Julianna Margulies, as Alicia Florrick, the title character of "The Good Wife" - shown with Alan Cumming as Eli Gold (Image Credit: CBS.com)

CBS aired the fourth episode of The Good Wife, which is one of their best prime time shows.  Last week’s episode, Breaking Fast, opens with the title character Alicia Florrick, played by Julianna Margulies, and a fellow employee Blake Calamar discussing a current case.  In the midst of this discussion, Blake refers to Kalinda Sharma as “Leila,” clearly suggesting that he knows her outside the work environment.  Over the past few episodes, there has been tension between Kalinda and Blake.  This once again hints at Kalinda’s closeted bisexuality. While Alicia is aware of  this tension, she warns, “Don’t put me in the middle of your thing [with Kalinda].”

Then within the first five minutes of the series, the audience is introduced to Owen Cavanaugh, Alicia’s gay brother, who is a free-spirited and outspoken professor visiting his alma mater.  Apparently Owen admits to not visiting his only sister often because her husband is uncomfortable with him being gay. The scene cleverly turns to the straight character Eli Gold, played by the openly bisexual Alan Cumming. Eli chokes watching Owen on an internet video.  The irony of the straight character who is a bisexual actor is hilarious.

For those who are unfamiliar with The Good Wife, Eli Gold is the campaign manager for Alicia’s husband Peter, played by the handsome Chris Noth, who is running for his former position as the Cook County State’s Attorney.  CBS has aligned the subject of gay issues having an increasing role in current politics, along with wives standing behind their politician husbands amidst a scandal.  Generally, Eli Gold is concerned about Owen’s statements influencing the election negatively, and he confronts Peter by asking if he has a “problem with gay people.”  At first Peter assures Eli that he is okay with him being gay.  Then amusingly, Eli clarifies that he is not gay, and that the concern is regarding Owen. Eli continues, “The Chicago gay population is small but it’s powerful. It has money.”

Alicia discussing a case with fellow coworker Blake (Image Credit: CBS.com)

Dallas Roberts, who plays Owen Cavanaugh, may be familiar to some, as he previously had a supporting role in the film Walk the Line and a recurring character on the Showtime drama The L Word .  CBS casting was well chosen again, given prior concerns and criticism about not having any BLGT characters.  Like the episode title and theme, CBS seems to be “Breaking Fast” from this criticism and moving forward to appeal to the BLGT community.

As the main plot thickens for this episode, more mystery surrounding Kalinda’s character and her sexuality continues. Once again, Blake slips and calls her “Leila” during an office discussion.  Out of the blue, Kalinda reminds him, “Don’t forget to wear condoms.”  The tension of their personal connection and lives also thickens, but hopefully this will not lead to some negative stereotypes about bisexuals.

This episode has several other interactions surrounding Kalinda’s character, including her former associate Cary Agos.  In one court scene, a former associate Cary Agos slyly responds to the judge’s remark with the phrase “going both ways,” while making a side glance to Kalinda. With various tensions with men, hopefully CBS will return to some of Kalinda flirting or sharing chemistry with other women.

Overall, the introduction of a recurring gay character, Owen Cavanaugh, is a strong one.  It is especially good that he is more of a mainstream and successful professor, instead of a stereotypical flaming gay, struggling artist or similar.  Owen is presented as a younger brother who simply admires and cares for his big sister.  The dialogue and acting between the siblings are empathetic and appealing to the average audience.  Once again, CBS has presented a strong episode with BLGT characters and drama shown in a positive light.