The departure of Alicia and Cary from Lockhart/Gardner will elicit ire from many at the firm. Diane, played by Christine Baranski, will be particularly livid.
Barnaski spoke to Michael Ausiello of TVLine on the Emmy Award's red carpet on Sunday about Diane's reaction to the news of Alicia (Julianna Margulies) and Cary's (Matt Czuchry) defection.
"My nostrils flare!" Baranski said. She said that season five is "emotionally exhausting" due to the big shakeups in the upcoming season, including the big decision Diane will have to make. There is a great deal going on in Diane's life, "more than ever," Baranski said.
Although Baranski could not reveal many details about what will be going on this season, new photos explained a bit more of what's in store for season five.
New photos from episode two of season five shows Alicia and Cary suing the NSA on behalf of the search engine Chumhum. But in doing so, Lockhart Gardner will be subject to invasive spying by the governmental agency. The episode will air on October 6.
The photos also show Ben Rappaport ("Outsourced") as Alicia and Cary's new cohort, named Carey. Rappaport's character will join Alicia and Cary once Florrick, Argos & Associates gets started.
Stockard Channing is also featured in the episode, reprising her role as Alicia's mother, Veronica. Although Veronica has good intentions, Alicia may not always want to follow her mother's advice.
According to TVLine, Nathan Lane is also returning to the CBS hit to reprise his role as trustee Clarke Hayden, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination. Clarke will return to help Cary and Alicia start their new law firm.
The fifth season will also showcase a storyline inspired by true events. TVGuide reports that a story arc will focus on a case inspired by a real sexual harassment lawsuit brought against the writer's of "Friends" by a former writer's assistant in 2004.
"One of their paralegals sues the firm for sexually harassing her and the firm unfortunately can't represent itself. So, over David Lee's objections, they go to Elsbeth Tascioni [Emmy winner Carrie Preston] to try to defend them," co-creator Robert King explained.
When asked about her character's return, Carrie Preston told TVLine, "There's a really fun thing that I get to do that I can't wait for people to see!"
The paralegal will be Viola Walsh, played by Rita Wilson.
"The Good Wife" returns to CBS on September 29.