USA Network’s immensely popular popcorn legal drama comedy Suits is back for a sixth season. The show tells the story of Harvey Specter, an unbeatable lawyer, and his protégé, Mike Ross, who never really went to law school. While a major part of the series is spent hiding the truth about Mike, it is undoubtedly anchored by the confident and charismatic corporate attorney in the sharpest suits on TV.
Harvey (Gabriel Macht), the “best closer in New York City”, is all about winning. A name partner in the big-league law firm Pearson Spector Litt, Harvey possesses quick biting wit, an unlimited supply of charm, and a thrilling disregard for the rule book.
Over five seasons, Harvey’s character has developed from that of a cold, self-assured and condescending man to one who is more human, vulnerable to pain and heartbreak. Yet, the writing never gets too heavy, frequently focusing back on Harvey’s indomitable professional aptitude, an endearing affinity for popular culture and movie dialogue, constant references to basketball player Michael Jordan, and sharp one-liners.
Season five ended with Mike (Patrick J Adams) pleading guilty for practising law without a license. But being locked up does not mean that he is lost and forgotten. Mike is Harvey’s guy and if there is one thing that Harvey values over winning, it’s loyalty.
It’s not an easy situation in which the characters find themselves. In times of crisis, they have often been found asking themselves a simple question: What would Harvey do?
Don’t play the case, play the man. Harvey knows the law, but so does every other lawyer in the courtroom. What gives Harvey an edge is his ability to read people. He knows what drives Mike, what the opposing counsel is looking for, what the defected partners of the firm really want, and what his clients most value. He won’t give them a lesson in law. He is more likely to align their needs, emotional triggers, and career ambitions in a row to get what he wants.
That’s the difference between you and me, you wanna lose small, I wanna win big. Harvey knows that when the stakes are high, the reward is big too. He never backs down from a fight, even if he has to bluff his way out of it – and that he does, to an astounding degree of success.
You always have a choice. There is no need to fold or back down when Harvey is in your corner. He doesn’t compromise on what matters to him – his people, his practice and his firm. Harvey won’t settle for the sake of settling.
Loyalty is a two-way street. If I’m asking for it from you, then you are getting it from me. Harvey believes that if you’re not loyal, you’re nothing. The people at his firm are not his colleagues, they are his family. His emotionally volatile partner Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman), his mentor Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres), his long-time secretary and confidante Donna Paulsen (Sarah Rafferty) and associate and Mike’s fiancé Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle) are all people for whom Harvey will rebuild the firm and find a way to free Mike Ross from prison.
Sometimes good guys gotta do bad things to make the bad guys pay. But what fun is a legal drama if lines aren’t being crossed? Hiring Mike was an example of how fluid and flexible the rules are to Harvey. He knows what he wants, and he knows how and where to get it – if the route isn’t 100% legal, then that’s just unfortunate. When has a little law ever stopped Harvey Specter from winning? As long as the bad guys end up in prison, Harvey will do his job to the best of his abilities – question the crime, don’t question how the criminal gets caught.
Suits is back with season 6 on Comedy Central at 10pm on July 16. So, suit up, but remember to not wear a skinny tie.
Limited-time offer: Big stories, small price. Keep independent media alive. Become a Scroll member today!
Our journalism is for everyone. But you can get special privileges by buying an annual Scroll Membership. Sign up today!