S07.E01: Bond

[photo fox]

Alicia attempts to revive her struggling law career by once again starting her own law firm, this time with the assistance of Jason Crouse (new cast member Jeffrey Dean Morgan), a calm, experienced investigator whom she hires. Also, to help with his Presidential campaign, Peter engages Ruth Eastman (Margo Martindale, recurring), a national strategist who hides her intelligence and cunning under a fake, folksy charm, creating an interesting dynamic with Eli in the process. In addition, Cush Jumbo joins the cast as attorney Lucca Quinn.

[CleoCaesar]

by once again starting her own law firm

The addition of the "once again" sounds amusingly sarcastic. This is just getting ridiculously repetitive.

 

strategist who hides her intelligence and cunning under a fake, folksy charm

So basically Nancy Crozier/Elsbeth Tascioni redux. Very fresh material there, show.

[dcalley]

I like Morgan and Martindale, but I think I've made up my mind to quit this show. I'll probably read a bit of the discussion, though!

[Maherjunkie]

Dcalley I've been threatening to cut caffeine a thousand times.  I'm sure you'll be back!  I want more Elsbeth.

[LakeLover]

This is going to be challenging for me.

I don't like JDM - I see him and all I think of is Deddy (Dead Denny/Grey's) and his voice bugs the daylights out of me. I'm hanging on by a thread as it is, but the repetitive storyline and JDM may be the lethal combination for me.

[milkyaqua]

Dcalley I've been threatening to cut caffeine a thousand times.  I'm sure you'll be back!  I want more Elsbeth.

 

I doubt this will happen.  It was posted earlier in the Media thread that Carrie Preston has been cast in another show so I can't see Elsbeth coming back.

[Ms Blue Jay]

The Wig looks awful.  Or maybe it does every season and I just forgot.  And JM's skin tone has this ruddy quality, like she went tanning and they don't know how to apply makeup over it.

[Primetimer]

In the season premiere, Alicia gets new challenges, and The Good Wife gets new life.

Read the story

[Shelby]

I'm not looking forward to any of the storylines introduced tonight. I have a feeling that this season, these episodes will sit on my DVR for ages before I get to them.

Alicia annoys and bores simultaneously. Doesn't Grace have school, a job, a life? Peter's still egotistic scum.

The Kalinda minority female replacement seems like a good actress, but I don't care to get invested in her. Really, Kings? You had to hit us over the head and put JM and the strong WOC in a bar together?

I always enjoy Eli, and I like the actress playing his nemesis. She played Nina in The Riches.

Lockheart Gardner was a big yawn. What a colossal waste of Cary and Diane, both terrific talents.

Underwhelmed and disappointed tonight.

 

This is going to be challenging for me. I don't like JDM - I see him and all I think of is Deddy (Dead Denny/Grey's) and his voice bugs the daylights out of me. I'm hanging on by a thread as it is, but the repetitive storyline and JDM may be the lethal combination for me.

I saw the preview and thought, "Oh no, that monotone, expressionless, gravelly-voiced sucky actor from Extant." I can't put myself through more screentime with him.

[Tetraneutron]

So the show hit a total reset. They probably had to after the misfire that was last season. It's like 4 separate shows now. 

 

West Wing 2.0 is boring so far and I usually love the political stuff. It's just so predictable - the big meanie campaign people wants to turn Alicia into 1992 Hillary, even though she's a plucky underdog! How dare they! But she'll show them, yes she will! The attempts to make her a sympathetic outsider are so transparent it's not fun to watch. And when they pile on Judge Shooter McGavin being a total b to her for no logical reason? 

 

I did like the comic-relief court case though. Those are always the best. 

 

The law firm stuff was so, so, pointless. Especially Cary's pre-midlife crisis. Why is he still on the show? And Christine Baranski is wasting her talents. So's Zach Grenier. He's had nothing to do since season 4. And I'm completely bored with Louis Canning. The novelty of Michael J Fox playing a bad guy isn't as interesting as the show thinks. And come on . . . how realistic is it that Peter is RUNNING FOR BLOODY PRESIDENT (even if he doesn't intend on winning) and they're letting Alicia represent drug dealers and people they haven't vetted? If it's going to be such a big deal they have to rehab her image and make her an Ann Romney wifey, wouldn't they start with her job?

