Review: Suits - "He's Back" How low can Daniel Hardman go?

Air Date: Thursday, February 7, 2013, 10 pm ET/PT on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

If you thought when Jessica (Gina Torres) got rid of Daniel (David Costabile) it would be the last you’d see of him, you’d have been wrong.

What is Daniel willing to do to win

After losing Pearson Hardman not once, but twice to Jessica, Daniel makes his return as opposing counsel in a sexual discrimination suit. One thing that makes Suits good is its writing. The writers could have written “He’s Back” as a simple ex-employee-comes-back-all-bitter-and-resentful tale. Instead, we get a brilliant storyline with layers upon layers of manipulation, all done with a nice smile from Daniel. It isn’t until later that everyone realizes there are a dozen knives in their backs. The various mind games he plays in order to get into everyone’s heads are both brilliant and disturbing. “He’s Back” should have come with a warning: “After viewing this episode, you will need a long shower just to get the disgusting feel of watching Daniel off you.”

This episode is about strong character growth and development. These characters have a history and emotions that are often forgotten about on many shows a few episodes, and even seasons, later. Daniel’s return gives characters like Donna (Sarah Rafferty) and Louis (Rick Hoffman) the perfect opportunity to air their grievances with him for his past actions and betrayals. When Donna greets Daniel with the intention of escorting him to the conference room, she is at her witty best, getting satisfaction in a way she didn’t think possible. Last week in “Zane vs. Zane,” I questioned the writing style used for Louis, which I didn’t think fit his character. Between his surprisingly touching scene with Harvey (Gabriel Macht), his confrontation in the elevator with Daniel, and when he tells Donna, “I never told Harvey how sorry I was for trusting someone who betrayed us all,” the writers have returned to form.

Mike finally getting a seat at the adult table

Finally, Jessica is beginning to appreciate Mike (Patrick J. Adams) as an asset rather than a liability. She has always seen him as Harvey’s little pet project, often referring to Mike as “the Kid.” Was I the only one surprised when Harvey asks Jessica if she’s ready to depose Daniel, and nodding to Mike, she replies “He is, I want you to let him take the lead on this.” This is a giant leap of faith and trust in Mike that I think is well earned. While it doesn’t go perfectly, at least Jessica had Mike’s back, even defending him when Harvey was against it.

Not to be lost in everything going on is Rachel (Meghan Markle), who, having passed her LSAT, is now facing the decision whether to apply to Harvard Law School. Will she take the risk and go to hopefully become the lawyer she has always dreamed of being, or stay at Pearson Hardman where she feels safe and happy. Both Mike and Rachel still have feelings for each other, which is obvious during their conversation about law school. In what is probably the sincerest and most heartfelt dialogue in “He’s Back” Mike and Rachel come to a startling conclusion.

Mike: “It just hit me, you’re not going to be here anymore. …….I guess I’ll just have to get used to that.”

Rachel: “I guess I’ll have to get used to that too.”

I admit, I’m torn when it comes to Rachel. I want her to be happy but I don’t want to see her go. I can’t remember the last time a character got me this emotionally invested. I think this will continue to play out until the season finale when she makes her decision.

Feeling guilty that Daniel twisted his original idea as a way to get back at Jessica,. Mike decides to take action on his own. But he doesn’t use some hotshot legal maneuver; instead, he uses one of his strongest assets, his genuine concern about people. The way he gets Monica (Gina Holden) to see his side amid all the backstabbing and revenge is quite refreshing to watch.

Pearson Hardman was able to hold off Daniel for now. Somehow, I have a feeling we have not seen the last of Daniel Hardman.

Tune in to Suits Thursdays at 10 pm ET/PT, only on the USA Network.

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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.