The Good Wife's Josh Charles on Will’s New Energy and Whether He Can Ever Forgive Alicia

We stand here today to pay our respects to the former TV coupling known as "Willicia." After four years of riveting will-they-or-won't-they tension on The Good Wife, any possibility of a romantic future for Alicia (Julianna Margulies) and Will (Josh Charles) faded — at least for the foreseeable future — the minute he found out she was planning to leave the firm with Cary (Matt Czuchry) and take all of their top clients with her. But don't worry, fans! Chicago's 16th most eligible bachelor did not walk away from that stinging betrayal empty-handed. These days, Will is sporting a new lady friend, a new tattoo (!) and a new competitive edge. "It won't be polite anymore," Will warned Diane (Christine Baranski) about his plan to take Lockhart/Gardner to the top. So what's next for this new Will? Charles answered TVGuide.com's burning questions via email about Will's new energy, his "challenged" bond with Diane and whether he can ever forgive Alicia.

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Robert and Michelle King recently said that part of the reason they decided to have Alicia and Cary go out on their own was because they felt the stories about the love triangle were starting to feel repetitive. Were you ever concerned about that? Why do you think this was the right move?
Josh Charles: I think it was a brilliant move on their part for many reasons. Primarily because it set up the arcs for this current season so well and gave the audience plenty of time to sit with the secret, so when this season began they knew what was happening before Will and Diane did. I think this dynamic was one of the reasons why Episode 505 was so satisfying to viewers. Amazing writing and storytelling.

Will and Alicia were always close, so how has it been adjusting to going up against Julianna Margulies and playing such a radically different dynamic between these two characters?
Charles: It's been intense. The stakes have been elevated quite a bit, and there is such history there and many unexpressed emotions that it adds all of these wonderful and complex colors to their dynamic.

Robert and Michelle King recently called Will a man "reborn." Can you elaborate on that and describe exactly what kind of changes we'll see in Will going forward?
Charles: I think the betrayal by Alicia, which Will feels on both a personal and professional level, has the opposite effect on him that some might imagine. It completely energizes him and triggers his competitive spirit. He always wants to win at all costs, but now he has even extra incentive. 

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When Will used to gamble, his competitiveness got him into some trouble. Should fans be worried that his determination to become the top firm might get him into hot water again?
Charles: I think they should be worried somewhat, but I think that's a good thing honestly. Hopefully, however far he goes will continue to surprise, but still feel organic and authentic.

After Kalinda helped Will, do you think he really trusts her? How would you describe their dynamic?
Charles: I think he does still trust her. I also think he really needs her right now, and could tell that she genuinely felt bad about not sharing the news with him sooner regarding Cary and Alicia leaving. I think Will's a good reader of people and seeing her sincerity in that moment meant something to him.

How will Diane and Will's working relationship change after the comments she made about Will in that interview? Can Will ever forgive Diane for what she said?
Charles: I think he can forgive her. They have been through so much together. I think that even though their bond is being challenged currently, it will be hard to break entirely. They care for one another so much and also really need each other at the moment with all the chaos at the firm.

Do you think Will can ever forgive Alicia for starting her own firm?
Charles: I think he can one day. He's a smart person and understands these things happen in business. He may one day be able to see it for what it is. Perhaps, he would have made the same move if the shoe was on the other foot. But, at this moment, I don't think he's anywhere near there yet or, frankly, will be anytime too soon. I think he still feels betrayed and is focusing on fighting for his firm and making sure it can be the best it can be.

The Good Wife airs Sundays at 9/8c on CBS. Are you worried for Will?

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