The Kalinda minority female replacement seems like a good actress, but I don't care to get invested in her. Really, Kings? You had to hit us over the head and put JM and the strong WOC in a bar together?

I didn't think of that at all. I'd totally forgotten about Kalinda. Honestly, she had so little to do the character basically left in season 3. And Luca didn't read as particularly strong. Just pilot-y. 

[Ms Blue Jay]

And when they pile on Judge Shooter McGavin being a total b to her for no logical reason?

 

Love the reference of course; film's greatest villain.

[swimmyfish]

I think Eli's revenge plan is shaping up to be the most interesting plot of the season. Peter's done a lot of shady stuff through the series and I was always quick to forgive him, but you do not cross Eli and stay in my good graces.

Again, too little Diane, although it was nice to see her ferocious in court.

Oh, Cary. What are they doing to you? Maybe you should go get a job with Louis Canning. Or for him; it looks like being in charge doesn't quite suit you.

Overall I thought this was a pretty strong premiere. I'm cautiously optimistic about this season.

[Tetraneutron]

The problem with this show is their best actors and most compelling characters - Eli, Diane, David Lee - are the ones with the least reason to be on the show, storylinewise. So the plotting makes no sense half the time. They should cut them down to recurring like they do with Peter (a character who's fun and awesome because we don't see him all the time but drags down the show in big doses) but it's network, not cable, as they constantly remind us, so. 

 

But I love the idea of Eli as a villain working against the Florricks. And if they actually do something with Ruth Eastman that could be fun to watch. As long as Alicia isn't a helpless naif caught in the crossfire. The show's best when they let Alicia be morally compromised instead of the relatable one.

 

And speaking of morally corrupt, isn't the show beyond making the lawyer who works for Big Tobacco the devil? It's so CBS procedural.  

[dbell1]

I swore I was out, but I hit the DVR button anyway. I poured a big glass of Alicia wine and actually liked it. I might rewatch when sober, but this was more fun.

Crush Jumbo (really? That's a name?) was good. Cary was appropriately annoyed, and Alan Cummings continues to make the show. Peter is still a dick, Howard is still a letch, and Grace finally has a storyline, as unpaid labor. She just better watch out for awards or praise, because we know Saint Alicia doesn't like anyone outshining her. A bit annoyed they replaced Kalinda with a Google search.

Margo Martindale has always annoyed me with her 'acting', so she can leave soon.

[whatsatool]

so Peter did have an affair with that ethics lady. Sigh

[lovinbob]

The wigs really stood out tonight. Thank God Eli went natural!

 

Surprisingly I kind of liked it. The Eli thing was surprising, and Alan Cumming sold it. I enjoyed Jane Curtin as the minimally quirky Quirky Judge, and the Case of the Week was a nice change of pace. However "Tack On Notes" was beyond lame.

Edited October 5, 2015 by lovinbob

[Tetraneutron]

Of course. If Peter took his marriage seriously, the audience won't be sympathetic to Alicia when she cheats on him. But this way, now that he's a total sleaze bag who doesn't care about Alicia as a wife OR a lawyer, the audience won't mind when she cheats on him and helps Eli blow up his campaign.

[vibeology]

When Peter fired Eli I knew right away it would be a problem with Alicia. Eli might have worked for Peter, but he was connected to Alicia. She doesn't really have friends, but he's pretty close to the best thing she has. Peter does not understand his wife if he thought she's be cool with a stranger being up in their weird marriage. It has very little to do with the show, but I'm excited to see Eli take Peter and Margo Martindale down.

[Auntie Anxiety]

To me, the Eli-Eastman fight was like bad drama gone ridiculous.  I really want to continue to watch this show, but they have to give me something, anything!  With my busy Sunday night tv schedule, I need a good reason to take up DVR space, not to mention my time.

[Ms Blue Jay]

Cush Jumbo; not Crush.  The Ethics lady was Melissa George right.  I didn't understand it was confirmed they had an affair but then Eli confirms it?

[whatsatool]

Yes he did.

