Season synopsis
Contains spoilers for this season and earlier seasons.
After Peter Florrick’s sex and corruption scandal puts him in prison, Alicia returns to law after thirteen years away and takes a job at Lockhart Gardner, the Chicago firm run by Will Gardner and Diane Lockhart. She is assigned criminal cases alongside investigator Kalinda Sharma and young associate Cary Agos, learning to question witnesses, challenge police evidence and make tactical choices under time pressure. At home, Alicia tries to steady teenagers Zach and Grace while Peter’s public image and possible return to politics remain present in every family decision. Cases involving family violence, workplace misconduct and contested evidence give her chances to earn trust without relying on Peter’s name.
The cases bring Alicia into contact with people whose lives are affected by race, class, media attention and unequal access to representation, while her colleagues test her independence and professional judgment. Cary becomes her rival for a permanent position, and when the firm must choose between them, it keeps Alicia and sends Cary to the State’s Attorney’s office. The season also brings Alicia and Will’s old connection back into view: working together revives their attraction, giving her another relationship to consider as Peter tries to rebuild his career. At Peter’s comeback press conference, she joins her husband onstage and leaves Will’s unanswered call unresolved.