“As the judge said before we are merely here for your convenience…”- Lucca Quinn
Episode two, Innocents, explores the idea of co-dependency, through the relationships we maintain, make, and even the ones we destroy. We begin in bond court as Lucca begins to recite her informal client deposition; quick cuts are made as she speeds through those assigned to her. Then we begin to see her and Alicia complete the informal deposition. The sequence ends with Alicia meeting Eric Barsetto (Johnny Simmons), he’s been arrested for vandalizing an art exhibit…only the pictures were of him. “Do you care if I did it,” asks Eric. “No, because we want the lowest possible bail,” answers Alicia. This introductory act in bond court subtly prefaces the relationship ideology found in this episode. Lucca and Alicia are here to take part in a transparent, transactional relationship, because it’s convenient for all parties involved.
“Alright, I get it you’re using me.”-Alicia Florrick
The transparency found in bond court is certainly not lacking in the Florrick political arena; if you’re privileged to look behind the curtain. Eli apologizes to Peter, uses Alicia, and passive aggressively threatens Ruth with an It Follows reference. Everything is going perfectly according to plan, as Eli is even able to convince Alicia to apologize to Frank Landau (Mike Pniewski). Remember him, the leader of the Democratic Party, and the one responsible for Alicia’s previous campaign scandal. Now that Peter is running to be Vice President, he needs Alicia to make amends with Frank. She agrees to the plan after Eli promises that she will be able to kick him out of the office in four years. Now the question is why does Frank need Alicia to vote yes, on the first election ballot? The vote will certainly come into play towards the mid season finale, and possibly throw a wrench in Eli’s revenge plan. In the meantime, amongst the political espionage lies the idea of independence, “Freedom the best thing that could happen to anyone,” explains Peter. But is anyone ever truly independent? We ofte
n maintain and make relationships with others as acts of self-preservation…therefore we’re dependent on one another.
“You need me…A family that overcame your sexual indiscretions, because your wife forgave you and continues to forgive you.”- Alicia Florrick
Welcome investigator Jason Crouse (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) to the fold. After meeting Eric Barsetto at bond court, Alicia begins to pursue his case against the museum; especially after attorney Nancy Crozier (Mamie Gummer) makes an appearance. If only Alicia could destroy her relationship with Nancy Crozier, and not have it continue to follow her around. Alicia decides to hire an investigator in her effort to take down Nancy Crozier, I mean, win the Barsetto case. Initially Alicia passes on hiring Jason, because of the not too subtle sexual tension. Then he helps secure a witness in her case and they begin to negotiate. “Are you leveraging me to get a better deal from them,” asks Alicia. Exchanges like these illuminate the theme of relationship dependency in the episode. Alicia’s forming a new, exciting, refreshing, and most importantly transparent relationship with her new investigator-and love interest. He’s a bit rough round the edges, not one for very many words, but they have an understanding. Remember, feelings evolve, and those mutual benefits become that much more appealing.
“Hey, I’m a big believer in second chances.”- Jason Crouse
Alicia, please give Carey a second chance. If the Lockhart-Agos firm storyline continues to go down this path, then I may begin to fast-forward through scenes with my favorite characters. I understand that Carey is having a difficult time adjusting to life as a name partner at an old law firm. I just don’t really care to see his childlike antics with fellow partner Howard Lyman (Jerry Adler). Then to place Diane in the mother role and force a peace between the two of them makes the story line even more undesirable. Diane can’t be the Alicia to his Carey; just like Carey can’t be Diane’s Will (I still miss him). The Lockhart-Agos storyline wasn’t as distracting in the first episode, because it intersected with Alicia’s arc. More overlapping and less paralleling equals less disrupting for me.
“Alicia, you’re being used.”- Peter Florrick
“I know, who isn’t?”- Alicia Florrick
Alicia wins the Barsetto case with a little help from some friends. Jason Crouse decides to continue doing freelance work for Alicia, instead of working exclusively for Lockhart-Agos. Howard proposes the easiest ultimatum ever for the Agos-Lockhart partners. Peter asks Ruth to congratulate Eli on getting Landau to support Alicia. Everyone’s certainly playing the game, but I can’t tell who’s winning…yet.
By Sarah Belmont
Featured Writer
@sjbelmont