[bentley]

It was foolish of Peter to let Eli go. He knows where all the bodies are buried, and considering Peter's history, that may not be a metaphorical statement. He knows enough to annihilate Peter  and Alicia. That's not the person you let go or allow to become an enemy. He and Margo Martindale will be worthy opponents this season.

 

I like the new female attorney so far, and I'm looking forward to seeing Alicia have a friendship again.

 

I don't know if MJF's meds are working better or maybe he's in a little bit of a remission? He seemed much less twitchy and his speech was better than last season.

 

I could relate to Cary's dilemma tonight. I once joined a club where I was too young for the senior crowd and too old for the younger crowd. It's a lonely feeling. 

 

Seeing JDM and realizing his purpose made all my Matthew Goode bitterness come to the surface. Such a waste.

[eeyore]

Yawn. This show has become so disappointing. There are so many good characters here but they're stuck in these boring, who gives a fart, storylines. 

Madam Secretary was much more interesting tonight. I don't think I've ever thought that before. 

[pennben]

Hmmm, I've just realized I really don't like Alicia anymore. That does put a damper on liking the show. I love Margo Martindale but hate the way the Kings handle political storylines, so I'm concerned there too. On the other hand, I like NewKalinda, so there's that. Also, I loved Jane Curtin. Hope she shows up again from time to time.

Edited October 5, 2015 by pennben

[CleoCaesar]

Huh. I've been hate-watching this dreck for 2-3 seasons now, but....I kind of liked this episode.

 

Grace was not annoying for the first time EVER. Her manic secretary act actually make me chuckle.

Louis Canning was not annoying for the first time EVER. I don't even know what's happening.

I liked Luca quite a bit. She's smart, spunky, and doesn't have annoying knee-high boots, leather jacket, and stupid sunglasses on all the time.

I really like the idea of Eli turning on Peter. But I will say that Eli's dialogue tonight was just so on the nose. It was like a soap opera villain explaining his nefarious plot to the person he's plotting against.

Cary's career angst is starting to feel really stale. Like, is this dude ever happy? I love Cary, so it pains me to say it.

I don't know who Margo Martindale is but from the reaction her casting got, I feel like I'm supposed to. She didn't impress me.

Oh and the judge actually made me laugh. Several times. “Okay now you’re just making these jobs up.” And her sarcastic "You catch on quick!" to Luca. I loathe this show's "quirky" judges but she was a hoot.

[SunFun]

Best addition ever... Jane Curtin's amusingly befuddled judge. Coneheads rule. Here Jane, a made-up Emmy category just for you.

 

• All the new cast appealed to me, all proven actors, too.
• I LOVE a revenge-seeking Eli plotline. His nemesis was great on "The Americans". S/b interesting.
• Lockhart/Gardner was depressing. Which was the idea I suppose. If so, it worked. However, I do think it gutsy when a show takes a drastic turn away from the norm. Just don't keep it there. Please.
• Also appreciated the very clear contrast shown of how the justice system is doled out for those with less means. What a mess.
• Peter is still a dick. Some things don't change.

 

I'm in.

 

*Curtin not Curtain. Got it, M.

Edited October 6, 2015 by SunFun

[LekoBoy]

WTF was up with young, modern "Hexagon" lawyer "misreading the signals" Cary was putting out?  Or did he misread them?  Can we hook his up with Alicia's brother?

[atir]

Why the wig on JM?

[Rosebud1970]

Do you seriously expect me to believe, Show, that two high-powered and high-priced attorneys like Diane Lockhart and David Lee--especially David, who's a killer family law specialist--didn't know that the caretaker of an invalid is barred from inheriting more than $20,000 from the estate? Seriously?

And some bond attorney, with no working knowledge of the case, just dug into her bag o' tricks and pulled that out?

Yeah no.

Edited October 5, 2015 by Rosebud1970

[TheodoraK]

i understand everyone's objections and criticisms and respect them. but i freaking love this show. and i loved this episode. does anyone know a lot about fashion on tv shows? the Kalinda stand-in's dresses are just fabulous. i'm praying that they are from H&M but it's more likely that they are Dolce and Gabana.

