Dig It

“No public funds were ever utilized,” says a corrupt politician at a press conference in the opening scene of “The Good Wife”s series premiere. Once out of the clamoring paparazzi’s view, Peter Florrick (“Law & Order”’s Chris North), the previously-quoted official, is slapped across the face by his sullen-faced wife, Alicia (“ER”’s Julianna Marguilies).

Fast-forward six months and Alicia has returned to work as a defense attorney in the wake of a very public and humiliating corruption and sex scandal which lands her husband in jail. Alicia finds herself at a well-respected Chicago law firm. Having been inactive for 13 years, things start off badly.

First, Alicia realizes that she is in the wrong conference room. She is then handed a case defending a young women accused of murdering her ex-husband. New information helps the case tremendously, but the aftermath of Alicia’s husband’s betrayal shines throughout the course of the episode.

Alicia’s and Peter’s relationship is puzzling and interesting to watch. While he warmly reaches out to her, she returns his advances in a courteous but cold way. Living with Alicia are Peter’s mother and the couple’s two children, who are subjected to inquisitive classmates repeating whatever they hear from their parents or on the television. This prompts her daughter, Grace, to call Alicia and ask if her father was involved with an under-aged prostitute.

This legal drama has solid acting, an interesting plot and a promising future. The hour passes quickly as it captivates, yet leaves time to touch on the interesting, minute details.