#yeah let's just name this welcome to darvey's. why not

[quackle]

just put my fries in the bag bro 😭😭😭

(for my silly au titled 'welcome to darvey's,' where nichelle and ripper work together in a fast food restaurant named darvey's because they're quitters who owe a million dollars for quitting)

[statusquoergo]

Part I Part II

I talked previously about my thoughts on Mike Ross’s return to Suits, but this episode offered some…additional insights, let’s say.

So this episode uses the word “fuck” four times, “goddamn” once, and “Mike” or “Mike Ross” a whopping seven times. Despite my dramatic emphasis, that may not sound like a whole lot, but considering where we left off last season with Mike having been reduced from subject to object (see here for a more thorough explanation of my argument), it sure does seem like he’s suddenly supposed to be on our minds for some reason. Yeah, he’s going to show up in episode 5, but I should hope the showrunners aren’t just biding their time with filler content until then.

Now, the simplest explanation for this sudden Mike Ross overload is that that’s exactly what they’re doing; they know this show is surviving by the skin of its teeth and they have to scramble for any advantage they can get to hold onto their viewers, and in fact I’m inclined to suspect that’s the truth. Occam’s razor and all that. But I’m a Marvey girl at heart, this is my blog, and if I want to write about what a Marvey episode this is, then that’s what I’m gonna do, goddammit.

Mike reference the first: Harvey called Mike the morning after his and Donna’s tryst.

The thing that’s been weirding me out about all these “phone calls to Mike” is that it would be easy, it would be so easy for Harvey to say that he just got off the phone with Mike, or for Harvey to talk about a phone call he had with Mike last night, or for Harvey to refer to a phone call he had with Mike a couple weeks ago. They could even have one of those one-sided things where we can only hear Harvey’s half of the conversation as he “talks to Mike” even though Patrick isn’t actually in the episode. No, instead we get one reference to a conversation that might happen, eventually (“I thought instead of calling and asking for a solution, I’d rather call and tell him a story with a happy ending” [s08e03]), and one gloomy answering machine message (“Hey, Mike, it’s me. … Gimme a call if you want to hear it” [s08e13]). So all through Season 8, I’m getting a stronger and stronger impression that Harvey is calling Mike and calling Mike and never talking to him, but he just keeps calling, and my god that’s depressing. He must really miss him.

Welcome to Season 9. Not only is Harvey still calling Mike to give him life updates, but he’s leaving him messages offscreen. There is no reason for this whatsoever. None. “I hope [Rachel] listens to her messages before Mike, ‘cause I just left him a doozy.” How hard would it have been to say “I hope she listens to her messages before she talks to Mike, ‘cause I just got off the phone with him”? They use every single opportunity they can find to point out that Harvey and Mike aren’t actually speaking to one another, and being that I haven’t heard any reference to Mike leaving messages for Harvey, I’m inclined to think that this relationship has become unnervingly one-sided. But Harvey’s going to keep at it!

How, um…melancholic.

Minor side note, Donna is apparently in touch with Rachel to the same degree that Harvey is in touch with Mike, and while this is obviously a Machel/Darvey parallel, it’s also a cute little Donna/Mike parallel, so there’s our first hint that everything Darvey is just Marvey in disguise. (Give me a break, I told you I’m a Marvey girl.)

Mike reference the second: Samantha proposes turning the tables on Kaldor because “the best defense is a good offense,” and Harvey laughs about how often he made that same argument to Mike.

This is just tacky, to be honest. The whole point is to drive home how similar Harvey and Samantha are, but they could’ve accomplished the same thing without the reminder that even after that hideous goodbye, Harvey still thinks fondly of Mike (and still thinks of him often; they haven’t seen each other or spoken in like, a year, and he’s still finding all sorts of reminders of him in his daily life).

Mike reference the third: Taking Jessica’s name off the firm’s letterhead was fine because she agreed to it, and she knew about Mike (i.e., was guilty) so she deserved it.

I got nothing on this one, it’s just another excuse to sneak his name into the script.

Mike reference the fourth: Harvey’s been renting out Mike and Rachel’s apartment since they left.

Here we go.

Mike asked Harvey to rent out his apartment. Harvey has not been doing that. In fact, he’s been secretly paying it off and keeping it empty, “in case they came back.” “They” have given no indication that this is ever going to happen (“I know it sounds crazy, but—”). Take this alongside the probability that he hasn’t actually spoken to Mike since Mike left, and this behavior is indicative of a very troubled individual. We know from his issues with Lily that repression is one of Harvey’s favorite tactics for dealing with his problems, and Harvey admitted, out loud, very clearly, to Donna, that he’s missing Mike (“Donna, I might be missing Mike, but I’m not Mike” [s08e04]), so, I mean…

Well. Res ipsa loquitur.