 

dbell1, if you dislike Margo Martindale -- i find her annoying as well -- then you need to watch The Americans and see her get bitch slapped by Keri Russell's character. it's very satisfying because she's a creepy gal on that show.

 

Margo Martindale has always annoyed me with her 'acting', so she can leave soon.

[SunFun]

Do you seriously expect me to believe, Show, that two high-powered and high-priced attorneys like Diane Lockhart and David Lee--especially David, who's a killer family law specialist--did know that the caretaker of an invalid is barred from inheriting more than $20,000 from the estate? Seriously?

And some bond attorney, with no working knowledge of the case, just dug into her bag o' tricks and pulled that out?

Yeah no.

So true. Not to mention the judge would also know.

[Shelby]

Why the wig on JM?

She's always worn a wig, just better ones than the one4 she had on tonight.

Seeing JDM and realizing his purpose made all my Matthew Goode bitterness come to the surface. Such a waste.

I guess you didn't watch Extant. JDM replaced Goran Vsj., and on the forums here women were gushing about how sexy he is. It made me stabby.

[meisje]

Why the wig on JM?

 

If you ever feel like listening to Juliana talk at length about why she has wigs to play Alicia, just check youtube for any talk show appearance, she never stops talking about her $10,000 wigs. I could care less about the use and cost of wigs, but she always turns it into this big deal about how she has so much hair and it takes just ages to style it and blah, blah, blah... Seriously though, I've heard her tell Letterman about it at least 4 times at length, as though she's one of the few working actresses today wearing a wig on film! It's just more of her "me me me" drivel that I no longer have patience for (sorry!). She has also talked about how Alicia is a woman who would have that 'politician's wife' hair and how she does not.

 

And yeah, the wigs have gotten rather terrible this season. Whomever is choosing the light auburn for Juliana is so dead wrong -- though I guess if they went for a darker/cooler color, it would just be JM in a suit standing ominously. And I'm over lace-front, widow's peak wigs -- they don't look that natural at all. Poor Alan having to hide his so-cute self under yet another widow'-peak wig, but now he's free at least.

I guess you didn't watch Extant. JDM replaced Goran Vsj., and on the forums here women were gushing about how sexy he is. It made me stabby.

 

I had no idea JDM was going to be on TGW, and, I managed to totally miss him on tonight's episode. He was there, right? I used to think he was an okay/interesting actor after having to play out such an awful storyline on GA, but then he's just dullsville revisited in every role since, and he is picking the roles I assume... There is almost no one they could cast as a love interest who would be less appealing/interesting to me. We need 80% more Cary for both his acting and fine looks, not another will they/won't they (they never do -- and why would they?) for Alicia. JDM is the stabbiest "replacement" for Goren that I can imagine, btw!

 

So Peter did have an affair with that ethics lady. Sigh

 

I thought that was a reference to Connie Nielson's character, but who knows?

 

The Kalinda minority female replacement seems like a good actress, but I don't care to get invested in her. Really, Kings? You had to hit us over the head and put JM and the strong WOC in a bar together?

 

Ugh, that was bad, like spoof bad. It struck me as a, "Oh, so for all of you who thought Juliana wouldn't film a scene with an actress drinking in a bar, here she is amongst the people!" Um, no thanks CBS/Kings. I also cracked up over Alicia's humble start with that character, which rapidly turned to how a "how dare she? I have another case (involving an 8M Chagall)!" when she was called to cover bond court. Classic Alicia.

 

Oh geez, I get the feeling that Peter's aspirations for Vice Prez are just a set-up to preserve the possibility of a season 8 where we'd have yet another campaign/race/they-have-to-stay-together-for-appearances storyline. Exhausting. They need to take seriously the wonderful characters they already have and write for them.

[vibeology]

How realistic is it that Matan, who prosecutes high profile cases and probably has seniority , is the only da in bond court?

Also, what happened to all the partners form FA? All the young fifth years who left? I'm really confused about what the writers think happened when Diane joined the firm? Why are there so many 80+ partners? Why is Cary the only partner under 40?

[photo fox]

18 minutes in before we see Cary, 19 minutes in before we see Diane? You're losing me, show.

