It’s Littastic. Review: Suits - “Bad Faith”

Season 3, Episode 9

Air Date: Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 10/9c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

“Screw that. I’m going over there with you.” – Harvey

Mike and Harvey coming up with a plan.

With the Pearson Darby Specter merger being dissolved, both sides are racing to lock in assets and clients with the hope that their side comes out stronger than the other.

What I love most about “Bad Faith” is the fall and subsequent redemption of Louis (Rick Hoffman). I mentioned in my last review how uneven some of the writing for Hoffman’s character is so I was unsure of what to expect this week. Louis’ reaction to Nigel’s (Adam Godley) presence at the negotiations table, and the argument about Mikado that follows, is just plain stupid. Something like that is a better fit on a Sesame Street episode about playing nice, but not on Suits. That being said, once we get past the stupidity, the writing and Hoffman’s performance become outstanding as Louis decides to prove himself, and his worth, to the firm.

Readers of my earlier Suits reviews know how much Katrina (Amanda Schull) annoys me. But I have to admit the writing for Schull’s character has become better. Katrina now makes an excellent partner for Louis, who is in desperate need of his own ‘Mike’ (Patrick J Adams). I especially enjoy how they both have a tough time grasping Jessica’s (Gina Torres) order to “be fair.” Katrina was often portrayed as a bitch or utilized to undercut someone but in “Bad Faith,” she is used to restore Louis’ ego and I found myself respecting her for it. I particularly like how the writers set up a Harvey (Gabriel Macht) and Louis confrontation through Katrina.

Katrina to Louis: “You want him to see a different side of you. Give him a chance to show a different side of him.”

As much as I enjoy the rivalry between Harvey and Louis, I think some of their more powerful moments over the seasons have been when they have respected each other. I found it heartbreaking as Louis humbly explains his plan to lock in more money for Jessica and Harvey’s side but it is nothing compared to what comes next.

Harvey: “Louis. This is brilliant.”

Caught off guard, Louis struggles to find the words to express his feelings almost as if he does not believe what he just heard when Harvey cuts in.

Harvey: “Louis, I’ve told you this before but it’s always been when I needed something from you. And I don’t need anything from you right now. Because you just gave it to me. So maybe you can hear it when I say it. I respect you. You’re an excellent attorney. A valuable member of this firm.”

Louis: “And a friend?”

Harvey: “Don’t push it.”

Watching Louis’ face, you can see him trying to process everything that just happened, including Harvey’s insistence that Louis go with him to pull off his own plan. After all the jokes and all the mockery aimed at Louis, this scene is extremely heartwarming to watch. To think this was years in the making, I must give kudos to the writers for a perfect job, and to Hoffman for pulling it off as beautifully as he does.

The other surprise in “Bad Faith” is Mike stepping up his relationship with Rachel (Meghan Markle). Too often, I have felt Mike was too soft when it came to some of Rachel’s antics, and I think it is good to see him bite back a little when he explains the reasons behind his frustration. It also helps set up a beautiful moment in a familiar location as Mike talks to Rachel about their future together.

Future Father-in-Law?

To top that off, we see a serious but fun exchange between Mike and Rachel’s father Robert (Wendell Pierce). I enjoy seeing the chemistry between the two and I particularly like how Mike leaves the conversation thinking he really pissed off Robert — especially when Rachel confronts Mike the next day about what happened.

Mike: “Let me call him right now. I’ll apologize to him.”

Rachel: “Him? He loved it.”

Mike: “He did?”

Rachel: “Ya. He thought you had balls.”

Robert may think Mike has balls but I worry about what will happen if Robert is the next one to learn about Mike’s secret. After all, he is a highly respected member of the Bar.

Despite Rachel confessing her true feelings to Mike about him, she still seems to look for any reason to be angry with him. With the latest revelation about law school, I wonder how much longer this relationship will survive.

My hopes of finally having a review that doesn’t mention Ava Hessington (Michelle Fairley) is shattered when, at the end of “Bad Faith,” Ava turns around and sues the very firm that cleared her name. This sets up what should be an explosive Suits mid-season finale. Tweet me @staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Bad Faith.”

For more on the show, go to http://www.usanetwork.com/series/suits/.

Follow Suits on Twitter, as well as some of the cast: <Mike> Patrick J Adams, <Harvey> Gabriel Macht, <Rachel> Meghan Markle, and <Louis> Rick Hoffman.

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Greg Staffa

I provide testosterone to the site. You won’t be reading about how nice a actress looks in a dress or how much of a hunk Matt Bomer is in my reviews. I describe colors using words like brown, not taupe. My twitter name is @staffaroadtrip because I love road trips and have done two different 48-state road trips since 2008. My favorite show is White Collar.