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Comfort Viewing

My own comfort viewing right now is "The Good Wife," and I'll give you my three reasons:

(1) Ask any gay man what he wants. The answer? Christine Baranski squaring off against "Scandal"'s Kate Burton, in a tense discussion about courtroom politics. "The Good Wife" can offer this.

(2) A TV show should be kind to Broadway. Broadway stars need to earn a living, and they do this by turning in brief performances in big-budget TV shows. I'm still in Season One of "The Good Wife," and I've already seen: a pre-"Hamilton" Renee Goldsberry, a pre-"Saint Joan" Condola Rashad, a "Pal Joey"-era Martha Plimpton (I should say.... EMMY AWARD WINNER Martha Plimpton), and a pre-"Anastasia" Mary Beth Peil.....And this is just Season One! And they are all fabulous women! (Add Kate Burton--once again--and I start to have flashbacks to "Spring Awakening" ....)

(3) This show is almost entirely dialogue. There are few meaningful pauses, so you don't really need to be watching; you can be drying dishes as the radio play unfolds in the background. Also, there is an especially satisfying blend of courtroom craziness and domestic drama ("Mom hired a new babysitter," "Dad seems to be in this photo I found on the Internet, and he is smoking crack") ...Ideal for a short attention span. I'd recommend "Bates Motel," but that particular show doesn't have the same quick pacing and mildly-formulaic vibe, so you have to invest a bit more energy.

I know I'm not the only one bingeing this show; someone wrote a recent piece in praise of Alicia's "calm energy." I would follow Alicia anywhere. She is my close friend, for now. We'll adjourn until tomorrow.
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