Previously on Suits… As the flashbacks montage starts there’s no subtle reminder that every road Suits took, came around this moment, what would happen if Mike’s secret was out. The series writing team, even if it changed slightly through the seasons, used cyclic storylines, how the season starts mirrors the ending or closure of a different conflict. One thing nobody can deny is that the show is able to reference itself, and some dialogues that might seem insignificant take a whole new meaning a few episodes after. But who Mike really was and what it meant to the firm never got solved, it was a plot that kept being recycled every time a character found out and it would shake the ground the characters walk on as the dynamics would shift.
Blowback, however, makes those moments worth it, especially when you can appreciate the characters evolution up to the moment of truth, Pearson Specter Litt (and all the name changes) had more takeovers attempts than any firm could survive; but each of them left clear one thing Suits even if it’s a procedural show, is not about the cases but a sense of family. That theme shined through this episode, while everybody sticks together as a team in order to get through this, and not only because they’re all affected by it, but because they care about each other.
The episode shows the immediate aftermath of Mike’s arrest. The desperation of every character surrounding him and affected by this, transpires mainly in Robert Zane's scenes with Mike, Rachel, Harvey and Jessica.
Robert Zane works as the voice of reason; trying to make sure they understand what is going to happen when everything comes to light. They're not right, they're in fact, breaking the law. But these set of characters are nothing if not stubborn, and together they believe they can conquer. It seems to be the case when Harvey gets Mike out of jail, even if he’s confronted by a new character that seems to be his perfect opposite, completely ruthless and seemingly capable of anything to win. The prosecutor, Anita Gibbs played by Leslie Hope, who does a great job and has the capability of becoming that character you love to hate. (Contrary to the past seasons antagonist figures who were more frustrating than relatable)
Rachel and Mike's relationship survives the main conflict but not unscathed while new doubts about their future arise.
In the meantime, Louis, true to who he is, goes into crisis mode until Donna and Jessica give him a slap of reality and he understands where he stands and how he is needed. He lets Donna go and they share a tender scene where you can appreciate their friendship.
Donna goes back to Harvey because he needs someone he can trust, and the last scene they share is another example of how lucky Suits is to have this type of cast. Gabriel Macht and Sarah Rafferty are brilliant with how they deliver their dialogues and the tones they use, the soft changes in their voices expressing what Donna and Harvey are not aware or seem to realize about their relationship. (The will they won’t they discussion that has being one of the things to focus on the hiatus will be only revived by this new shift in their dynamic, because the fact that they’re working together again doesn’t mean it might be a regression to how they were, after all you can never go back)
Jessica and Gina Torres owned every scene they were in, when she’s talking to Soloft she reminds the audience who rules the firm, she’s in power but she’s not a one side dimensional character, and Louis reminds her of that in the last scene when the pop culture reference, the writers seem to love, is included, discussing what is really the theme of Lord of The Rings, power or friendship? Besides Loyalty these are recurring themes Suits like to play with, the not so subtle subtext about its own narrative come up once again.
The first episode of the season was well paced, but tonight’s is quick and the essence of Suits is displayed, a perfect mix of possibilities due to how the elements come together. If this is foreshadowing of how the rest of season 5b will be, it promises a rollercoaster of emotions and quite enjoyable TV time.
Side Notes
- For more than 2 seasons Rick Hoffman's performance is breathtaking, tonight though, the ranks of emotions he displays is brilliant and he's the main reason why I still give chances to Louis. Is a delight to see him act.
- When Robert talks about his hopes for Rachel under Jessica's tutelage the only thing I could think of is that I hope in season 6 we're able to see this relationship flourish and Markle's character being able to reach her capacity (other than Mike's love interest)
(From @laura_markus)
What a fantastic episode. My expectations were low but not unreasonable. This episode was far beyond my wildest dreams. Let's talk specifics:
- Mike and Harvey. Three words I will never get tired of saying. They had such wonderful scenes. It's like someone actually remembered what this show was built on. And people, Mike will NEVER turn on Harvey, even if you get Robert Zane to assault him.
- Speaking of Robert Zane, he clearly has a thing for Jessica.
- Jessica was a queen, as per usual.
- Even Donna and Rachel had great scenes.
Amazing writing and acting. I only hope the remaining episodes are half as good as this one was
What did you think?
