Suits heats up this week as a senior partner targets Harvey to make his mark at Pearson-Specter-Litt.
After having a hard time handling the bankruptcy case last episode, Harvey hires Gretchen Bodinski (played by Aloma Wright) as his secretary. To Harvey’s surprise, Gretchen proves her worth by finding out unexpected details for Harvey’s case and that she’s aware of why he hired someone like her.
Jack Soloff (John Pyer-Ferguson), a senior partner at Pearson-Specter-Litt, presents Louis Litt with a proposal that will rework the firm’s compensation formula to favor billables (which will benefit Louis’ salary, but hurt Harvey’s). Louis shoots down the proposal as a move to gain Harvey’s trust, but it backfires when Harvey shuns him for it. Louis retaliates by teaming up with Jack and plans to expose Harvey’s salary to sway votes, regardless of Donna’s warnings to not cross the line with Harvey. When Harvey comes to his senses and finds Louis to apologize, it is too late because Harvey’s salary has been exposed. The two argue back and forth with Harvey assuring Louis that he will take back the one thing that Louis holds most dear, Donna.
Elsewhere, Rachel Zane is having dinner with her father, Robert Zane, to talk about her engagement. Robert unexpectedly brings a prenup for Mike and Rachel. Rachel refuses, but Mike, after talking to Robert one-on-one, agrees to the prenup. Seeking advice, Rachel goes to Jessica Pearson who helps Rachel realize the prenup would undermine her relationship, thus making Rachel throw away the prenup.
While dealing with the prenup, Mike is also handling a case given to him by Jimmy (a friend and former coworker). Unfortunately, Jessica tells him to dump the case because they would lose money from it. Unable to find funding, and being desperate enough to even ask help from Jonathan Sidewell, Mike has to return the case to Jimmy. To Mike’s surprise, the case turns out to be personal to Jimmy and Mike’s the only one that can help. Out of options, Mike eventually asks Robert for help and Robert agrees to work together with Mike.
SUITS — “Compensation” Episode 502 — Pictured: Sarah Rafferty as Donna Paulsen — (Photo by: Ian Watson/USA Network)
“Compensation” brings in season five’s first antagonist, Jack Soloff, who aims to make an impact at the firm and is going big by aiming for Harvey. Louis, once again, makes it hard for viewers to love him with his bad decisions and by crossing the line with Harvey. Harvey seems to have overcome his panic attacks and is coming back stronger to take back Donna.
Mike and Rachel strengthen their bond by overcoming the issue of the prenup. At the same time, with Robert’s help, Mike now has the manpower for his case and an opportunity to grow closer to his father-in-law.
After Harvey decided to take the list of secretaries from Donna, viewers will be pleased to see someone as good as, or even better, than Donna. Harvey’s new secretary, Gretchen, is true to her word and is indeed great at her job, making even Harvey question his manliness. By making her wear white, Gretchen is a fresh face to the world of Suits. At the same time, viewers will be surprised to see that for once, there is something that Donna does not know about. Gretchen may be the one to take Donna’s spot as the best secretary at the firm.
Harvey Specter: “Am I not manly?”
Gretchen Bodinski: “Well, if you have to ask.”
By reminding Louis he can make Donna go back to Harvey and giving advice to Rachel, Jessica reminds us how powerful of a character she is, even while having the least screen time this episode.
