Ep 2. Stripped

With 22 episodes in the first season, The Good Wife's second episode titled Stripped, aired on September 29, 2009, and was directed by Michael Zinberg. The show follows Alicia Florrick, a Chicago housewife, whose husband has been involved in a sex and corruption scandal resulting in his incarceration. The series portrays Alicia's attempts to rebuild her life while raising her two children on her own, her return to the workforce as a lawyer and the challenges she faces in juggling her personal and professional life.

In this episode, Alicia, played by Julianna Margulies, must defend a stripper, Candy, who is accused of murdering her client. The client, Martin Bedell, was allegedly trying to rape Candy when she hit him with a lamp, killing him. The prosecution's case relies heavily on the testimony of the medical examiner, who concludes that Bedell's injuries could not have been caused by the lamp. While Alicia is initially apprehensive about defending someone from the sex industry, she takes on the challenging case. As the trial progresses, Alicia starts to uncover the truth about Bedell and begins to see Candy in a different light.

Meanwhile, Peter Florrick, Alicia's husband, is struggling with life in prison and the challenges of keeping his political career afloat. His campaign manager, Eli Gold, is trying to organize a photo op for Peter with his family in the hopes of improving his image. However, Alicia is hesitant to participate in a public event, fearing it could negatively impact her children.

The episode also explores the ongoing tension between Alicia and her mother-in-law, Jackie. Jackie, who is critical of Alicia's decision to return to work, is trying to use the media attention around Peter's trial to repair the Florrick family's reputation. In a tense encounter, Alicia confronts Jackie and makes it clear that she will not tolerate her interference in her life.

As the trial nears its conclusion, Alicia presents a powerful closing argument, which ultimately sways the jury in Candy's favor. Following the verdict, Alicia learns the true identity of the anonymous donor who paid for Candy’s defense. It is revealed that the donor was none other than her husband's campaign manager, Eli Gold.

The Good Wife's second episode, Stripped, sets the tone for the rest of the season. It not only offers a gripping, dramatic courtroom battle but also delves into the complexities of Alicia's personal life. The show's exploration of themes such as sexism, corruption, and the criminal justice system ensures that the audience is engaged throughout the episode. Stripped is a testament to the show's ability to blend social commentary with compelling storytelling.