: AUSA Frank Asher, the prosecutor, resigns mid-trial after realizing the DEA's evidence came from an illegal source, stating he "holds hands with justice". The Legal Concept: Parallel Construction
: To find the "mole," Bishop tells different people different times for a fake cocaine delivery. When the police show up at 3:00 p.m., he knows exactly who talked—only to find out it was the NSA listening in all along.
The episode's title refers to a real-world tactic used by the DEA's Special Operations Division (SOD). [S5E13] Parallel Construction, Bitches
The Good Wife episode explores the controversial legal practice where law enforcement creates a "clean" evidence trail to cover up the use of classified or illegally obtained information. Key Plot Points
: Critics argue this violates the Fourth Amendment and the "fruit of the poisonous tree" doctrine, as it bypasses the need for warrants by pretending the investigation started with the parallel event. Discussion Highlights Reviewers and fans often point out: : AUSA Frank Asher, the prosecutor, resigns mid-trial
: Agents receive a tip from classified sources (like the NSA). Since they cannot use classified data in court without revealing sources, they "construct" a parallel investigation—such as a routine traffic stop—to "discover" the evidence legally.
: Lemond Bishop is arrested based on information that Alicia and Cary suspect came from an internal leak at Florrick/Agos. They eventually realize the NSA has been wiretapping them and passing tips to the DEA. The episode's title refers to a real-world tactic
: The investigation into Peter’s gubernatorial election intensifies when an agent from the Office of Public Integrity (OPI) pressures Marilyn Garbanza to hand over video of a stuffed ballot box.