Suits - “Self Defense” Recap. Winner Takes All.

Season 5, Episode 14

Air Date: February 17, 2016, 10/9c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

“The prosecution calls Donna Paulsen to the stand.” – AUSA Anita Gibbs

Will Harvey find a way to win?

With his fraud trial approaching, Mike (Patrick J. Adams) is determined to represent himself despite Harvey’s (Gabriel Macht) strong disapproval. Frustrated with Mike’s stubbornness, Harvey challenges him to a mock trial where the winner gets to be the lead lawyer in the real trial. But could airing Mike’s dirty laundry in front of the firm’s members do even more damage to Mike and Pearson Specter Litt?

The competition quickly escalates as both Mike and Harvey feel they have something to prove. Mike’s opening salvo against Harvey is something I’ve wanted to see for five seasons; it’s a riot to watch Mike out lawyer Harvey, especially when Jessica (Gina Torres) whispers to Harvey, “I don’t know if you noticed this or not, but he’s kicking your ass.” Mike’s command over Harvey is impressive, that is, until it’s Harvey’s turn to go on the offense. Turns out Mike still has a few lessons to learn.

Harvey’s line of questioning Rachel about her relationship with Mike during the mock trial is brutal. Macht’s performance is outstanding as Harvey walks the fine line between brilliant lawyer and total ass. Given Harvey’s ruthless approach towards Rachel, it’s hard to imagine whether Mike and Harvey’s relationship will survive the trial. Surprisingly, Harvey’s unwavering methods foster Rachel’s revelation about who should be the lead lawyer in Mike’s case.

Mock trials are the dream sequence of legal shows because they allow the writers for Suits to lay out courtroom scenarios with the intensity of a real trial, without the legal repercussions. Given that Suits is a legal drama, it’s surprising how little time the series spends in the courtroom. Thankfully, while the simulated trial is entertaining, “Self Defense” also provides the real thing.

Hopefully the end of Trevor.

How great is it watching Harvey destroy Mike’s former friend Trevor (Tom Lipinski) on the stand? Harvey’s takedown of Trevor happens so fast, I felt myself wanting more. Frankly, I would have liked it if the writers had dragged things out with Trevor given his history with Mike and what his taking the stand represents.

During the flashback sequence, Trevor tells Mike what AUSA Anita Gibbs (Leslie Hope) has on him and his drug dealing past. “They showed what they had, which is names, dates, witnesses, and everything else they need to put me away for as long as they want.” Given how intertwined Trevor and Mike’s past is, it’s not surprising that Gibbs discovered some of Trevor’s shady past. But enough to compile that kind of list? It makes me wonder if there’s more to Mike’s legal mess. Sheila (Rachael Harris) may have gotten the ball rolling, but could someone else be feeding Gibbs information? And why haven’t we seen Mike and Trevor’s ex-girlfriend Jenny (Vanessa Ray) yet?

The trial takes the audience on a rollercoaster of emotions especially when Donna (Sarah Rafferty) reluctantly takes the stand. After years of witty comebacks and always being in control, it’s humbling to see this side of her. Rafferty’s performance is gripping as Donna’s facial expressions tell the audience, and perhaps the jury, everything they need to know. Donna’s testimony isn’t the only surprise as Mike’s former colleague, Jimmy Kirkwood (Pooch Hall), unexpectedly shows up to testify. The director’s staging is wonderful as Jimmy walks to the stand, the audience can hear his testimony via Hall’s voice over.

The public exposure of Mike’s secret creates the opportunity for the writers to bring back some of Mike’s former associates, specifically Jimmy and Harold Gunderson (Max Topplin). It’s touching to see the lengths Harold is willing to go to help Mike. I’ve been a longtime fan of Topplin’s work and enjoy the idiosyncrasies he brings to Harold.

Benjamin (David Reale), the firm’s quirky IT guy, has a conversation with Mike that perfectly sums up why Mike is such a beloved character on Suits. Reale’s delivery when Benjamin shares his opinion of the controversy surrounding Mike is moving. As I have previously pointed out, the writers have painted Gibbs as evil in order to offset Mike’s guilt. With Gibbs’ methods well established, the return of Harold, Benjamin, and Jimmy in “Self Defense” reminds fans it’s Mike’s humanity that is the heart and soul of Suits.

What will Louis do?

I knew the moment Louis (Rick Hoffman) came up with the idea to send Sheila out of the country in last week’s episode, “God’s Green Earth,” it would come back to bite him. With Gibbs onto Louis and hot on Sheila’s trail, it’s a sprint to the finish line to see who Gibbs gets to first.

As much as I enjoyed “Self Defense,” the ending left me disappointed. Why is Louis’ loyalty questioned every time a conflict reaches a boiling point? This is the last thing I want to see when the firm is facing its toughest battle. Will Louis expose Mike’s secret? Will he betray Jessica? Whose side will Louis take? How will he vote? With only one episode remaining before the season finale, Louis doesn’t have much time to decide what to do.

Overall, “Self Defense” is one of the strongest episodes of the season. From the acting to the writing, Suits is firing on all cylinders. After watching this episode, it’s hard to imagine how series creator Aaron Korsh will be able to maintain this level of drama for two more episodes.

Tweet me @staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “Self Defense.”

Tune in to Suits Wednesdays at 10/9c, 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.