Episode 5, Trust, had a recurrent theme after the episode title, that affected all the story lines. Rachel believing in herself and fighting for what she believes, Louis trusting Donna, Harvey and Cahill, Harvey and his new client, Sutter, Kevin and Mike, and so on. Each plot merging into one another made this episode a bit confusing, but let's do an episode autopsy and try to point out the important things. (Somehow I'm feeling like Scully, and Aaron Korsh would be my Mulder? You have to believe! but everything is tying up pretty well and organic? So I need proof, or I smell conspiracy and future disaster. Anyway, enough with the pop culture references)
This episode can be divided into 3 main storylines. The easiest one, or lightest one, revolves around Louis sketchy plan to gain love back into his life seeking help from Donna. He doesn't think that by simply asking Tara out he'll win her heart, and in some way, this season's Louis is showing some character growth and is in touch with all his flaws. He's buying a house in the Hamptons so Tara can remodel it, and in the meantime he can court her. Donna tries to find a house for him, but Louis being Louis, snaps and she tells him to finish his own plan. But Donna being Donna, knowing he'll come back to his senses bid for the perfect house for him and lets him know after a heartfelt apology from him. Still not knowing much about Donna's current life outside the firm's business, she gives a glimpse of needing reassurance and her unselfishness by having solved Louis problem, even when he's being stupid.
The most interest part of the episode, or at least for me, is Rachel's storyline with the Innocence Project, not only because it's important the job the show is doing by making viewers aware of this project, but also because, as Jessica said it, it shows 'badass' Rachel. Her pursuit of the truth and having a goal, besides her law studies or her relationship with Mike's show another sides of her character that are appealing to watch. Her seek of Jessica's mentor ship and in some way convincing her, and making Jessica realize why the Innocence Project is important to take as a pro bono case, not only for the firm's reputation. It's a storyline I look forward each week and see how it develops.
Finally the plot that works as the spine of season 6A, the gambles and plans to break Mike out of Jail. Last episode Mike agreed on ratting Kevin, and this week's it showcased him trying to gain his trust. But in the meantime there were two important revelations. The first one is that Sutter, the deceitful client Harvey had rejected a few episodes ago; is Kevin't father in law. The big bad wolf, Sean Cahill is really after. In Harvey's line of thoughts the only coherent thing to do is to sign him as a client, defending him. But Cahill won't make things easy for him, making Harvey having to recur to Rachel's help, Jessica's and Louis'. (Even the frat boys traders' assistance) It's almost impossible to recap with all the turns the story is having, but by the end of the episode, not everything is working as well as it was planned, and Harvey ends up representing, Mike, Sutter, Kevin and Gallo. Meanwhile Mike finds out what Kevin did to be in prison (almost killing someone by reckless and drunk driving) but not what lead him to be in that state to do so. In the end, Cahill and Harvey share a drink, and the gambling plans keep on developing.
Looking at the staging elements that I like to dissect, it continues the trend this season is going after, smooth lighting for the firm, cold and bluish tones in the prison and regarding Harvey's character. This makes me wonder if everything will be solved as easy or well as the characters think it will.
How do you feel? Do you have theories to share of how it all will develop?
Side Thoughts
- Jessica's and Donna's wardrobe, as their make up are reflecting the thoughtful armor these women are using to go through everything going on. The Art Department keeps blowing my mind.
- Louis and Harvey's heartfelt conversation about Mike, and Louis doing what he asked for. Can we please, please, not mess up this, and let it stay as a status quo? The dynamics are settled, let's start resolving other conflicts and not going backwards to the managing partners fighting.
- Jessica referring to the firm as Pearson - Specter can foreshadow that the peace won't last long?
- The warden's advice to Mike also can be foreshadowing to things not working out as planned.
