T.R. Knight Talks Returning to TV on The Good Wife

T.R. Knight hasn't been seen much since he leftGrey's Anatomy in 2009. At the time, he cited "a breakdown of communication" with executive producer Shonda Rhimes over a slur by costar Isaiah Washington and what the actor perceived to be a diminished role on the show. With that drama behind him, Knight, 39, is back on screens big and small. Not only is he appearing in the Jackie Robinson biopic 42 (hitting theaters this April), but he has also returned to TV in a big way with a multi-episode arc on The Good Wife, playing a hoodie-wearing political consultant.
TV Guide Magazine: Is the Good Wife role your official return to TV?
Knight: Ha! It is a ­return, I guess. I'm honored that they called.
TV Guide Magazine: You play Jordan Karahalios, a consultant to Peter Florrick [Chris Noth] whom Eli Gold [Alan Cumming] is forced to work with because of impending legal troubles. How would you describe Jordan?
Knight: Karahalios is a Greek name that comes from the word karahal, a bird of prey. That tells a lot about the character. On the surface, he's more laid-back than Eli, but underneath there's a lot more going on.
TV Guide Magazine: Should Peter trust Jordan?
Knight: Jordan is very smart, and even though he's younger, he's been doing this for a while. I would vote yes, but I'm playing him, so... [Laughs]
TV Guide Magazine: This week, Jordan and Eli disagree on how to go after Peter's political opponent, Maddie Hayward [Maura Tierney]. What's the debate?
Knight: Peter found faith when he was in prison, and it comes up that Maddie Hayward is an atheist. Eli and Jordan clash over how, if at all, to use that information. Jordan's view is that Maddie should be taken very seriously as an opponent. Peter is torn. He's trying to decide which path is best for his campaign and for his family.
TV Guide Magazine: Where's Alicia [Julianna Margulies] in the Eli/Jordan battle?
Knight: She plays an important part in the campaign, so Jordan not only tries to win over Eli and Peter, but Alicia as well. It's hard because he's a new person that she has to trust with very personal information.
TV Guide Magazine: Did The Good Wife live up to its reputation as a very welcoming show?
Knight: It's been fantastic. I knew Julianna and Alan, but this is the first time I've had the chance to work with them.
TV Guide Magazine: Your time at Grey's ended with a lot of contention. Is this an easier place to work?
Knight: I don't like talking about the past. Judging this on its own merits, it's been wonderful.
TV Guide Magazine: If asked, would you consider returning in a flashback for thefinal episode of Grey's?
Knight: Well, O'Malley's dead. And ghosts don't age, while I have!
The Good Wife airs Sundays at 9/8c on CBS.
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