Suits(The Original) Review: 5/5
John Scott, the director, and Aaron Korsh, the main screenwriter, delve into the field of law with the exquisite corporate drama Suits, known for its plot twists and reality of having a law firm in New York. Gabriel Macht, Sarah Rafferty, Meghan Markle, and Rick Hoffman, as Harvey, Donna, Rachel, and Louis, respectfully, shine as the show moves from hiring a fraud lawyer, Mike(Patrick Adams), who took LSATs for others, to caring more about the cases themselves. Suits is a must-watch: not just for the legal jargon and comedic quips from Donna and Harvey, but also for the reality and backstories of each of these characters. Meghan Markle perfects her role as a very sensitive, well-to-do paralegal that falls in love with Mike, and each episode makes viewers want to go to the next one. Also, Suits is amazing at putting lawyers’ actions in the limelight: the bluffs, and shady things that may be done to do the right thing. Suits also shows the loyalty to the firm: how it is important for all of us to stand by even at the worst of times. Overall, Suits is a top-notch show, which anybody can watch and immediately love.
Harvey Specter(Gabriel Macht), is a closer in New York who used to work for the DA. He’s known for being in the gray area to litigate successfully. He’s also known for his bluffs: clients who try to strongman him don’t succeed. He’s the protégée under Jessica Pearson(Gina Torres), who has been working her way up to name partner. The managing partner, Daniel Hardman(David Costabile), is very annoying and likes to backstab. So, when he is found to have embezzled money, Harvey and Jessica finally get their chance to maneouver the firm.
That changes when Mike(Patrick J. Adams) goes to an interview with Harvey. With his amazing memory and intellect, Harvey immediately likes him. This also saves him from the constant turmoil he went through after his parents death, with his roommate, Trevor(Tom Lipinski), ensuing with him and Trevor being chased by police for delivering weed. Mike becomes a central part of the firm: with him not technically being able to be in a courtroom, they ask Nina Jensen to hack the bar and Mike receives a fake Harvard diploma. This leaves the firm on edge, but with an amazing, caring “lawyer”.
The next main character in Suits is Rachel Zane(Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex). She is an aspiring paralegal who falls in love with Mike’s ability. They flirt with each other and have moments where they work together but they finally reveal their feelings later. Rachel is the daughter of Robert Zane, a successful lawyer at Rand,Kaldor,Zane. Not to offer spoilers, but later, she becomes very influential.
I can’t write this review without mentioning Donna Paulsen(Sarah Rafferty). She is played so well: a convinced, poised character that deals with others issues with a flair. Sarah Rafferty also ups the ante using the stop-and-go banter with Harvey. Donna, relegated to the role of a legal secretary, does more than that. She doesn’t just brighten every Suits episode but also shows the human side of a seemingly invincible character. Overall, Donna, a main character in the TV show, has enjoyed an astounding resurgence after Suits went to Netflix in 2023 and has inspired other actresses, like Meghan Markle, to even walk like her too. Sarah Rafferty was perfect for this role: a kind, sometimes mischievous legal secretary who knows the ins-and-outs of the happenings of the firm.
I have to save the best for last: Louis Litt(Rick Hoffman). He has such an interesting vibe: mad sometimes, asking for approval from Harvey, not getting appreciated for his work, slightly getting controlled by Donna, and showcasing his unique hobbies like mudding(trust me, you do NOT want to know) or going to the opera. There is a whole section devoted to how he fights to keep a cat, and every Suits episode, I mean EVERY one, includes how Louis fights through romantic issues or deals with his past. Rick Hoffman weaves a realistic story of a workaholic who realizes his faults but is vulnerable to it, and who will give anything to the firm. He also shows that Louis has self-motivated moments: like where he uses the knowledge of Mike to get name partner, but reconciles with Harvey later. In summary, Louis is a character who is a must-watch: but keep out for his trademark mugs and caffeine choices, though!
Ultimately, there are a multitude of side characters I can’t mention in this comprehensive, meticulous review, like Travis Tanner, Andy Malik, Holly Cromwell, or Oliver Grady. These characters pop up over different periods: if it is Mike breaking the law or a revenge suit coming back; suits always keeps your mind turning on what the background was before. Further, Suits is not just a great show: it has great effects too. From the flashbacks to “years before” or the perfect light framing to portray a day-night working day, to even the style choices of the cast, Suits makes you connect to each of the characters. That is why I give Suits a five-star rating, because of everything it has to offer.
