They say there’s nothing new under the sun. But every now and again, within a genre, some shows come along and dominate the scene. Based on IMBd popularity rankings, “Greys Anatomy” is the most popular medical drama series. For political drama series, it is “House of Cards.” And in the case of legal drama television (TV) series, it is “Suits.”
The aptly titled TV series “Suits,” is an innuendo for the perfectly finished custom-made “suits” which make the cast look powerful, and the law suits which they take-on week after week. The costumer designer, Jolie Andreatta followed the brief to the letter. And the result is a cast- male and female – who exude power and class. Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres) and her protege Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), most of all.
Jessica is co-founder and managing partner of the Mahattan law firm, Pearson Hardman as it was called in the beginning of the series. Her firm would see many changes and near take-overs but she stood tall for the better part of it. She has a lot of confidence in Harvey, the character you love to hate him. But it’s difficult. Because Harvey’s arrogance stems from an extreme confidence in his ability to deliver on the job.
“Suits” is the story of what happens when a lawyer needs a lawyer. Mike Ross, an intelligent but erstwhile drug dealer finds a job with one of New York City’s best lawyers, Harvey. As a rule, Pearson Hardman hires only Harvard Law graduates. Mike has an eidetic memory and genuinely desires to be a good lawyer. And despite knowing that Mike is not a Harvard Law graduate, Harvey decides to hire him as his associate.
As with everything, Harvey believes he will get away with it. There’s something about Mike that reminded Harvey of himself. So, he was willing to take the risk and damn the consequences. The duo become Batman and Robin. Both intelligent and able to wiggle out their clients from virtually any case. Mike gets even luckier and falls in love the paralegal Rachel Zane (Meghan, now Duchess of Cambridge). And so for years Mike’s secret is closely guarded but nothing is hidden under the sun.
When it eventually came to light, try as they could to circumvent the law, the law caught up with Harvey and Mike. It came at a great cost too, not only to Harvey but his co-managing partners and the entire firm.
Consequently, through the years, the fictional New York City law firm now known as Zane Specter Litt Wheeler Williams has seen several changes. But what has remained constant is that the only person who truly knows Harvey or has made the most sacrifices for him is his former legal secretary, Donna Paulsen (Sarah Rafferty). If you ever needed schooling on managing a boss, give Donna a call.
At the end of season eight, Harvey and Donna finally admitted their feelings for each other. As the show-runners draw the curtain on “Suits,” in its ninth season which kicked-off on 17 July, fans of the TV series are most interested in how Harvey’s relationship with Donna Paulsen will pan out.
Among the series many pluses are the characterisation and exceptional ensemble cast. For eight fabulous season, Macht has embodied the egotisical Harvey with so much brilliance. As ridiculous as it sounds, Harvey has an admirable narcissism. And his makes arrogance makes him so dashing.
Patrick J. Adams who plays the character Mike has also been phenomenal especially when one considers the development of the Mike character. Mike faces a great many crises of conscience. However a less celebrated cast member who deserve more recognition is Rick Hoffman. Hoffman plays Louis Litt and for most of the series, Louis just wants to fit in. Initially, all he wanted was to become name partner. And to be taken under Jessica’s wings as was Harvey. You’ll hate him when he uses blackmail. You will pity him when he gets dumped by the women in his life, severally. And you will love him when he is the team player that ca find just about every loophole in a contract to get his firm to win the case.
“Suits” is about a lot of things including; leadership, friendship, family, love and loyalty. Amid all the confidence and power play we saw the vulnerability of the cast. Harvey dealing with his insecurities about his family. Mike and everyone he loved broken by the lie he lived for many years, and Jessica and Robert Zane (Wendell Pierce) eventually giving up.
Still, in my opinion, one of the most outstanding things about “Suits,” is that it is one the very few TV series in recent times to steer clear of nudity. It is guilty of profanity but not nudity. And it is very commendable how the series creator and writer Aaron Korsh achieved this in today’s world where virtually nothing sells without sex. “Suits” is proof that television can still be greatly entertaining, and passion can be portrayed without nudity.
After “Game of Thrones,” “Suits” is another series I to say goodbye to.
