"The Good Wife": Practically perfect in every way

  • By Mary Mcnamara Los Angeles Times
  • Monday, May 17, 2010 8:22pm
  • Life

LOS ANGELES — In many ways, “The Good Wife” (10 p.m. Tuesdays on CBS) and “Modern Family” (9 p.m. Wednesdays on ABC) are apples and oranges, but they both have many of the attributes that help shows take flight and soar.

Eight Reasons Why “The Good Wife” and “Modern Family” are Practically Perfect in Every Way:

1. Casting: Both shows started with a solid, recognizable, talented performer — Julianna Margulies as betrayed wife-lawyer Alicia Florrick in “The Good Wife,” Ed O’Neill as prickly paterfamilias Jay Pritchett in “Modern Family” — in roles that were similar but not identical to what they were known for. Then, and most important, the creators cast every other character with just as much care and attention to detail.

2. Writing: Some will argue that comedy is harder to write than drama, but that’s just the kind of fire and ice debate that skirts the obvious. No matter the genre, a great television show is the most difficult thing in the world to write because there are so many moving parts and, with any luck, the story goes on for years.

“Modern Family’s” Steven Levitan and Christopher Lloyd and “The Good Wife’s” Michelle and Robert King all began with character.

ADVERTISEMENT
0 seconds of 0 secondsVolume 0%
Press shift question mark to access a list of keyboard shortcuts
00:00
00:00
00:00
 

3. Acting: (See Reason 1.) It is very unusual to have two casts this large and have no weak links. Not one weak link. Equally astonishing, no one appears to be learning on the job, which is almost never the case with new shows. Every single member of each cast deserves an Emmy for something.

4. Directing: Each show has string of directors. “The Good Wife” had 18 this season, while “Modern Family” had eight — including Jason Winer, who directed 13 episodes — and here’s to them because you don’t get great shows without great direction.

5. Kids: Both shows are notable for featuring children who are recognizable as children, as opposed to vehicles for exposition, wisecracking robots or Skinnerian emotional cues. On “The Good Wife,” Zach and Grace Florrick (Makenzie Vega and Graham Phillips) are by turns sullen and insightful, showing both teenage narcissism and strength under pressure.

“Modern Family’s” Dunphy brood — Haley (Sarah Hyland), Alex (Ariel Winter) and Luke (Nolan Gould) — and their young step-uncle, Manny Delgado (Rico Rodriguez), are a bit more archetypal but they remain people you might know, and not just from TV.

6. Art direction: “The Good Wife” sets in Chicago are moody and soothing as needed. “Modern Family,” meanwhile, is bright and airy, and if everyone involved is upscale SoCal, at least they’re recognizably SoCal.

7. The judges: OK, this one applies only to “The Good Wife,” but honestly — Joanna Gleason, Peter Riegert, Denis O’Hare — in the entire history of the courtroom drama, has there ever been a better revolving cast of judges? No, there has not.

8. Story and character: Both shows are smart without being snarky, realistic about the limitations of the human soul without being jaded, carefully plotted without being overly clever. Sex is present but not exploited, marriage is respected but not revered and love, though in the end binding, is never reduced to syrup.

What violence there is in “The Good Wife” is mostly psychological and/or off-screen. So, not only are these shows artful and exciting, but they’re also family-friendly (though obviously, the nature and time slot of “The Good Wife” makes it PG-13). Which may just tip them into the “completely perfect” category.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Life

Auston James / Village Theatre
“Jersey Boys” plays at Village Theatre in Everett through May 25.
A&E Calendar for May 15

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Kyle Parker paddles his canoe along the Snohomish River next to Langus Riverfront Park on Thursday, May 8, 2025 in Everett, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Tip to Tip: Kyle Parker begins his canoe journey across the country

The 24-year-old canoe fanatic started in Neah Bay and is making his way up the Skykomish River.

Photo courtesy of Historic Everett Theatre
The Elvis Challenge takes place Saturday at the Historic Everett Theatre.
A&E Calendar for May 8

Send calendar submissions to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your item is seen by… Continue reading

Photo provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
Subaru Adds Bronze And Onyx Trims to 2025 Ascent

Three-Row Family SUV Delivers Equal Parts Safety And Comfort

The 2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid SUV (Provided by Hyundai).
2025 Hyundai Santa Fe Hybrid evokes outdoor adventure

Boxy styling leaves lots of room for gear. A refined ride ensures comfort around town.

The 2025 Toyota Sienna minivan in the top-level Platinum grade (Provided by Toyota).
2025 Toyota Sienna maintains reputation for fuel efficiency

Every model in the minivan’s lineup has a hybrid powertrain.

An autumn-themed display at Wagner Jewelers in Marysville. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Shine bright with Snohomish County’s top jewelry finds

Three dazzling shops where elegance, craft, and sparkle come together.

The 2025 Lexus TX 350 is a three-row luxury SUV. It’s offered in Base, Premium, Luxury, and F Sport Handling grades (Provided by Lexus).
2025 Lexus TX 350 welcomes new F Sport Handling model

Unique exterior highlights, a glass roof and sport-tuned suspension are among the attractions.

Hybrid Touring Photo Provided by Subaru U.S. Media Center
2025 Subaru Forester Hybrid Increases Fuel Economy And Range

Sixth-Generation Model Receives Complete Refresh

Image from Pexels.com
Top 3 Cannabis Shops You’ll Love in Snohomish County

Looking for quality products and good energy? Let’s discover the top spots.

Image from Canva.com
Chic & unique: The top 3 boutiques in Snohomish County you need to visit

From trendy finds to timeless pieces, discover the hidden gems that are redefining local fashion.

Image from Canva.com
Find your next favorite read in Snohomish County

Explore three of the finest bookshops where stories and community come together

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.