One train of thought kept hitting me as I was watching the first episode of The Good Wife; the premise is so great because it instantly creates a sympathetic heroine you want to cheer and this show knows how to play the long game to keep the viewers hooked.
Tokiwa Takako is the housewife Hasumi Kyoko who's prosecutor husband cheated on her and is now being charged for corruption. Instant sympathy points.
To provide for her family, Kyoko has to reenter the workforce after 16 years and juggle looking after her family. Kyoko's employment is only provisional and she has to fight with this annoying, smarmy young lawyer for the position.
There is absolutely no reason for the viewer not to want to see Hasumi Kyoko succeed. She's the ultimate underdog trying to prove herself in working society.
The second great thing about The Good Wife is the long term story of the husband Karasawa Toshiaki. We know he cheated on Kyoko but is he guilty? Of how guilty is he? There's no way they'll get back together but that doesn't mean Kyoko won't get involved in his conspiracy.
Then there's Koizumi Kotora as the Jorah Mormont of the show aka friendzone. Kyoko takes advantage of his friendship for the job and friendzone keeps her at arms way but everyone can see what he wants. I'm just waiting to see what his bad side is. I never liked Jorah and I don't know about picking Tokiwa Takako over Ashina Sei.
Like Suits, there is a character with a superpower who is the paralegal who can create information when the plot requires it. Speaking of Suits, I find The Good Wife more fun because Kyoko is much easier to root for than a guy with super powers.
The thing I didn't like about the first five episodes was the end of episode 2. The father daughter feud resolved itself way too easily. Yet another very watchable jdorama to add to the list. There are way too many decent shows to watch but I guess I should not be complaining.
If you can find subbed version, give Korean adaptation of Good Wife a go.
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