Alicia Florrick wins the State’s Attorney election in Season 6, Episode 22, “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'” of The Good Wife. This victory marks a significant turning point in her career, leading to both professional and personal challenges.
The Moment of Truth: “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin'”
The journey to Alicia Florrick becoming State’s Attorney was fraught with political maneuvering, ethical dilemmas, and personal sacrifices. Episode 22 of Season 6, aptly titled “Wanna Be Startin’ Somethin’,” encapsulates the culmination of this arduous campaign. The episode showcases the nail-biting tension of election night, the strategic calculations of campaign managers, and the emotional roller coaster experienced by Alicia and her inner circle. While the episode revolves primarily around the election results, it also explores the aftermath and the initial impact of her potential victory on her law firm and personal relationships. It’s a crucial episode not only for Alicia’s career trajectory but also for the overall narrative of the show. The confirmation of her win arrives towards the end of the episode, creating a cliffhanger that sets the stage for the subsequent season.
The Path to Victory: A Recap of Alicia’s Campaign
Alicia’s decision to run for State’s Attorney was driven by a complex mix of ambition, a desire to effect change, and a frustration with the status quo of the legal system. Her campaign was characterized by:
- Grassroots organizing: Alicia actively engaged with voters, attending community events and addressing their concerns directly.
- Navigating political games: She had to confront smear campaigns, backroom deals, and ethical compromises inherent in the political landscape.
- Maintaining her moral compass: Despite the pressures of the campaign, Alicia strived to uphold her values and integrity.
- Dealing with internal conflicts: Her decision to run created friction within her firm, especially with Cary Agos and Diane Lockhart, who worried about the firm’s future.
The campaign storyline provided a compelling commentary on the realities of political life, highlighting the sacrifices and compromises often required to achieve success in the public arena. Her victory, while celebrated, was bittersweet, leaving viewers wondering about the true cost of her ambition.
The Fallout: What Came After Her Victory
Alicia’s time as State’s Attorney was far from a smooth transition. The office came with its own set of challenges and ultimately led to events that would define her further:
- Power struggles: She faced resistance from within the State’s Attorney’s office, dealing with colleagues and subordinates who questioned her authority and methods.
- Ethical quandaries: The inherent conflicts of interest within the role forced her to confront difficult decisions with far-reaching consequences.
- Personal toll: The pressures of the job strained her relationships and forced her to make sacrifices in her personal life.
- Ultimately vacating the office: Controversy marred her tenure, leading to her ultimately resigning from the position.
This phase of Alicia’s life demonstrated the complexities of power and the challenges of maintaining integrity in a highly politicized environment. It was a harsh lesson in the realities of public service.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are some frequently asked questions about Alicia Florrick’s journey to becoming State’s Attorney and what followed:
Why Did Alicia Run for State’s Attorney?
Alicia ran for State’s Attorney to challenge the entrenched power structures and effect meaningful change in the legal system. She felt the system was often unfair and wanted to make a difference. A key motivating factor was also to prove herself independently after years of living in her husband’s shadow.
What were the Major Challenges She Faced During the Campaign?
She faced numerous challenges, including smear campaigns orchestrated by her political opponents, ethical dilemmas related to campaign financing, and the constant pressure to compromise her values in order to win votes. She also had to deal with her husband Peter’s legal troubles constantly resurfacing.
How Did Her Decision to Run Affect Florrick/Agos/Lockhart?
Her decision to run created significant tension and division within the firm. Diane and Cary worried about the firm’s future, particularly regarding client conflicts and potential legal ramifications. Some partners felt that Alicia was prioritizing her ambition over the firm’s best interests.
Who were Her Primary Opponents in the Election?
Her primary opponent was the incumbent State’s Attorney, James Castro. The campaign was fiercely contested, with both sides resorting to aggressive tactics. Frank Prady also briefly ran, presenting himself as a more ethical candidate.
What Role Did Eli Gold Play in Her Campaign?
Eli Gold served as Alicia’s campaign manager, providing strategic advice and managing the day-to-day operations of the campaign. His political savvy and experience were invaluable, but their relationship was often strained by disagreements over strategy and ethics.
Did Peter Florrick Support Her Campaign?
Peter provided a degree of support, primarily publicly. His own political connections proved helpful, but his own controversies often threatened to derail her campaign. His presence often felt more complicated than helpful.
What was the Controversy Surrounding the Voting Machines?
There were allegations of voter fraud and irregularities related to the voting machines, which ultimately cast a shadow over Alicia’s victory. The allegations persisted, even after she assumed office.
How Long Did Alicia Serve as State’s Attorney?
Alicia served as State’s Attorney for a relatively short period, approximately one season of the show.
What Were Some of the Notable Cases She Handled as State’s Attorney?
Her tenure as State’s Attorney saw her handling several high-profile cases, including investigations into political corruption and organized crime. These cases often tested her ethical boundaries and forced her to make difficult choices.
Why Did Alicia Ultimately Resign from the State’s Attorney Position?
She resigned due to a combination of factors, including the ongoing investigation into voter fraud and the immense pressure from political opponents and the public. The revelation of her own questionable tactics during the campaign also played a significant role.
What Impact Did the Position Have on Her Character?
Her experience as State’s Attorney profoundly impacted Alicia’s character. It hardened her, forcing her to confront the realities of power and the compromises required to navigate the political landscape. It also led her to question her own values and motivations.
Did She Ever Return to Private Practice After Leaving the State’s Attorney Office?
Yes, after resigning, Alicia returned to private practice, ultimately partnering with Lucca Quinn to form a new law firm, signaling a return to her core skills and a renewed sense of purpose outside the constraints of public office. This return offered a fresh start and allowed her to redefine her legal career.