Suits – Season 2 Episode 10 – Recap and Review – High Noon

Whenever people talk about the great television programs that are currently airing, Mad Men is almost universally brought up and praised. As a series, Mad Men is a brilliant and supremely well-written show that, regardless of its seasonal and character plotlines, has tended to follow a few themes for the entirety of its run. One of those themes is the idea people truly never change deep down in their core.

Similarly, Suits seems to be working around that same idea. All season long, the characters have had to confront realities and truths opposite of themselves and their natures. Normally, I would expect this to cause some people to reevaluate their lives and the directions they are taking, and then choose to make some changes. After being pushed to the brink the past few episodes, however, it seems as if everyone is doubling down and entrenching themselves in their old ways.

First we had Harvey, who, after being extremely brazen, erratic and irresponsible all season, decided the best approach to handling his problems was to be even more so. There was Donna, who continued to be undyingly loyal to a man who sold her out a just a few short weeks ago. Then there was Louis, a man who let his petty nature squander his best chance at securing the success he has so desperately craved for so long. We also had Jessica, who ultimately lost power at first by trusting the wrong people to have her back, but then trusted those same people to win it back for her. Finally following right behind them was Mike, a kid who continued his descent into the lifestyle and persona he vehemently rejected just last season. In other words, after facing situations that directly challenged them and who they were as people, the main cast either defiantly or helplessly reverted to their old forms.

Now, the reason I mentioned Mad Men to open my recap of Suits’ Season 2 midseason finale is to not only draw that thematic parallel between the shows, but also comment on the strength of its execution by Suits. The key for this type of idea to succeed is that the characters’ actions must feel inevitable. That, even in the face of all the overwhelming reasons why they should choose to behave differently, their inherent nature prevents them from deciding on another option. While Suits does not pull this off as well as Mad Men, it comes pretty damn close.

So yes, from a rational perspective many of the decisions and actions tonight were simply idiotic. And yet, they could not have been more true to these characters. Tonight, I was cringing out certain things happening on my screen, but not because it felt like the writers were forcing drama for drama’s sake. Instead, I saw a bunch of people who easily knew better, but just could not help themselves.

Naturally, with still another part of this season to air the tenor of this episode could change drastically. Even though people stayed true to themselves that does not mean the status quo has remained unchanged. Depending on how Season 2 wraps up will most likely determine how I ultimately feel about this hour of television. Therefore, what was a very excellent and strong episode will have to wait for the rest of the season to play out to hear its final verdict.

Quick Hits:

If you did not cry during Mike’s eulogy for his grandmother, you have no soul. If you did not see that ending coming with him and Rachel the moment Tess was introduced, you have no foresight. Yeah, they really projected that one there, did they not? Of course, I understand that they were using the circumstances around Grandma Ross’ death to compare Mike and Harvey, I just wish they concealed it better. Having Rachel show up in front of Mike and practically give him the same speech that Zoe gave Harvey was a little heavy handed. Afterwards, Tess shows up on the scream with the words “wrong decision” almost stamped on her forehead and then everything proceeded downhill from there for Mike. It appears that the writers will have Mike and Rachel put themselves in each others way for the foreseeable future, but will keep circling them back to each other ad nauseum. I swear, this is the last time I comment on them for a while until we see some real change and progress in their relationship.

Not shocked that Harvey knew about Grandma Ross and proceeded to act like he did. You might not agree with his actions, but he was clearly trying to act how Mike wanted, even if it was not what he needed. Also, they little stoner session together was phenomenal. Simply hilarious.

So Tess is the new Jenna, and in fact I thought she was Jenna when they showed her back before her face at the funeral. Glad to see Mike upgraded to a married woman, because that is a real mature decision. Sure, his grandmother just passed and he is looking for companionship, but this will only end terribly.

Good grief, Louis cannot help but shoot himself in the foot at every turn. I think he was justified in his feelings and even some of his actions, but the man needs to learn when to let up the asshole inside of him. It is not an attractive side, and rarely works in his favor.

Speaking of people who cannot help themselves, Donna!!!!!!!!!!!! But whereas Louis could not help being pathetic, Donna can only be fabulous. While I disagreed with her put down of Louis, it did not make it any less awesome to watch. Add on all of her fantasticness tonight, and the woman was on fire. I just live for her, no questions about it.

So Jessica wins, Hardman loses and they each get some witty and sharp dialogue. I like the way they tied in the car case from earlier this season, and it goes to show you how smart Hardman really is. Yes, he lost, but the man was undone by some extraordinarily lucky timing and on excellent bluff. I like the hint that he could be returning, and loved that he planted that little seed about Harvey’s loyalty to Jessica. Get ready to watch that blossom.

Now with Grandma Ross out of the picture, I will have to rely on Harold being the character I get upset for when he does not show up in a given episode.

Very nice episode overall, and an interesting way to leave everything before the break. See everyone in January!