DVD Review: Emmy-Nominated Third Season of CBS’s ‘The Good Wife’

CHICAGO – Whenever a TV critic argues that network TV drama is dead and that it’s all moved to basic cable, there’s usually a solitary show that they point to as the exception — CBS’s “The Good Wife.” This critical darling, an Emmy winner for Best Actress in Dramatic Series last year (and Supporting Actress the year before and multiple nominee for this season), was recently released in a modest third-season DVD set from CBS and Paramount. It’s disappointing that the show isn’t available in HD and the special features are pretty light for what is arguably network TV’s best remaining drama.

Rating: 4.0/5.0

“The Good Wife” is a well-written drama that sometimes succumbs to cliche and melodrama but what always separates it from the rest of the network TV pack is the ensemble and their talented efforts to portray believable characters. Emmy winner Juliana Margulies has long been one of the best actresses on TV and the supporting team of great talents like Alan Cumming, Josh Charles, Christine Baranski, and Archie Panjabi have all been nominated in years past for good reason. HBO, AMC, and FX have long valued ensemble more than network TV but “The Good Wife” proves that the big five can still draw quality casts if the material is this strong.

I would think that anyone who would rent or buy “The Good Wife” would consider doing so in the same quality as it was broadcast and so the standard-only release is a bit disappointing. As are the generally thin special features.

The Good Wife: The Third Season was released on DVD on September 4, 2012
Photo credit: Paramount

Synopsis:
Turns out the good wife is not afraid to be bad. Tougher in the courtroom. Stronger for her family. And hotter than ever behind closed doors. Season 3 reveals a new side to Alicia Florrick (Emmy and Golden Globe winner Julianna Margulies)… and she likes it. Upping her game at the office, Alicia is pivotal in helping Lockhart/Gardner navigate a year of rough waters. While she and Will (Josh Charles) finally get their romantic timing right, there are consequences for both. She has a new professional adversary in her ex, Peter Florrick (Chris Noth), who aligns with Alicia’s rival Cary (Matt Czuchry). Will faces disbarment, Diane (Christine Baranski) tries to keep the firm afloat and Kalinda (Emmy winner Archie Panjabi) tries to mend her damaged relationship with her best friend. Meanwhile, Eli (Alan Cumming) has joined the firm, clashing with partners, attorneys and Alicia as only he can. From the start of this 6-disc, 22-episode collection, The Good Wife is a brand-new woman.

Click here to buy “The Good Wife: The Third Season”

Special Features:
o The Good Wife: A New Beginning
o Research and Development
o A Bi-Coastal Affair
o Alicia Florrick At a Crossroads
o Deleted Scenes

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com