Back on the Map settles how what is left of Pearson Specter Litt will function and showcases the consequences of Mike's arrest and how affects the professional lives of the rest of the characters.
After Louis scares away every tenant that shows up to rent the firm's empty spaces, Jessica gives him an ultimatum and Donna offers him some help. Louis being Louis passes by Donna, and solves the problem by himself, only to realize the mistake he had made as soon as the new crew, that will share the office with them, appears. The group of financial planners look like a frat house in suits, and hilarity ensues. Louis granola bars disappear, his special juice too, and he loses his chill. This season Louis' character is overall being who he is, and it's ridiculous but funny to watch.
Jessica not only gives a task to him but also to Harvey, they need new clients, and he needs to book William Sutters, but because Harvey doesn't want to work with someone that has shady business he tries to go back to Nathan Burns, someone he had said no to because of his personality; however he is a honest man. At the same time he's dealing with the firm's business, Sean Cahill drops by to inform them why Frank Gallo can't be moved. He's an informant. And the only way to solve the problem is make Mike an informant too, but he has to learn every secret about his new prison buddy, Kevin.
Meanwhile Rachel is bullied in school, in an ethics class because of her relationship with Mike. In spite of it, she's still showing she has learned her ways thanks to her years with PSL, and the professor offers her The Innocence Project. Thing is, she doesn't want it out of pity or because of what happened, so she goes for advice to Jessica. And if the episodes keeps showcasing this kind of moments between the two, they know they're making a bunch of viewers happy, and are writing quality television. The conversation is pure gold, and seeing Jessica as a mentor, and Rachel active in another story line that isn't about her relationship with Mike is so interesting to watch. Seeming like the first seasons' character, determined and full of potential is the kind of Rachel (I think) we all want to see.
In the meantime Donna not only confronts Louis about his ways but also Harvey, when he takes it on her. She fights what she believes and for her role in the firm, she's not just his secretary but a partner, seeing her focused and not only his voice of reason is when Donna and Rafferty shines.
In the first two episodes the photography department and the director's work was what really caught my attention, besides the always stellar performances by the cast. This episode, however, is stolen by the art department, The make up on every character and color palette of their wardrobe speaks volumes about the inner turmoils every character is going through. But also their interactions with the space that surrounds them, mainly seeing Harvey pouring a drink besides the empty space of the picture he lost. His behavior this episode, his interactions with Mike and Donna, and his clients, it only shows him out of control, in a crosshair; but those moments in his dimmed lighten office and alone shows someone that lost everything. And it makes me think of his discussion with Donna a season ago when they confront in some way the subtext of their relationship outside work hours. He thought he had everything and then he lost her, now he lost Mike and everything he had ever work for. I'm excited to see the path his character will go to regain everything he wants or thinks that matters, and if any of those things might have changed since his last talk to Donna.
The cliffhanger about Mike having to rat out on Kevin and how everything will keep developing with the new characters make me want to binge watch this season, if only that was possible. Season 6 is definitely surprising and the show is squeezing all the creative potential they have.
What do you think?
