Suits - Season 2 Episode 3 - Recap - Meet the New Boss

Season 2 Episode 3 of Suits lived up to its title of "Meet the New Boss" as Hardman was fleshed out some for the audience. Luckily, he was not the only character to receive that treatment, as our recap points out.

Recap and Review

“This is my everything!” When Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) yelled this at Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle) near the end of the show tonight, it became quite clear that that one sentence would not only define this episode but also the rest of the season. For the employees at Pearson Hardman, their jobs are truly their everything. Sure, we have seen some of the characters have connections outside of the office, whether it be Harvey Specter's (Gabriel Macht) random dates or Mike’s grandmother, but really it always come back to the firm for these people. That is what makes this season’s concept so riveting, because Daniel Hardman's (David Costabile) return threatens the thing that is most precious to everyone. So what do we know about our new big baddie now?

For one, we know the man is highly intelligent. He not only proved that by the way he worked his way back into the firm in the season premiere, but also tonight when he went up against Harvey toe-to-toe. He is also very manipulative. Not only did he do well to compliment Mike outright, something Harvey never does, but he also used Mike’s compassionate nature to his advantage. Make no mistake, that scene where Hardman was smoking a cigarette and reminiscing about his wife was a totally calculated move on his part to humanize himself in Mike’s eyes. Hardman is also very insightful. From what little interaction he had with Mike, it was enough for him to see Mike’s weaknesses and work them to his advantage. The same can be said about his treatment of Louis last episode. Hardman understands how people work and think, which is very powerful trait. Finally, the man is all about respect. Even if he had not said so himself, it was apparent through all of his actions this episode how much respects matters to him. Of course, this makes perfect sense. Here is man who was forced out of the firm that he founded. Now that he has returned, he is still not in power. More importantly, someone like Harvey, who is supposed to answer to him, is challenging him right to his face. I fully expect that Hardman’s plan is to now gain everyone’s respect he can at the firm, in order to leverage that as power against Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres) later on. It will be really interesting to see as the season progresses how Jessica decides to combat him. Especially, when you consider that her main ally in Harvey actually has very little respect from the rest of the firm, at least when it comes to the kind of person he is.

Hardman was not the only character that was fleshed out tonight. Poor Louis, he pretty much always gets the short end of the stick, doesn’t he? Here you have a man who has done nothing but dedicate himself to the firm, and yet he is always passed over in one way or another. I think his rebuff of Jessica was totally warranted, especially considering that he has always been her most loyal employee. Sure, Harvey is her closest ally, but Louis has never betrayed her. And what does he get for continued service? Nothing. And as much as I loved his scene tonight with Harvey in the pen, I just could not help but feel for him even more. The fact that one compliment from Harvey just meant so much to him truly demonstrates how little appreciation he feels. I have said it before and I will say it again, Jessica’s treatment of Louis, both her own and what she allows Harvey to do, is her biggest mistake. Hopefully, she realizes that before it is too late.

Tonight was also a great night for Rachel. For too long Rachel has been defined through Mike’s eyes. For such a successful woman, the show has only really presented her before this point as just a love interest for Mike. In fact, they could not have been more literal than by having Mike write her personal essay for the dating website. That is why it was so great when she went out with Donna and also decided to take the bar exam. For once, it felt like we were finally seeing the character in her own terms, and not being defined solely through her interaction with or reaction to Mike

That is not to say that I did not love her scene with Mike in the office. Actually, it was my favorite scene between them ever, because it had such a beautiful and really heartbreaking quality about it. It truly demonstrated why they are meant to be together in the end. Still, if that moment showcased why they belong together, it was scene at Mike’s apartment that illustrated why they could not come together just yet. While I think it was fantastic that Rachel confronted him, I still find myself siding with Mike. It is a huge risk if he were to tell her, and I can understand why if he is not ready to risk not only his future but also Harvey’s and Jessica’s by telling her. I suspect when Mike is certain of their future that is when he will tell her his secret. Until then, it will be nice to see Rachel makes some moves independent of him.

Quick hits

I am all for Harvey winning most of the time, but I am also ready to see his ass get handed to him. He is just becoming a touch too arrogant for my taste, and the way he used Grandma Ross indirectly for his case did not sit well with me. I suspect he will be getting knocked down sometime soon, because the show needs to demonstrate that Hardman is his equal to some degree. Otherwise, it is a situation with all bark and no bite.

Does anyone else feel like Harvey and Mike are in a little bit of a rut with each other? I just feel as if all of their interactions are just kind of repeating at this point. It would be nice to see something happen that shakes things up a bit, and gives us a few great scenes between them.

How great was it to have Grandma Ross back? Not only is she the person that grounds and humanizes Mike, she is just flat out funny. Telling Mike to threaten people authoritatively less they think she raised him a pussy? Priceless. Saying she might write him back into her will? Superb. The woman is nothing but gold.

Speaking of amazing women, Donna!!!!!!!! It is great to see that the show has followed through fully on her friendship with Rachel. Their scene at the bar was just full of so much win. I especially liked when she called herself a rabbi and proceeded to attempt to curl her hair. Drunk Donna is always the best, and tonight was no exception.

Yes, Louis’ scene with Harvey’s recording was little sad when you consider its meaning, but taken on its face value it was nothing short of hilarious. Rick Hoffman really just owns his character. Also, I loved female Louis. I hope this is not the last we have seen of her, even if it is just a bit part here or there.

So that is where we stand. I think the show is being very smart by using Hardman’s presence to develop the core characters in new directions. It is especially nice that some of the more supporting cast are receiving the most benefits in this regard. This show will ultimately always be about Harvey and Mike, but its level of success will also depend on the strength of the surrounding characters. Tonight, I felt that some steps were made in very positive direction in that area.