That wasn’t just the best episode of TV I’ve seen all year, it was one of the best hours of television I’ve seen in my life. This ladies and gentlemen, was a masterpiece.
Watching this episode, I was reminded of Alias‘ season two masterpiece: Phase One – an episode that shockingly flipped the premise of the show on its head – producing an astounding hour of television in the process. Hitting The Fan is just that – a jawdropping, expertly-realized and riveting hour that takes five seasons worth of storytelling, and brings it all crashing down in a marvelous symphony of brilliance.
The teaser alone is one of the most stressful sequences I’ve ever watched. The direction is flawless, the staging impeccable, and it’s packed with powerhouse performances that elevate the show to whole new level. I’ve never been Josh Charles’ biggest fan, but Will’s attack on Alicia is a thing of beauty. Yes it’s harrowing (especially when he manhandles the desk), but it’s also tremendously gripping. Josh’s performance is incredibly layered, and the betrayal and hurt on Will’s face is palpable. Margulies is also exceptional in the scene as she struggles to adapt to the onslaught. I don’t know what it is about Julianna’s charm that makes me root for her no matter what, but she’s just one of those people who ooze likeability no matter what they do.
The teaser is bookended by that heart-wrenching scene of Alicia being officially fired and escorted out of the place she called home for so long. And then, she enters the elevator – a location that’s been extremely pivotal to the show’s DNA – and in one terrific moment, breaks down. Yes, when Alicia cries, we all cry.
Simply put, Alicia Florrick continues to be one of my most favorite characters on television. Her growth over the course of the show’s run can not be overlooked, because Alicia has morphed from a reserved woman into a confident, headstrong litigator. The new Alicia was perfectly showcased during that particularly epic moment where she completely obliterated David, Will and Diane after the hearing. It’s going to be an utter thrill to watch her use every trick in the book to turn the tables on her mentors. Bring it on.
Also remarkable is the fact that the entire debacle provides Peter with a wealth of fantastic material to tackle for the rest of the season. I was practically giddy with joy during that phenomenal phone-call with Will which felt like a culmination of five seasons worth of tension. It was downright glorious to watch Peter get so protective over Alicia. And now that Will has fired the Governor’s wife, Peter can openly hate (and attack) the guy without restraint.
But it’s not just Will who’s bound to suffer Peter’s wrath, because the latter makes it wonderfully clear in the episode closing moments that he’s looking for Diane’s replacement as Supreme Court Justice. On top of everything else, the Governor purposely appeals to ChumHum so Alicia can win one over Lockhart/Gardner. Yup, not only does this signal a full-on war, it means Peter’s ethical dilemmas are going to be simmering at the forefront, and that’s going to be fascinating to watch.
Interestingly enough, Kalinda looks like she’s going to be our wildcard this year. I felt betrayed myself when she ended up taking Will’s side (I pretty much swore at the TV screen as she divulged the office location). However, I also feel like she could be playing some long-term con. She couldn’t possibly turn on Cary and her ex-bff so easily right? Whatever happens, it’s bound to be more engrossing than that traumatic subplot with her husband (yes, I’ll never forget).
Altering all the dynamics and nuances that have been carefully forged in the show’s DNA, Hitting The Fan ultimately transforms The Good Wife into a completely different beast. This felt like a series finale, and we’re still only five episodes into the season. Suffice to say, the possibilities are endless, and I feel like a kid in a candy store.
Bits & Cases
– Beautiful touch: as Will walks towards Alicia’s office, he flashes back to them in bed together. Damn.
– I genuinely felt like Will was about to hit Alicia as he spouted off that she was “poison” and reminded her that he took a chance on her when nobody else did. Not cool dude.
– Carey accidentally revealing ChumHum to Diane was cringeworthy yet so very realistic. But giving her fake names of protected classes? Genius.
– Funniest moment of the hour: David Lee firing people as he hops from room to room. I swear this guy kills me.
– I must commend composer David Buckley for one heck of a gorgeous and affecting musical score. It did an outstanding job of complimenting the episode’s various peaks. Kudos.
– Further proof that David Lee is the sleaziest slimeball of all time: his telling clients that Alicia was messing with financials.
– Absolutely adored Alicia distracting Will with Candace and her deposition.She learned from the best huh?
– Amazingly realistic touch: Alicia getting irritated by the coffee-shop’s various distractions as Florrick/Agos struggles to come up with a plan.
– As Will and Alicia bicker and tell each other to go to hell, he remembers that Grace needs her (and relays the message). It’s a lighthearted moment that does a splendid job of breaking the tension.
– My God this episode title is perfect.
– Seriously, Peter outright telling the “jackass” that he slept with his wife was thoroughly satisfying. “You don’t want me and Alicia together.” Indeed he doesn’t!
– Diane was pretty pathetic, coming in to Eli and making sure her judgeship wasn’t going to be affected.
– I absolutely loved how Alicia and co fired back with their own restraining order preventing Lockhart/Gardner from entering the ChumHum meeting in the same manner. And the fact that Alicia obtained it by using a judge who has a grudge against Will? Well that’s deviously delightful continuity.