That Cary story was so ridiculous. I can see that would be a reality for a lot of young partners, but he has NEVER been shown to have any problem with being the youngest person in the room. Cary likes to be in charge; he's been fighting to be in the partner group since episode one. I can fanwank that FA was less stodgy with less division between partners and associates, but he's been at LA for awhile now. And what happened to Carey-with-an-E and the others?

I definitely rolled my eyes at "Alicia in a bar with a WOC." And then almost rolled them clear out of my head when she was all, "oh, I'm not going to sit here, I'm going to dance! I'm not like Kalinda AT ALL!"

I did really like the character and the actress, though. I just hope they do something more interesting with her than making her the anti-Kalinda.

Eli and Peter were delicious as always, I really love Margo Martindale, and I freaking ADORE Nora, but I don't watch this show for political stories.

I almost forgot to mention CB. That's really saying something, and none of it good.

[lovinbob]

WTF was up with young, modern "Hexagon" lawyer "misreading the signals" Cary was putting out?  Or did he misread them?  Can we hook his up with Alicia's brother?

Please, no. Not a fan of Owen.

[Dowel Jones]

especially David, who's a killer family law specialist--did know that the caretaker of an invalid is barred from inheriting more than $20,000 from the estate? Seriously?

 

It wouldn't surprise me at all if David Lee knew ahead of time and was counting on neither the judge nor Alicia's not knowing in order to slide it on by the court.  He's always been a little on the outside of the line.

[kdm07]

I swore I was out, but I hit the DVR button anyway.

 

So did I. Mostly because I heard that Bridget Regan was a guest star. I will say I liked Eli, the new lawyer lady and Grace. I probably won't watch the season though and will decide whether or not to crank up the DVR over Christmas.

[Julie23]

I didn't start watching this show because of polutics, and now it seems that is most of what is show is focused on. I dispise Peter, could care less about his polical aspirations, or who is campaign manager is. I do love Eli though. Didn't really like much of tonight's episode except Jane Curtian and Eli. I must have missed where JDM came in?Don't remember seeing him tonight.

Some of the ridiculous things seen tonight:

Matan in Bond court, yeah, no.

No one except that one lawyer knowing the law for inheriting for care givers? Isn't that supposed to be David Lee's specialty?

A judge making impossibly high bail just because the lawyer needed a minute to read the file?

L&A now has 15 old-fart partners? Where did they come from? Did "Howie" raid the Senior Center?

[Inquisitionist]

Do you seriously expect me to believe, Show, that two high-powered and high-priced attorneys like Diane Lockhart and David Lee--especially David, who's a killer family law specialist--did know that the caretaker of an invalid is barred from inheriting more than $20,000 from the estate? Seriously?

And some bond attorney, with no working knowledge of the case, just dug into her bag o' tricks and pulled that out?

Yeah no.

 

They all may have known the law (although the way the scene played, it wasn't clear they did).  But more importantly, they didn't make the link that the "housekeeper" was actually a caretaker.

[Cutty]

The thing I don't get is why would Peter capitulate on Eli being Alicia's chief of staff? Ruth was presented as the holy grail of democratic operatives that Peter would do anything to get. Now we're supposed to believe he would think she's just being paranoid about not wanting Eli involved? I love Alan Cumming and the story thread will be interesting to follow but it's not at all plausible. 

 

An episode that features more dialogue from Grace Florick than Diane Lockhart isn't a good episode. Get your shit together, Kings.

[Tetraneutron]

It wouldn't surprise me at all if David Lee knew ahead of time and was counting on neither the judge nor Alicia's not knowing in order to slide it on by the court.  He's always been a little on the outside of the line.

That's what I thought. It's exactly the kind of sleazy thing he's done. 

 

So, what do we think of newly-competent, newly-mature, Grace? The Grace that last year was so dumb she gave a threatening note to her teacher can now actually help Alicia the way Zach used to. Good for her. I suppose the writers realized they'd gone way too far with Grace, shot clear past "innocent" and ended up at "mentally delayed". 

 

And no mention at all about her being a Christian! 

[Morbs]

I swore I was out, but I hit the DVR button anyway. I poured a big glass of Alicia wine and actually liked it. I might rewatch when sober, but this was more fun.