Harvey has been renting the apartment to a fake individual named, wait for it, Rick Sorkin. Now I know that those of us who make a habit of producing and/or consuming Marvey content are quite familiar with this name, but the writers obviously don’t assume that to be the case for your average viewer, given that Donna slips in the awkward reminder that “that’s the kid who didn’t show up for his interview the day [Harvey] hired Mike.” Harvey takes the fact that Donna makes that connection as an opportunity to tell her that he loves that she “gets him,” but I have a question:

Why does Harvey remember it?

Rick Sorkin’s name is mentioned in the first episode, four times by Donna to the Harvard recruits and to Mike, once by Mike to Harvey, and never again for the entire duration of the show until this episode. It’s a piece of obscure trivia, a footnote in the Life and Times of Michael James Ross. I’d be surprised Mike remembers it if not for the writers’ dire misunderstanding of how an eidetic memory works. And yet all these years later, after hearing it once, nearly in passing, Harvey remembers it, well enough to use it as an inside joke in this horrifically lonely task he’s been performing for the better part of a year. But why?

You know what, all I’m gonna say about this is that there’s a reason Marvey fans know the name so well.

Sometimes it’s kind of fun that these writers are only good at romance when they do it accidentally, don’t you think?

[erickmalpicaflores]

Erik Malpica Flores Erik Malpica Flores recommends: SUITS Recap: We’re A Community |

SUITS’ “Sour Grapes” saw members of opposing factions in the Next Name Partner Battle of 2018 team up on two separate cases. For Harvey Specter and Samantha Wheeler, the task at hand involved standing up for the firm’s slimy landlord and newest client, David Fox. Alex Williams assisted Robert Zane with a personal business matter; and that left Louis Litt’s drama of the week to be purely personal.

We found Robert Zane. Insert Firm Name Here’s current managing partner has been absent from recent SUITS episodes, but he finally made a reappearance in “Sour Grapes.” For Robert, the episode title was about as literal as it could get: Because he received his barrels too late, the product at his winery had gone sour — and his business was tanking.

So, when the boss called Donna to say that he needed Alex Williams’ help, proving he’d taken the COO’s commentary about “fostering harmony” to heart, “Red” purchased Alex everything he would need and sent him on his way.

Zane was convinced that he wasn’t treated fairly because of his race, especially because of the all-too-familiar looks he’d received at the bank and elsewhere in the community. In a heated meeting, Mr. Newton, who had sold Zane the barrels, actually admitted to some sabotage — but because Robert was a rich outsider, not because of the color of his skin. After a falling-out with Alex and some good advice from Donna, Robert wound up taking the man at his word and working things out. He even decided to give something back by funding a community tasting room.

So, SUITS really did the whole, “it’s not racism” thing here. That’s unsettling, given that people of color don’t normally cry racism for no reason, but that’s none of my business. The storyline included a moment in which Robert stated that, if some outsider came into his own community, he’s not sure he would have acted any differently because where he grew up, the people were “tight and close, mistrusting of outsiders.”

That would all be fine and good if we weren’t ignoring the reasons for that mistrust. Between that and the supposed problem with Robert’s “Wall Street money,” the story gave shades of the “economic insecurity” argument that’s been debunked time and again in America…And that’s really not a good look.

Surprise! She’s not pregnant! Louis Litt might have actually gotten some work done in SUITS 8×07 if Sheila hadn’t called him on his “sex phone” to inform him that she was pregnant and ask him to promise to keep her pregnancy a secret. Instead, said phone call did happen; and Louis…didn’t do such a great job of keeping secrets. Gretchen was the first to know, thanks to Louis’ in-office happy dance, but the party didn’t last long.

When Louis took Sheila to a fancy dinner to celebrate [insert euphemism for becoming pregnant here], things took a predictably bad turn for SUITS’ least healthy relationship (and that’s including the non-relationship mess that a certain other pairing has trapped themselves in for 13 years, by the way). This week’s order from Sheila was that, not only would Lous not be able to raise his child Jewish, but he should also just, like, completely drop the conversation: “This is supposed to be a celebration. Can’t you just let it go?” Yeah, Louis. Let something that’s clearly a major part of your identity go. Because why have a discussion, when you can take Sheila’s orders and leave it at that?

