The big Good Wife casting news that was announced over the summer was that former House star Lisa Edelstein would have a multi-episode arc as Will's (Josh Charles) ex girlfriend and rival lawyer, Celeste Serrano. The first episode of that story begins tonight as Alicia (Julianna Margulies) and Will must face Celeste as opposing council in a court-ordered mediation. This is likely to get way more complicated and heated than a simple courtroom battle thanks to the hotel location of this mediation.
Last time we saw Alicia and Will in a hotel was at the end of last season when they finally had the opportunity to succumb to their attraction to one another. Is there going to be a repeat of this night that some viewers were disappointed that they were denied seeing? Or will Celeste's presence put strain on this secret relationship? In the brief moments that we have seen of Will and Alicia in the first two episodes of this new season it is clear that the relationship at the moment is a very physical one, as you would expect with the sexual tension that has built up over the years. However are they dating? The secret status at the moment probably means that nothing has to be defined as of yet, but there is likely to be a strain from this secret especially if anyone such as Diane (Christine Baranski) or worse Peter (Chris Noth) finds out.
Peter is clearly already gunning for Will, who he already suspects has been sleeping with his wife for some time and the audit request last week showed that he is happy to tackle Will's firm. Diane made it clear that if Alicia becomes a liability then she would be out of a job, and after a long pause Will agreed to this course of action. Though I think this 'throwing Alicia under the bus' agreement from Will is for show. It certainly sets up a scenario for this season that will be problematic and make it impossible for the private and public sectors to stay separate.
This new addition of Celeste is likely to ruffle feathers and a clash with Alicia must be expected. There are conflicts in personality; Celeste is a gambler who loves to take risks and even with this new adventurous side of Alicia she is still a cautious person. Celeste is sticking around for 3 episodes, so that is plenty of time to do some damage.
Also in conflict this week are Diane and Eli (Alan Cumming), who disagree on the best way to handle a PR disaster that involves a dairy company. Having Eli working in-house at Lockhart/Gardner has opened up a wealth of story possibilities and this is one power struggle that will be compelling viewing. Will there be flared tension over who gets to use Kalinda (Archie Panjabi) after Eli became aware of her excellent investigative skills last week?
A familiar face returns this week as Alicia's brother Owen (Dallas Roberts) steps in whilst Alicia is away for work. He of course teases her about what might happen in the hotel, is Alicia going to spill her secret to Owen? I'm really happy to see the return of Alicia's mischievous sibling; he tends to bring out the more outgoing streak in Alicia and they have super chemistry (plus I think Dallas Roberts is fabulous).
What are your thoughts on this new season of The Good Wife so far? Looking forward to Lisa Edelstein's addition to the cast? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
For a look at the promo pictures and video for "Get a Room" head here.
Check out a sneak peek from tonight's episode featuring Lisa Edelstein below.
Love the clip and can't wait to see Lisa Edelstein on such a great drama!
I wish the Good Wife would start on time, or officially schedule the later time.
I hated Llsa Edelstein's character on "House, M.D.," and I hate her character on "The Good Wife." A rival for Will's affections is fine but not one who is annoying and whiny. I'm sure the show has contracted with Lisa for several episodes. I only hope it stops with that, or I might have to stop watching the show. The joy of watching Eli, Kalinda, Carey, and the others is outweighed by the nails-against-the-blackboard character played by L.E.
I love watching TGW but so far I am disappointed with the episodes. Not a big fan of Lisa Edelstein (her acting, so on and so forth). There’s something about her that just rubs me the wrong way. I hope they lose her soon!
I'm cranky because of weekly delay of GW. Impossible to DVR my favorite show. The role Edelstein plays is not interesting and interaction between Will/Cecila was boring. I also hate the Owen character and his soap-like dialogue. Love all the other characters. Hope the high standard of previous seasons returns.
I think Lisa is a great addition to the Good Wife. She was such an excellent actor on House.