Ep 9. A Defense of Marriage

A Defense of Marriage is an episode from the fourth season of the critically acclaimed TV series The Good Wife. As the title suggests, the episode deals with the issue of marriage and the legal and emotional challenges that come with it.

The episode opens with Alicia Florrick, the titular good wife, meeting with her client, a high-profile lobbyist named Ethan Carver. Ethan is facing a difficult legal battle as he is accused of helping a politician cover up his affair. Moreover, the case has attracted national attention as it raises questions about the morality and legality of marriage.

Alicia and her team, which includes her colleague Cary Agos and her mentor Will Gardner, start preparing for the trial, anticipating a tough fight from the prosecution. Meanwhile, Alicia's personal life is also in a state of flux as her husband, the former State's Attorney Peter Florrick, reveals his intention to run for governor. Alicia is torn between supporting her husband and pursuing her own ambitions.

As the trial begins, the case takes a surprising turn when the defense team introduces a new argument. They claim that the politicians involved in the affair were not committing adultery as they were part of a polyamorous relationship. This argument opens up a whole new debate about the definition of marriage and the boundaries of monogamy.

The episode also deals with the personal struggles of the characters. Alicia is conflicted about her feelings for Will and her loyalty to her marriage. Cary is trying to prove himself as a capable lawyer and get out of Will's shadow. Kalinda Sharma, a private investigator, is dealing with a past case that haunts her.

Despite all the obstacles, Alicia and her team manage to put up a strong defense for their client. They argue that the affair was consensual and there was no wrongdoing on Ethan's part. The jury's verdict is eagerly awaited as it will have a significant impact on the future of marriage laws and the definition of infidelity.

A Defense of Marriage is an intense episode that delves deeper into the issues of marriage, infidelity, and loyalty. The show does an excellent job of balancing the personal and professional struggles of the characters while maintaining the tension and suspense of a legal drama. The performances by the cast are top-notch, with Julianna Margulies's portrayal of Alicia being the highlight of the episode.

The episode also presents a thought-provoking argument about the changing nature of relationships in modern society. With the increasing acceptance of polyamory, the traditional concepts of marriage and fidelity may need to be redefined. The show handles this issue with sensitivity and nuance, avoiding any overt moral judgments.

Overall, A Defense of Marriage is a must-watch episode for fans of The Good Wife. It highlights the show's strengths in dealing with complex legal and social issues while also exploring the personal lives of the characters. It's a riveting and thought-provoking episode that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.