This sent Louis in search of persons two and three to learn of his “secret” news: Esther (his sister) and everyone’s favorite therapist, Dr. Lipschitz. Esther was surprised to hear that Louis wouldn’t raise his child Jewish and had always just assumed that any future Litts would attend Camp Bracha, just like their daddy and aunt had. But when she heard that the decision was Sheila’s, not Louis’, Esther was a little bit less accepting — especially when Louis mentioned that the couple hadn’t even had a real conversation about it. The situation reminded Esther of her failed marriage, which fell apart from a lack of communication, not anything that her husband had done to her.

So, Louis finally stood up to Sheila — for once — only to have her shoot him down with passive aggressive nonsense about he and Esther dragging her for being a shiksa. Evidently, Sheila’s decision not to raise her kid one way or the other had to do with not wanting to further alienate her Catholic parents, who already had a problem with her for not being particularly into their religion. But when Louis tried to explain to her that his wishes weren’t about what was important to his parents but, rather, what was important to him, Sheila made it all about her.

“What about what’s important to me?” Literally your entire relationship, Sheila. Question answered.

Unlike with Harvey, Louis chose to solve his relationship problems with Sheila in a solo session with Dr. Lipschitz. Louis wanted his doctor to wave a magic wand and get Sheila to let him raise their child the way he wanted to; but it wasn’t that simple. The therapist explained his own family story to Louis, the all-too-familiar one of a family that could have had a better chance of surviving in nazi Germany if they’d denied their identity — but didn’t.

Lipschitz’s advice highlighted the hard truth about this relationship: “I’m saying if you can’t be on the same page about how to raise your children, maybe you should discuss not having them.” But when Louis told Dr. Lipschitz that it was too late, the advice was softened to, “it’s more important that you make a decision together than what that decision is.” And then, SUITS’ greatest hero congratulated Louis with a “mazel tov” and a hug.

Louis went home, hoping to (finally) have a real discussion with Sheila, but she’d already changed her mind because Esther had called to welcome her to the family. So, as nice as it was that Sheila was willing to compromise — exposing the baby to both traditions — and even surprised Louis with his mother’s kugel, I’m still calling this one a fail. This couple should have had real discussions before thinking they were pregnant, and the more Sheila continues to control every aspect of the relationship, the more it, quite frankly, needs to end.

Unfortunately, the end is not in sight. Louis tried proposing to Sheila again, but she wanted to be the one to pop the question this time. Yay. They’re engaged…Ummm, and they’re not actually pregnant, so now they get to have (one-sided, probably) conversations like (terrible) adults before any Litt heirs actually come into being. Woo!

Harvey, meet your new client: David Fox. Remember when Donna made a deal with the devil and promised him that Harvey would be his lawyer for a year, for free? Well, Harvey doesn’t because he was never told.

Insert the world’s worst “not-actually-married spouses screaming at one another” fight when Harvey was approached by David Fox with the news that not only was he in the dark about the deal, but it was also time to deliver.

When Harvey confronted Donna about not keeping him informed, she said she’d added Fox to his client roster — I guess Donna’s still holding Harvey’s hand like a secretary, even now that she’s COO? — something she knew Harvey never checked. After admitting that she just wanted to see the look on Harvey’s face when he realized he didn’t have a choice in representing Fox, Donna also told him to “suck it up, take one for the team, and get this thing done.”

…and the whole dynamic was of the head-scratching, “no, really, what is happening with these two???” variety. There are some bottled-up emotions out here, being expressed through work spats, that do not actually appear to be about work. It’s confusing and frustrating…and exhausting.

When Harvey grudgingly went to see his client, he learned that David Fox wanted to by a building from his rival, John Billups, who was refusing to so much as put the building up for sale. Harvey tried (and failed) to make the purchase with a series of lies, but Billups saw right through him. Billups knew that Harvey was lying for David Fox, and he stayed firm in refusing to sell.

While this was happening, Donna was approaching Samantha about being Harvey’s backup on the case. The COO’s philosophy was that, sooner or later, the (snooze-worthy) competition between Sam and Alex would finally come to a resolution; and “no matter who [becomes name partner] first, the other team isn’t going to be happy about it. But the more we’re bonded as a family before that happens, the more likely we’ll stay a family after it does.” During the conversation, Donna also admitted to her and Harvey’s mutual hatred for Fox, which Sam took into account when doing her (as always) solo research.

So, when the meeting between Fox and Billups went downhill, complete the reveal that his client had been paying one of Billups’ clients tens of thousands of dollars per month so Billups couldn’t kick him out, Harvey snapped. He told Samantha he didn’t “give a shit about Donna’s deal” and refused to represent a client who lied to his face, then went back to the firm to have yet another huge argument with Donna.

