Suits - “No Refills” Retrospective. Panic Attack.

Season 5, Episode 3

Air Date: Wednesday, July 8, 2014, 9/8c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

“You are not Harvey.” – Jessica

SUITS -- "No Refills" Episode 503 -- Pictured: Gina Torres as Jessica Pearson -- (Photo by: Shane Mahood/USA Network)

Jessica, putting on a happy face.

Against her better judgment, Jessica (Gina Torres) allows Mike (Patrick J. Adams) to team up with Mike’s soon-to-be father-in-law and the firm’s biggest competitor, Robert Zane (Wendell Pierce). The decision doesn’t sit well with everyone, especially when Robert makes himself a little too comfortable at the offices of Pearson Specter Litt. Will this unlikely alliance work in everyone’s favor or will one of them find a way to out maneuver the other?

Almost every time Pierce guest starred in a Suits episode in the past, I always noted in my review how much I wished the writers would find more ways to include his character, similar to my comment in “This is Rome.” Needless to say, I’m ecstatic watching Robert make Jessica’s firm his second home as he and Mike work a case together that Mike feels very strongly about. The witty banter between Jessica and Robert as they feel each other out is priceless, especially as both seek to find any sign of weakness in the other. Given Jessica’s history with named partners, she could do a lot worse than Robert. Although, I think Rachel (Meghan Markle) might have something to say about that.

With many of the Suits story lines revolving around inter-office politics rather than a case of the week, new faces are few and far between. Sure, there are occasional guest stars, like Charles Barkley who appears as himself in “No Refills,” but newcomer Aloma Wright, as Harvey’s (Gabriel Macht) new secretary Gretchen, is in a class of her own. With Wright’s continuing story arc, she continues to be the breath of fresh air Suits needs. I thoroughly enjoyed how quickly Gretchen settled in at the firm, especially when she feels at home enough to pull pranks on Louis (Rick Hoffman). That isn’t to say Barkley’s brief appearance isn’t enjoyable; I’m embarrassed to admit I got a case of the giggles each time Barkley and Harvey say the word “dipshit.” Juvenile, I know.

Harvey and Robert hashing it out.

It seems like every season Harvey and Jessica are faced with an internal power struggle during which Louis’ loyalty comes into question. This time, the conflict is with Jack Soloff (John Pyper), a senior partner with a personal beef against Harvey. Jessica sums it up perfectly when she tells Soloff, “There’s only so many times you can pull some shady shit to get something done with the partners.” I just wish the writers would listen to Jessica’s advice. Unlike previous adversaries, such as Daniel Hardman (David Costabile) whose prowess was slowly built up over time before appearing on screen, Soloff is dumped on the audience. With no backstory other than his hatred of Harvey, it’s difficult to grasp what’s fueling Soloff’s hostility.

I wonder whether there is more to Harvey’s involvement with Dr. Paula Agard (Christina Cole). I’m not implying anything physical between them but I’d like to know who she is and why she is able to connect with Harvey so deeply. In my review of “Denial,” I questioned whether Harvey had created Agard as a coping mechanism to process stress. My theory is fueled even more in “No Refills” as Agard suddenly transforms into the person Harvey is having the most trouble with during a heated discussion. Was Harvey having delusions or is there more to the good doctor than meets the eye?

Robert, making himself at home

Adams’ outstanding performance in “No Refill” is no surprise given the sincerity and humbleness he brings to his character. Adams is so convincing, you believe Mike when he sympathizes with Emma (Arlene Duncan), a client in his class action case, assuring her, “I haven’t just gone through it; it’s the entire reason that I became a lawyer.” It’s enjoyable watching Mike grow as a lawyer throughout the seasons as he never loses sight of why he became a lawyer. And that memory of his! Not only does he impress Judge Hernandez (Allegra Fulton), he gains Robert’s respect.

I’m anxious to know more about Jessica’s sudden interest in Rachel given how much time Robert is spending with Mike. Every move Jessica makes is calculated and I can easily see how Jessica might use Rachel as a way to get even with Robert for getting close to Mike. Will lines be drawn forcing Rachel and Mike to choose sides? I don’t know about you but I can’t wait to find out.

Tweet me @staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “No Refills.”

Tune in to Suits Wednesdays at 9/8c, only on USA Network.

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.