these intersect, giving her
ideas for the other. They are not obviously related, but the mind is
good at making connections. People are hard wired to find patterns, and
the smartest ones, like Alicia, use that to their advantage. Her jumping
back and forth from one notepad to the next, scribbling ideas as they
come, is impressive to watch and inspiring. This isn’t just an
experimental, cool look into human psychology, but also gives us a
deeper insight into a particular beloved character.
This being The Good Wife,
romance does come into play in “Mind’s Eye.” Alicia has been unable to
move on from Will (Josh Charles), although she has two possible suitors
at present, Finn Palmer (Matthew Goode) and Johnny Elfman (Steven
Pasquale). This episode has her find a way to let go of Will, finally
opening herself up to new possibilities. It’s time, and I’m glad to see
Alicia hasn’t given up on finding love.
Charles doesn’t actually appear as Will
in the episode, his appearances shrouded in shadow, though the actor’s
voice is clear. This might be because of a scheduling conflict, but I
think it works out rather well as it’s done. Will is fading, becoming an
indistinct memory, and she doesn’t need to have him firmly locked in
her mind.
There are also a ton of little, juicy
tidbits tossed into “Mind’s Eye.” Alicia imagines Kalinda (Archie
Panjabi) and Peter (Chris Noth) together, proving she’s never forgiven
her former friend and husband. She sees Richard Dawkins (Michael
Siberry) and Pastor Easton (Gbenga Akinnagbe) as she struggles with
religion and morality. Sometimes the people in her head turn and talk to
her. And, as has become frequent, Marissa (Sarah Steele) pops in to
give terrific one-liners and insights. She should be locked into the
cast full-time immediately.
Throughout “Mind’s Eye,” Alicia is
having trouble finding her voice, both figuratively and literally. She
doesn’t know what she wants to do. But at the conclusion, when she makes
up her mind, her voice comes back. She compromises with herself and
decides what she thinks is best, which often isn’t clear-cut in complex,
adult decisions. It’s quite a clever little metaphor that adds to the
enjoyment of the immensely enjoyable piece.
Not a lot happens in “Mind’s Eye,” yet
it’s one of my favorite episodes of THE GOOD WIFE this season. It shows
once again how the series is willing to take chances and make bold
choices. This series is on the bubble this year, but I desperately hope
it is renewed because it is probably the best show on the broadcast
networks, certainly one of the most original, and every week I
anticipate it greatly.
The Good Wife airs Sundays at 9 p.m. ET on CBS.
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