NBC Makes Michael J. Fox A Free Agent, And Maybe All TV Is Better For It?

The body of The Michael J. Fox Show has barely had a chance to get cold, but the vultures are already moving in. Okay, that's a macabre way to describe something I'm actually happy about: a possibility that came up last month during the TCA press tour has now been confirmed, which is that Michael J. Fox will return to his recurring guest role as Louis Canning on The Good Wife. Since his Parkinson's diagnosis, Fox had made occasional TV guest appearances — as a physician with OCD on Scrubs; as "himself" on Curb Your Enthusiasm — but Louis is probably the greatest proof of concept that Fox could return to a major TV role and therefore may have made The Michael J. Fox Show possible...so it's hard not to have mixed emotions. Yes, I will miss The Michael J. Fox Show, which was hardly groundbreaking but which gave me a pleasant cozy feeling. But if its end leaves the door open for Louis to appear more frequently on The Good Wife, I can't be mad about that.

And now that Fox no longer has to contend with the demands of his own series, reprising Louis Canning could be just the beginning. Assuming Fox doesn't join Florrick Agos full-time (which...would rule), here are some suggestions of shows that could employ him next, and how they might use him.

Switched At Birth

Obvious option: A patient at Daphne's clinic who's alarmed by unfamiliar neurological symptoms, but who finds the prospect of disability easier to take thanks to her example.

Against-type curveball: A ruthless car wash owner willing to exploit his Parkinson's in TV spots to take down John's business.

Homeland

Obvious option: A brilliant analyst working in Carrie's new office who's considering retiring due to a medical diagnosis, which would hinder her professionally.

Against-type curveball: A deep-cover sleeper agent Abu Nazir had developed at the same time he was working Brody.

Nashville

Obvious option: An occupational therapist helping Deacon come to terms with his physical limitations.

Against-type curveball: Lamar's most heartless hitman.

Veep

Obvious option: A lobbyist on behalf of Americans with disabilities, who makes Selina so uncomfortable that she spews a torrent of accidentally offensive soundbites.

Against-type curveball: Mike's successful brother, a millionaire several times over, who shows up to needle Mike about his career.

Bob's Burgers

Obvious option: Bob's new cheese supplier, the nicest man in the world.

Against-type curveball: Gene's even more bodily function-obsessed new friend.

Kroll Show

Obvious option: As himself, approaching Liz and Liz to represent his charitable foundation.

Against-type curveball: A fellow toilet baby who becomes a mentor to C-Czar.

Game Of Thrones

Obvious option: A Lannister cousin who likes hanging out with Tyrion so that he can feel tall for a change.

Against-type curveball: Dragon!