Crush Jumbo (really? That's a name?) was good. Cary was appropriately annoyed, and Alan Cummings continues to make the show. Peter is still a dick, Howard is still a letch, and Grace finally has a storyline, as unpaid labor. She just better watch out for awards or praise, because we know Saint Alicia doesn't like anyone outshining her. A bit annoyed they replaced Kalinda with a Google search.

Margo Martindale has always annoyed me with her 'acting', so she can leave soon.

We are exactly the same person. I drank Chardonnay, but I wondered if I liked the season premiere so much because I was drunk.

WIG!

[grannygeek]

So Peter did bone the ethics person. Then whose baby is it? Recall she was massively pregnant, wasn't she?

[milkyaqua]

I had no idea JDM was going to be on TGW, and, I managed to totally miss him on tonight's episode. He was there, right? I used to think he was an okay/interesting actor after having to play out such an awful storyline on GA, but then he's just dullsville revisited in every role since, and he is picking the roles I assume... There is almost no one they could cast as a love interest who would be less appealing/interesting to me. We need 80% more Cary for both his acting and fine looks, not another will they/won't they (they never do -- and why would they?) for Alicia. JDM is the stabbiest "replacement" for Goren that I can imagine, btw!

 

JDM wasn't on last night, they just showed him in the promo for next week.  Also, Julianna asked him to be on the show.

 

Considering Makenzie Vega is recurring and not a full-time cast member, I wouldn't get used to "not irritating Grace."

 

I don't know how I feel about the political shenanigans.  I like Eli but I'm not buying the Peter getting anywhere near the White House.  I know they're probably making this a central part of this season but I'm not looking forward to it.  I also agree with others wondering just what is going on Lockhart, Agos or whatever the firm is called these days.  I hope they figure out how to integrate all the regulars in a way that makes sense because watching Alicia and Peter is not why I started watching this show.

[Ms Blue Jay]

I don't know who Margo Martindale is but from the reaction her casting got, I feel like I'm supposed to. She didn't impress me.

People go nuts over her, that is true.  I don't get it either.  I tried to watch that show where she played Will Arnett's mother (????) and I'm not kidding, it was some storyline about her farting on a couch or some such nonsense.  I'm not joking.  No disrespect to the actor but whenever she pops up on these shows I'm not impressed either.  Will see how things go this season.

[karasmom]

As usual, I am out of step with about everyone else.  I loved the premiere and thought it was a breath of fresh air after last season, which seemed so dreary.  I loved the story line with Eli and I love Margo Martindale (ever since I saw her on "Justified" for which she won an Emmy) and am looking forward to JDM (from "Supernatural" for me) and more Michael J. Fox -- I love sneaky Canning.  The Good Wife is one of my top DVR shows.  And to show just how out of step I am, I never realized that JM was wearing a wig -- but then I never realized that Meagan was wearing a wig in The Blacklist either.  

Edited October 5, 2015 by karasmom

[Shelby]

I swore I was out, but I hit the DVR button anyway. I poured a big glass of Alicia wine and actually liked it. I might rewatch when sober, but this was more fun.

It's a dreary Monday at work, and this made me LOL. :)

[Marciac10]

Loved seeing Jane Curtin as the judge, and yes, it's spelled Curtin, not Curtain!  I admit I looked it up to double check!  Love it when she plays this kind of character!  Let's spell it correctly out of respect for the great SNL original cast member!

[Shelby]

As usual, I am out of step with about everyone else. I loved the premiere and thought it was a breath of fresh air after last season, which seemed so dreary. I loved the story line with Eli and I love Margo Martindale (ever since I saw her on "Justified" for which she won an Emmy) and am looking forward to JDM (from "Supernatural" for me) and more Michael J. Fox -- I love sneaky Canning. The Good Wife is one of my top DVR shows. And to show just how out of step I am, I never realized that JM was wearing a wig -- but then I never realized that Meagan was wearing a wig in The Blacklist either.

Love the premiere, like JDM, love Canning, don't see JMs wig, or Megan's horrid wig... you sound like a really cheerful, happy person. I need some of your upbeat attitude, I'm cynical and grouchy today.