And it got ugly, fast. Harvey went so far as to say that he was the reason Donna was even in her position, to which she had to remind him — for the millionth time — that she’d earned it. With one last plea to Harvey to keep her reputation in tact, Donna turned to her new best buddy, Samantha — whom Harvey was already jealous of because she kept secrets from him but seemed to share everything with Donna — to ask her to please keep working the case.With much less of a fight than Harvey had put up, Sam agreed.

Darvey found dead in New York. Murder suspect: Damantha.

Harvey finally came to his senses and went back to see David Fox, giving him one last chance to come clean. As it turned out, Fox was actually doing something good with all of those payments — helping out the guy who could have ruined his life for some teenaged theft but instead taught him the value of hard work. Samantha and Harvey were able to put their respective knowledge together and come to an outcome that, while not great for Fox’s ruthless image, was exactly what he needed for his mentor.

With the case finished, Harvey went in search of Donna and Sam, who happened to be together and chatting about what a terrible gift-giver he was. The ladies joked about Harvey’s terrible apology-giving style and barely addressed him while he stood there, dumbfounded, as SUITS’ newest power relationship flourished.

Sorry, Harvey. You snooze, you lose.

…but whatever that weird reaction from Donna was after Harvey tried to joke back at her, leads me to question, for at least the billionth time, what exactly is happening in the SUITS universe. Will we ever know, or is the series just going to continue to drop hints and let viewers interpret things as they will?

News & Notes.

Welcome back, Amy Acker! And please come again! Acker is amazing in everything she does, and the face that “Esther” made when she heard that Louis wasn’t going to raise his child Jewish was so, so relatable.

“I’m taking my side.” Finally, Donna. Go off.

“No, Harvey, I’m in my position because I [f-ing] earned it!!” Again, I say, “GO. OFF.” We love one incensed woman.

I never want the phrase, “sex phone” used on SUITS, ever again. Thank you.

“I’m a big, bad motherfucker, and I’m here to drink your goddamn milkshake.” Here for it, Mr. Zane. HERE. FOR. IT.

Isn’t it wonderful that Louis never once thinks about the fact that he might not have a son? What time period is this?

“I may have to represent you, but I don’t have to tolerate your mouth.” Harvey Specter, y’all.

Pretty sure Louis called his sister’s ex an asshole, meaning the Litts have a type.

“Being Jewish isn’t just a religion to me. It’s in my blood.” This is the most real SUITS quote of the week.

Louis’ story in “Sour Grapes” really hit home for Yours Truly, given that I am the product of a mixed marriage, who didn’t even wind up practicing the religion that her parents chose for her. Not to mention, I work in an environment where I see the blending of Jewish and non-Jewish families all the time. There were some great moments highlighting that struggle, and I particularly loved when Lipschitz got personal…But, ultimately, as most things do when Sheila is involved, the story fell flat. So much for great potential.

“I understand as much as anyone the value of maintaining a Jewish identity.” Same, Doc. Same.

“I didn’t know you could read.” Ok. It’s official. Sam can stay.

“Ok. Let me put this in words that you’ll understand: I have integrity. You let him go, you’re making me a liar.” Canon: Harvey can’t read, needs to be spoken to in words he’ll understand only. One of those words, however, is not “sorry.”

“There’s no way if I’m white we’re in this situation right now.” There’s your narrative, SUITS…not the way that Zane’s story actually unfolded.

Why do we never get enough Gretchen? A quick laugh about Louis not being “the only middle-aged white man who wants to be Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman,” followed by that beautiful “you don’t need to be strong for me” moment, is just teasing SUITS viewers by dangling good food in front of their faces before starving them to death.

Loved sweet and reassuring Louis, hated that it was wasted on a toxic relationship.

“This was Donna’s idea?” “Yes. It was.” “Then, why don’t you sit down, and I’ll bring you up to speed?” Harvey can’t do anything without making sure Donna is behind him. Ok then.

Harvey was a pretty good gift giver that for that one anniversary…too bad Donna was in a relationship with someone else, though. Meanwhile, Robert Zane’s poor gift-receiving is an interesting nugget to try to look at in terms of characterization. Jury’s still out on what it all means.

“Wouldn’t you rather have people know you’re loyal than have them think you’re an asshole?” The Harvey we met in SUITS’ first season is in shock.

Is anyone else loving “The Adventures of Pops and Red” this season, or is that just me?

No, really. What is happening with Donna and Harvey in SUITS season 8? It’s…something. Donna’s certainly made Harvey do things he didn’t want to before, and they’ve certainly argued plenty, but the level of anger just didn’t fit the perceived slight with this whole Fox thing.

The next all-new episode of SUITS airs on Wednesday, September 5 at 9/8c on USA.

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