The popular Paramount+ series ended just as it began with Diane watching former President Trump on television in disbelief.
“Or at least common people who are upscale lawyers in Chicago.
We wondered what that would do to them… and decided ‘okay, we’re back into it.
‘The Good Fight’ showrunners Michelle and Robert King with series star Christine Baranski.Hippolyte Petit/Getty
Time to go in for the second round in a prize box ring.
you might’t sit on the sideline, you have to get back into the fight.”
What did you think when you heard what the Kings were thinking about the finale?
Christine Baranski in ‘The Good Fight’ series finale.Elizabeth Fisher/Paramount+
CHRISTINE BARANSKI:When it was explained to me, I understood it.
Last year I was reading a book called “The Coming Civil War” by Tom Kawczynski.
The character rather curiously in the darkest of seasons became lighter in tone because she was under treatment.
‘The Good Fight’ creators Michelle and Robert King.D Dipasupil/FilmMagic
She was seeing flowers more brightly, experiencing a flirtation with a man who stimulated her intellectually and spiritually.
The character of Diane curiously became lighter.
I think we’re ending this at a very hot temperature, which I think is perfect.
One of the best new additions wasAndre Braugher.
He brought a whole new persona to the series.
How did that affect what this final season, him showing up, would look like?
He was so magnificent and just put that character on it was inspiring to the writers.
ROBERTKING: We got three things from Andre, maybe some of it unexpected.
One, we wanted comedy, which obviously he brought massive and massive amounts.
I think almost any other actor could have hit one or two of those.
These are two women from very different backgrounds but have the same kind of goals in sight.
What was it like to develop that bond with Audra?
And having to say goodbye?
I will be friends with Audra for life.
She is an extraordinary woman, human being, and colleague.
I love how close that relationship came to ending.
It was dangerous terrain.
But it came down to bonding as women.
We didn’t know Roe v. Wade would be overturned in our final season either.
Which I think was the feeling among all of us women in this country: We’re exhausted.
Didn’t we fight this fight already?
I don’t know how to start again.
Yet based on the friendship, Liz says, “Take a week off, just do this.”
And we hug and I agree to it.
It’s a moment between two women who know this struggle is far from over.
And both of them fought a good fight in different ways.
What was the thought process on how you developed this strong friendship between Liz and Diane?
ROBERT KING: I think this year, in our minds, was about the triumph of female friendships.
So it’s good that I, the one guy on the call, talk about it.
Then Liz and Diane were very much dealing with the difficulties of race in the workplace.
And especially a workplace that is primarily African American.
Who should have a leadership role?
So that it can work either way.
Women who are similar or dissimilar can find a loving friendship with one another.
Another big reveal was the opening credits we finally know what they’re alluding to.
Was that also planned early on?
And you absolutely knew that you were going to have those items be focused on when the shooting happens?
ROBERT KING: Well, to be honest, no.
We didn’t know if it was gunshots or other things in the finale.
We found it in this other form.
The finale also left off with many paths open to potential spin-offs, including for Diane.
Is there any chance we’ll be seeing Diane in D.C.?
BARANSKI: Oh, that’s like discussing Mona Lisa’s feet, isn’t it?
ROBERT KING: Oh my God, that’s such a good answer.
MICHELLE KING: We have nothing smarter to say than what Christine just said.
ROBERT KING: I would just add, I’d never say never on this.
That could be the comedy part of the show.
Is that a show pitch?
LikeEmily in Parisbut Diane… in Paris!
BARANSKI: And we all go to the south of France to film it.
MICHELLE KING: I’m in!
