The Good Fight Review: The Gang Gets a Call from HR (Season 4 Episode 3)
Memo 618 is still adding the most fantastical ambiance to the series on The Good Fight Season 4 Episode 3, “The Gang Gets A Call From HR.”
However, there is no denying the fact that setting up a name partner and black man in an HR dispute with STR Laurie over using the N-word in a quote can be interpreted as laughable. So this plot also adds to the surreal nature of the season.
I’m on the gang’s side in thinking it’s ridiculous to go to HR with this complaint, but there could be other viewers who think the gripe is valid. That’s why this works so well on The Good Fight.
There’s still a surreal aspect to the whole conflict. We can’t blame Adrian for wondering if he’s actually living through this or if it’s a bad dream. Sometimes, the best and worst aspects of life don’t feel real.
The power behind and ownership of the N-word shouldn’t even be in question here, even if a black person in the room is the one who reported Adrian, because they have a right not to hear the N-word at work.
While discussing the political issue of reparations for a potential client — the Democratic National Convention — he quotes a white former governor of Georgia.
He’s not saying the quote for effect or to make anyone uncomfortable. He’s barely saying it to support his point. He’s just quoting a man who used a polarizing word.
STR Laurie is definitely living up to the nickname STD Laurie, and whoever reported Adrian has fed a monster, whether they know it or not.
Caleb’s presence on the Reddick, Boseman, and Lockhart floor is unsettling.
But the bigger issue here is that there is no trust between the larger firm and the subsidiary. They’re arguing about the date that business was acquired because each side wants more money and investigating each other.
Neither viewers or characters need this spelled out, but no one is trying to build trust with each other at all.
This is only highlighted by the fact that Diane suspects that STR Laurie’s wifi is the reason why it’s impossible for her to search for Memo 618.
How can a law firm, big or small, intimidate judges so much? No one seems in on the plan, here. They’re definitely scared every time they see the memo.
Furthermore, if this is true, STR Laurie is wiping their own cases from dockets. They’re pro bono, so not money-makers. But the question of why they would do that still remains.
It’s hard to talk about too much because we don’t know what 618 means.
It’s a fair guess that white people somewhere are using their power and privilege to get money at the expense of people like Marta’s livelihood.
Diane is the perfect detective to have on this case and as disturbing as everything is, she’s trying to solve this mystery about what “Memo 618” adds an almost interactive element to the show that has never been there before.
But it’s only fun to a point because we are spectators trying to solve this from the other side of the TV screen. Living inside of that mystery would be absolutely terrifying. The writer of this memo is not the good guy in this story.
It’s a shame that the firm loses the DNC as a client completely for now because of tension within the company. They definitely have the right lawyers to help mobilize black voters.
But the racial tension is just a place to start. You can set up a dartboard, close your eyes and throw it to decide where to start with Reddick, Boseman, and Lockhart’s problems.
There is also tension among black associates, trust issues with STR Laurie, and money that are not getting repaired soon, plus Memo 618.
It’s difficult to watch because viewers know something is going to implode sooner than later. The question is what that victim will be.
Is it the relationship between RBL and STR Laurie? Is it the personal relationships with Reddick, Boseman, and Lockhart? Or is Diane going to self-implode trying to figure who is responsible for three numbers obstructing justice?
It all becomes very overwhelming to think about alone. Thankfully, we have no responsibility for finding the answers.
What did you think of this episode of The Good Fight? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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The Good Fight airs Thursdays on CBS All Access.
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Esme Mazzeo
Esme Mazzeo is a lifestyle and entertainment journalist from Long Island. When she's not writing for work, she's writing for fun, or searching for something to satisfy her sweet tooth. She thinks rainy days are the best kind of days. Certified night owl.