CBSThis is it. The Good Wife is over. Alicia Florrick is Peter Florrick. This is a lot to process. Let's get into "End."
The episode featured way more of Peter's corruption case than was needed. But in the end, it seemed like it was necessary to show the evolution of Alicia. She was willing to burn everything down to be the good wife to the very end. She ruined every relationship to be the good wife. There is no Jason. There is no Diane. There is no Peter. Who's left? Lucca? Eli? The education of Alicia Florrick is complete and she has been changed. For good? That's up for debate.
Things were sparked by the jury wanting to hear the 911 call in the case Peter apparently fixed. Lucca requested Jason's help on the case and they uncovered guest star Sutton Foster was there. You have Sutton Foster in an episode and you use her for 30 seconds? Anyway…the bullets were eventually found and retested and it showed they came from Locke's gun, so not great for Peter because he allegedly botched everything to save his friend's kid. In order to place doubt about the ballistic results, Alicia wanted to undercut Kurt. Diane, of course did not. So Alicia asked Lucca to step in and they went behind Diane's back, asking if Kurt had an affair with Holly. Obviously, Diane was not pleased. In the end, Peter took the plea deal: a year probation and he resigned as governor. Alicia was by Peter's side once again. Jason ghosted her. Diane slapped her (yes, just like Alicia did to Peter in the beginning of the series). Alicia was alone.
Throughout the episode Alicia spoke to the ghost of Will Gardner (yes, Josh Charles was back in the flesh, not just his voice with a shadowy figure.) It seemed odd to have him there since so much of the last two seasons have been about putting the ghost of Will Gardner to rest, but nonetheless it was delightful to get more Will and Alicia time. Their scenes were the highlight of the episode, even if he was just there to be her Jiminy Cricket. He told her to go to Jason, to be with him, but it was too late. Now this I am OK with. Alicia did not need a man. Never did. This was her story. She had her fun with Jason, but this was her story. Not a love story. This was Alicia story. And that's why I'm glad it did not end with her running off to be with him. Alicia was left to pick up the pieces of her life, alone. And into politics? Eli had convinced Peter's donors to cut ties with him and back Alicia. So now she's alone and that working relationship with Diane is going to be strained or nonexistent. When/if The Good Wife gets revived, Alicia will be what? Senator? Governor?
Do I like that Alicia became Peter? No, of course not. Do I like that this show has shown the growth of this character for seven years? Yes, of course. Did I want more character wrap up for the likes of Diane and Cary? Yes, yes, yes. That is my major gripe with this series finale. Too much time on the trial and bullets, not enough time to satisfy the needs of the audience. But finales aren't supposed to do that, right? Finales are the visions of the creators.
Last gasps: 2.
Some other things:
How great was Julianna Margulies in the episode? I'm not surprised, but just wanted to comment on that specifically. Especially after the slap, she really made you feel with no words. You knew her realization.
This episode was full of wonderful and poignant quotes. Something that has been missing since the Kings only wrote the premiere this season.
"Look at me. Do I look like I'm breaking down?" - Alicia
"Nothing's ever over. Remember that." - Will
"You wouldn't like it here now. Things have gotten sad." - Very true about the state of The Good Wife in recent weeks to be honest.
"Things used to be simpler." - Alicia
"No, things were never simple." - Will
"Go to him. You're done with Peter, like a fever, it's over." - Will
"Jason's not you." - Alicia
"Very few people are me." - Will
"What if I'm unhappy with him?" - Alicia
"Blame me." - Will
"I'll love you forever."- Alicia
"I'm OK with that." - Will
Me too. Thanks for reading all these recaps, I truly appreciate it! Continuing the discussion on Twitter: @chrisharnick.