Originally, CBS was hoping that both itsGood WifespinoffThe Good Fightand its newStar Trekseries would both premiere together in order to anchor its CBS All Access streaming platform. But after several delays and some uncertainty,Star Trekhas left TheGood Fightall alone. Even as aGood Wifefan, I wasn’t sure if the spinoff would seem like an essential watch, especially on (yet another) pay platform for a broadcast network whose other programming I don’t typically watch. But after the show’s TCA panel (which featured executive producers and creatorsRobert and Michelle Kingas well as the series' stars) and its new trailer, I’m sold.
The series will followChristine Baranski’s character Diane Lockhart, who is on the brink of retirement until a Ponzi scheme-level financial crisis wipes her out. Her old law firm won’t take her back, and she’s left with nothing and an uncertain future. Diane’s young protege, Maia (Rose Leslie), is the daughter of the scam artist and whose reputation is now ruined, so the two join forces – along with Lucca Quinn (Cush Jumbo) – at a new law firm. Check out the trailer below:
It looks good, right? Because it’s online, it also has some relaxed rules about language and other aspects of the series, allowing it to be a little edgier.The Good Fightwill also only be 10 episodes, which the Kings were happy about, and will feature cameos from plenty ofGood Wifecharacters (including fromCarrie Preston,Sarah Steele,Matthew Perry,John Benjamin Hickey,Rita Wilson). But, don’t expect to see Alicia Florrick pop up anytime soon – the Kings said that in discussions they’ve had withJulianna Marguliesthey all agreed that Alicia’s journey ended withThe Good Wife, and this show is taking on a new perspective.
The Kings also spoke about how they felt likeThe Good Wifewas a reaction to the Obama years and the 2008 election, whereasThe Good Fightwill be unique because it will be reacting to the 2016 election. While the show does broach politics frankly (and has done so very, very well), the desire is to keep a critical eye to every party, especially in this uncertain new world.
But the most exciting thing about the new series is mainly that it’s about a cast of powerful women and includes a lot of organic diversity – racially, sexually, and otherwise. And because the Kings are still so involved, it will undoubtedly have the same quirky tone and sly comedy thatThe Good Wifealways did.
The Good Fightalso starsDelroy Lindo,Erica Tazel, andJustin Bartha, and premieresSunday, February 19thon-demand on CBS All Access and with a special broadcast of the premiere episode on CBS.
