Life and Art and Maria and Arnold
by Maria Geraci
Oscar Wilde once wrote that “Life imitates Art far more than Art imitates Life.” I’m not sure which imitates which more, but I will say that life and art seem intrinsically bound together. Art springs from life and vice versa, and lately, it seems we’ve had plenty of examples of each.
As I watched the season finale of The Good Wife this past week, I had to chuckle sadly to myself. First off, if you’re not a fan of The Good Wife, then you should be. It’s one of the best shows on television. When I first heard of the show’s premise, I have to admit to an eye roll. Attractive male politician cheats on his wife, gets caught, publicly apologizes to his constituents, all with the loyal wife standing by his side.
Sound familiar?
This week’s season finale showed Alicia, the “good wife” character played by Julianna, finally giving in to her attraction to her boss and long time crush from law school, Will (played by Josh Charles). I know I wasn’t the only woman in America screaming “yes!” when they kissed in the elevator.Was it wrong? Well, technically Alicia is still married to the cheating Peter (played by none other than Sex and the City’s Mr. Big, Chris Noth) so I guess it is. However, it is finally time that the self-sacrificing wife, mom, and sole family supporter got a little lovin’ herself. I kind of hope Maria is taking notes.
I haven't seen The Good Wife, but I'm a long-time fan of Josh Charles, so I will definitely take a look.
As for the Maria/Arnold saga, if it had been written as a book, I'd have said that I couldn't suspend that much disbelief! The amount of arrogance and hubris this man has displayed is astounding.
Marian
I do love me some Josh Charles, too. He's got that perfect blend of geeky and sexy that I'm a sucker for. I haven't watched this show either but will definitely check it out.
As for Arnold and Maria–there are no words. By the time this is over, I hope he's living in a van down the river. Maggie
I remember hearing Ah-nold couldn't keep it in his pants long before he married Maria. Not sure those kind of dogs can ever change. Poor Maria. I'm sure she thought he'd stay in line for her (I mean, who'd want to take on her family?).
Maria, you make me want to watch "The Good Wife," too. I am so out of the loop with TV stuff. I think I'm going to be investing in a lot of DVDs to catch up!
Cheers,
Susan
I don't watch The Good Wife so I can't say much there, except that my initial reaction to the promos before it aired were the same as yours, Maria: aaaannd cue the eye-roll, please.
The only thing I'm really bothered by in the Shwartz/Shriver scandal is that once again, something so personal that is in good part owned and lived by innocents–the kids–is something to rubber-neck over. I dreaded the photos that I knew were coming of the co-cheater and her kid and their home, etc. I knew that "journalists" the world over were working the phones and knocking on doors to find some fool who went to school or even church with the mistress and her son who had some snap-shots or details to sell.
I say it often, but this is it's best application: ick.
We love the Good Wife at our house but wait until the season is over and order the discs from Netflix. Painless way to watch. The writing in this series is terrific.
I can't help but believe Maria's relatives warned her about marrying Arnold. Why on earth anyone would want to marry a brutish movie star and why on earth did he get to be Governor? (And are we suffering from it here in California–perhaps not nearly as much as Maria is suffering.)
Marilyn
Maria, I love "The Good Wife" and totally agree. Long time coming for Alicia! (And I was a big fan of Chris Noth in "Law & Order" and "Sex & The City") What's good for the goose…
Marilyn, I never understood the Arnold/Maria S. thing either! Boggles the mind.
We sure know how to pick em' in California. I never got Maria and Arnold, until someone I know met her. I always thought he was a sleaze, but I think she suffers from the "ain't I wonderful, above it all" syndrome. The Kennedys weren't only angels. Arnold just needs to deflate himself and go away. I love "The Good Wife." Can't wait to see where it goes from here.
Hi Maria, Great blog! I've only caught snippets of TGW. I think my draw is Logan from Gilmore Girls fame, isn't he in it?? Anyway, yes! I hope Maria is taking notes with one hand,dialing her lawyer with the other!!
Thanks for all the terrific comments, everyone:)
Marilyn, you are so right about the terrific writing in TGW. The characters are fabulous, also. Everything is so tightly woven it keeps you on the edge of your seat!