"The Painting" picks up the morning after "She's Gone" ended. It starts with Rachel and Donna, giving a pep talk to Mike and Harvey, respectively, and the story line is followed by several flashbacks. Suits has done quite a few of this kind of episodes, almost becoming a tradition. Every one of this episodes gave the viewer insight on the past of the characters, on their own and together. "Not just a Pretty Face" or "The Other Time" clarified how Donna and Harvey came to be what they are, for example. When this resource is used, it is always done with a clear line of thought by the writers to introduce the viewer into what's going to happen, or understand the twist they're starting to bring up, this one complies with this practice. It settles the hopeful tone this half season started last week and it might be my favorite and one of the best episodes in the show's total run.
The episode has 2 main plots following Harvey and Mike, each on their own, trying to find their way out of the mess their lives are.
Mike has to deal with a new job, that appears almost magically on his doorstep, but things are never easy for the show's dynamic duo. He has to prove himself in his new workplace, and while doing so, he shows quite the bit of personal growth. We met three new characters, and it's interesting to see how Mike interacts with them.
At the firm, like always, things are not going as smoothly as the characters want, and when an old client of Harvey shows up, Louis has to work for a greater good, albeit not completely happy with it. But thank the universe Donna and Rachel are working there too.
However most of the episode revolves around Harvey. We follow him through his trip to Boston to see his mother after 7 years of no communication whatsoever, and 20 years of a strained relationship. The flashbacks clarify most of the feelings that are echoed on his face, - and before I start I have to stop because if not this would become a 7 pages essay of how great Gabriel Macht is, and how this episode brings out all the talent he has and takes your breath away, as much as it might make you cry too - While on present time (clarified on screen titles, just in case the discernible different lighting and color tone doesn't clue you in) the dialogues are straight to the point and let the viewer on to how much Harvey is growing as a character, and how his way of thinking is changing. The scenes with Lily and Marcus Specter are precious, is a beautiful episode about the theme this season seems to be developing around, family. Every story has two sides, and "The Painting" showcases how it was for the rest of the Specters while he cut his ties to them. The tone of voices, body demeanor, and camera angles are telling a heartbreaking family tale, with great performances, and what it seems to be the closure the leading character needed to find a new beginning, and a happier one. (With a new token for his office)
The episode has 2 main plots following Harvey and Mike, each on their own, trying to find their way out of the mess their lives are.
Mike has to deal with a new job, that appears almost magically on his doorstep, but things are never easy for the show's dynamic duo. He has to prove himself in his new workplace, and while doing so, he shows quite the bit of personal growth. We met three new characters, and it's interesting to see how Mike interacts with them.
At the firm, like always, things are not going as smoothly as the characters want, and when an old client of Harvey shows up, Louis has to work for a greater good, albeit not completely happy with it. But thank the universe Donna and Rachel are working there too.
However most of the episode revolves around Harvey. We follow him through his trip to Boston to see his mother after 7 years of no communication whatsoever, and 20 years of a strained relationship. The flashbacks clarify most of the feelings that are echoed on his face, - and before I start I have to stop because if not this would become a 7 pages essay of how great Gabriel Macht is, and how this episode brings out all the talent he has and takes your breath away, as much as it might make you cry too - While on present time (clarified on screen titles, just in case the discernible different lighting and color tone doesn't clue you in) the dialogues are straight to the point and let the viewer on to how much Harvey is growing as a character, and how his way of thinking is changing. The scenes with Lily and Marcus Specter are precious, is a beautiful episode about the theme this season seems to be developing around, family. Every story has two sides, and "The Painting" showcases how it was for the rest of the Specters while he cut his ties to them. The tone of voices, body demeanor, and camera angles are telling a heartbreaking family tale, with great performances, and what it seems to be the closure the leading character needed to find a new beginning, and a happier one. (With a new token for his office)
Rating: A+
A Few Highlights from the Episode: (And it's hard to choose)
- Donna and Harvey's first and last scene. (It will make your heart flutter, and it shows how much she believes in him, and him sharing a bit of himself with her)
- "I'm so angry, I don't wanna be angry anymore, but I don't know how to stop" Have tissues handy, and an award for Mr. Macht.
- Mike's new colleagues.
- Bryinn Thayer's performance as Lily Specter it's a tear jerker.
- Harvey's evolution as a character, it has been developed for 6 seasons, but this episode equals the growth and it's sterling.
The Painting airs on Wednesday, February 1st at 10/9c. be sure to come back here to SpoilerTV to talk about the episode. (Specially the last scene)
