Self Defense brought back the fast paced thrilling hour that Blowback and Live to Fight were. This episode was directed by Patrick J Adams and like Derailed last season, it shows his acting skills aren't the only talent he has. The whole cast and guest stars shined through the screen, every look and how the lines were delivered completely on point, but not only that, the composition on each shot and how it mirrored the scene that followed was beautiful and aesthetically pleasing to watch.
Narrative wise this episode was interesting because more than half of it was told in a flashback to the day before the trial. The opening sequence is about Trevor on the stand and quickly we found out how he ended up there and what we can expect of him. He's not gonna lie to save Mike, and Mike finds that the only solution to make the jury doubt about the case Gibbs has, is for him to represent himself, showing them how a great lawyer he really is. Of course Harvey doesn't want to know anything about it, at first, because Mike can't be as detached from his feelings as he can be, and on trial they need to be ruthless. Their fight is settled with a mock trial where at first Mike has the upper hand but Harvey shows him what it needs to be done. He humiliates Rachel in front of the whole firm, and we can appreciate the aftermath with a heartfelt scene between Rachel and Donna, where the redhead excuses Harvey's behavior and convinces Rachel they need him to be this merciless in order to win the case.
Meanwhile Gibbs keeps developing her convoluted plan (insert evil laugh) to make them fight each other, approaching Louis outside the office, she knows about Sheila and who paid for her trip to Argentina (See side note). Louis freaks out and goes to Jessica, asking her to testify that Mike did go to Harvard, she doesn't intend to do that, of course; but when Gibbs corners them she lies. She hired Mike, and he's an excellent lawyer, and nobody will take the fifth.
The judge approves Gibbs' motion to move up the date of the trial and when Harvey communicates the latest development to Mike, he doesn't want anything to do with him after what he did to Rachel. But she makes him see that's exactly what they need. Emotionless, brutal, sharp Harvey.
The episode returns to its first scene with Trevor on the stand, and even if he sells Mike out Harvey's defense makes them have this little triumph; it doesn't last long, when Gibbs calls Donna to the stand her walls crumbling down are obvious by the excellent performance Rafferty gives with her quivering voice, how she's sitting and her gaze. She pleads the fifth when Gibbs asks about Mike's innocence, the one fact Jessica said nobody would do, and it doesn't bode well. When Jimmy takes the stand and lies for Mike, Anita shows how good she is at cross examining witnesses and in the end, even if Mike feels they might be winning and the jury has reasonable doubt not to convict him, Harvey knows better. The only chance they have is for him to represent himself, just like Mike wanted.
The episode ends with Gibbs offering a deal to Louis in order for him to testify against his coworkers.
These last 4 episodes has been about her circling them as an attacker would go after its prey, and she's turning out to be a extremely good hunter. I'm curious to know how this season will end.
These last 4 episodes has been about her circling them as an attacker would go after its prey, and she's turning out to be a extremely good hunter. I'm curious to know how this season will end.
Side Notes
- There's one thing I didn't like about this episode, and is not about a subjective point of view because I'm Argentinian, but because it's 2016 and the way the media depicts POC, Muslims and Latins is a problem. A one minute google search would have been enough to know Argentina and The States have an extradition treat, so if Sheila is subpoena, there's no way being in Buenos Aires, or whatever city of the country she's hiding would keep her safe.
- Harold wanting to be there for Mike, as Benjamin helping him reminds us that Mike, most of the time, he treated everyone like equals, and people don't forget that.
- Rachel was actually back to her old self on the first few seasons, calm and rational, and it's nice to see her being the one people lean in, first Mike and then Donna.
- Jessica only proves time after time why she's in the position she's in. (And that she could rule the world if she wanted to)
(From @laura_markus)
- That was the best episode since Blowback for a lot of reasons. The trial was intense, it kept everyone on the edge of their seats trying to see what witnesses they'd bring up or what quips they'd use to get out of stick situations. Anita is still amazing at being a villain. The mock trial was amazing; lots of arguing and apartment visiting between Mike and Harvey. And Harvey reminding Rachel about her cheating on Mike...that really sounded like he was keeping that in for years. I'm glad we could all be reminded of this.
- I still think the strongest relationships are between Mike and Harvey and Donna and Rachel and this episode delivered upon both of them. Louis is getting Litt Up himself, which is also interesting to see. Trevor got owned and Jimmy is awesome. A surprise visit for Harold was great to see too, and Benjamin is adorable as always. In the end, I'm happy Mike listened to Harvey, but it seems like their work is far from over. Great stuff.
What did you think?
