THE GOOD WIFE – 6.05 ‘Shiny Objects’ Clowns, Dancing Penguins & Ransom Ware

Elsbeth is back! This episode we are treated with a view inside her head complete with clowns, penguins, and fuzzy kittens. No wonder our favorite red head is so scattered! It’s a wonder she finds her way to work each day! However, this does not make her any less of a genus, and Alicia knows all too well how clever Elsbeth can be. Later in the case, Alicia pulls a brilliant trick of her own by sidetracking Elsbeth at court with a rather benign image of a cruise ship and penguins.

Meanwhile back at Florrick / Agos, Diane brings down the firms entire computer network on one fell click by inadvertenly downloading ransom ware.  he bandits are asking fifty thousand dollars to release their own files and when the money is paid, further chaos ensues.

It seems the email to release the files was sent to Lockhart / Gardner by mistake which leads to Diane being at David Lee’s mercy. Ah, but all is not lost! David reveals what he would like in return and Diane has a card she didn’t even know she had. The lease for her former law firm is still in her name and they want it back!  Sadly David looses a duel with Diane again and little does he know, he may loose his office as well!

Fin agrees to endorse Alicia when she announces her run for office, and not everyone has the warm and fuzzies over it. Peter, in particular shows a rare jealous streak a mile wide!  Alicia rightly digs in her heels over the hypocrisy of it all and in the end wins the day. Peter appears at the last minute to offer his blessing which sets off a flurry of headlines everywhere!

Observations:
• It was good to see Kalinda in action once again and although she continues to wield sex as a weapon, we are treated to something more provocative. Her mind! It is sad to see Kalinda doing what she does best again right on the heels of the announcement that Archie Panjabi will be leaving the show after this season. Admittedly, I have been bored with the flimsy story lines she has been given and it is clear the writers have struggled to effectively incorporate her as she deserves.
• Two words: the clown!

• Seeing the interactions of Alicia with her Campaign Manager and Eli, it is becoming all too clear that she might just become the thing she hates in this bid for office. I’m worried she won’t realize the problem until it is too late.

•Watching Diane look at Will’s office on entering her old firm struck to the bone. I don’t know about you, but Will’s death still hurts. My salute goes to the writers for creating Josh Charles’s exit in such a brilliantly horrific way.

• The argument between Alicia and Peter was wonderful to behold! Neither loves the other, however they both need each other badly to move forward. This time the tables are turned and it’s the Governor’s turn to swallow the bitter pill. Payback’s a bitch.

• Best quote of the night comes from Diane: “Cockroaches aren’t romantic.”