– As evidenced by that insanely hot quickie, Alicia and Peter’s marriage is now better than ever. I really have started to root for these two.
– The other Carey flirting with Grace – pervert much?
– Was anyone else really happy to see Alicia and the gang celebrate with champagne? It’s scary how much I’m Team Florrick/Agos. Also, will they all be working from Alicia’s house until the fumigation claim is done with?
Good Lines
Alicia: We’re coming after you. All your clients. Every single one we worked to make happy while you swept in at the last minute to take credit – we’re taking them. And then you know what you’ll have? A very nice suite of offices.
Peter: I thought you would be out on a ledge somewhere.
Alicia: Oh no, we’re too busy kicking ass.
Conclusion
Perfectly paced and across-the-board exhilarating, Hitting The Fan is a singularly perfect hour of television. This is the medium at its finest.
Nad Rating
A+
That was one of the best hours of television I've seen in my life every scene was just Emmy worthy it's like gold that hour of the good wife alone makes it Emmy worthy it's a shame that the ratings don't reflect that
I really do wish the ratings were higher because at this rate, this might be the final season of the show. Nevertheless, at least it will go out on top if that's the case! What a stunning hour.
Wow. After introducing me to a few of my favorite shows (Nikita, Scandal, Revenge) I decided to start the Good Wife a few months ago because of your praise of the show.
After this episode let me just say I am so glad and thankful! This was a masterpiece! I adored the opening sequence and the rest wasn't far away. I dind't know it was possible for a law show to be this suspenseful… I cheared when they toasted at the end!
Thank you Nadim for your reviews and your taste 😉
Liv ia thanks so much for your kind words. As I love TV so much, it makes me really happy that you ended up loving all these shows that I recommended. In particular, I'm so glad you loved The Good Wife. This season especially was astounding, and this hour was mindblowing huh? I still remember getting goosebumps while watching it all the way through. Truly one of the single best (if not best) hour of TV ever.
Let me know when you finish the season and keep commenting 🙂 We'll then pick a new show for you to watch! Hehe.
Also, I'm curious. When did you really fall in love with the show since you binge-watched all five seasons. Was it in the first season? Or it took you longer? I remember it starts off slow right?
Oh yes, I got the goosebumps as well!
I'll try to comment a bit more for sure, I like discussing tv shows with others, it's always great to hear different opinions and reactions. Oh and please tell me what to watch next!!
Well, you're right, the first season was a bit slow and I think I really started to like the show maybe in the early second season when you start knowing all the characters and you have the same guest stars all the time. I think this is what makes this show so special (I'm a huuuuuuge fan of Elsbeth Tascioni and Sweeney). I am not such a fan of the case-of-the-week / freak-of-the-week stories, I want characters to develop and The Good Wife did a lot of that which is great. How about you? Who's your favorite guest star?
Yes I love that the guest-stars keep reappearing. It really helps create the world and bring it to life. Elsbeth is my favorite as well 🙂 She's just amazing!
I recommend Alias next. My all-time favorite if you haven't watched it. Very close to Nikita! If you have watched it, then try Dark Angel (only two seasons and also one of my all-time favorites).
Haha! I watched Alias before Nikita and when I finished it, I was really depressed. I heard Nikita was similar so that's how I got to the best show ever. I also watched Dark Angel already and absolutely loved it as well. It's gonna be tough to find a new show for me ^^ I really liked Dollhouse as well. A shame it got only 2 seasons.
No way, that's awesome that you watched them. Indeed Alias, Nikita, Dark Angel and Dollhouse, all have such similar elements and I love each of them in different ways.
Are you watching Arrow? Alongside The Good Wife, it's one of my favorite shows on TV. Again a slow start but gets great so I'm pretty sure you'll like it too.
The best episode that I have watched so far! Hope this season brings more shock
Perfectly stated. THIS SHOW…MY GOD, THIS SHOWWW!! I'm speechless!
There's literally nothing more I could possibly say. It's such a privilege to watch this show, I'm seriously kicking myself for not starting it back when it was still on the air. I really want to feel that “one week break” between episodes (especially after this one) just so I could bask in the glory and be able to breathe for a second. Television at its true finest.
One small detail I frickin loved: how Will confiscating Alicia's phone early on ended up being quite significant –Grace called her mom and Will answered– and then Will and Alicia having a somewhat tender moment “oh and your daughter called, she needs you to call the school” RIGHT in the middle of their screaming match.
Of course I find myself siding with Alicia and Carey a loooot more, and I'm glad the show secretly wants us to be Team Alicia/Carey (the toast at the end gave me goosebumps). Alicia IS the show after all.
Thanks for recommending; love how these reviews are keeping me company! (Although I'm pissed you didn't force me to watch this MUCH earlier)
hahah i've been nagging on you for so long. TOOK YOU LONG ENOUGH! Finally! I feel like rewatching this. Still my favorite hour of TV EVER! So perfect in every way I get chills!
It's really amazing how every character's action is so earned. I can see the writers building up to this moment for 5 years. Unlike Murder or Suits or any other legal show like that, it's not meant just for the shocks or the ratings.