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<i>Suits</i> “Teeth Nose Teeth” Recap. The Donna.

SUITS -- Pictured: "Suits" Key Art -- (Photo by: NBCUniversal)

Season 6, Episode 13

Air Date: Wednesday, February 8, 2017, 10/9c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

“You mean you have a you.” – Harvey

Donna tormenting Benjamin.

Harvey (Gabriel Macht) and Louis (Rick Hoffman) are determined to get to the bottom of things after Rachel’s (Megan Markle) efforts to become a lawyer hit an unexpected snag. In delving into her dilemma, Harvey discovers an opportunity that could open the door for Mike (Patrick J. Adams) to become a full-fledged lawyer once and for all. The only question is, will Mike be willing to do what it takes or is he content working at the legal clinic?

I would like to thank the Suits writers for my paranoid apprehension when it comes to Suits opening scenes. Given the dream sequence in “The Painting,” I couldn’t help but be leery as “Teeth Nose Teeth” begins with Mike showing up at Harvey’s door. I allowed myself to revel in seeing the duo on good terms again as I waited for someone to wake up. Much to my delight, it turns out it wasn’t a dream. I hate it when these two fight.

For the past several seasons on Suits, there’s been so much internal fighting and backstabbing I can’t remember the last time things were harmonious. Dramatically, it may be interesting having people like Harvey and Louis (Rick Hoffman) go at it but as a viewer, I’m exhausted. While I assume this is the calm before whatever storm series creator Aaron Korsch has in the works, I absolutely love how everyone appears to be getting along. I hope we continue to see more legal clashes in the courtroom rather than in-house fighting at the firm.

Will Mike ever be a real lawyer?

It’s fascinating to see Mike in a mentor role overseeing clinic workers Oliver (Jordan Johnson-Hinds) and Marissa (Athena Karkanis). I absolutely relish the whole student becoming the teacher storyline. There’s a maturity to Mike that we haven’t seen before when he is forced to rein in Marissa’s ideology. It’s hard not to laugh as Mike shares with Harvey what it’s like supervising her only to be reminded by him of the many times Mike’s principles made his life difficult.

It’s riveting to watch Mike chomping at the bit as Oliver’s housing case goes before the judge. It can’t be easy, given Mike’s legal knowledge, to be reduced to sitting on the sidelines while a rookie lawyer argues a case. Making matters worse is Mike no longer has the powerhouse team that is Pearson Specter Litt in his corner. Mike takes his frustration out on clinic manager Nathan (Peter Cambor) and it isn’t long before the working honeymoon period between the two men reaches a breaking point. Mike and Harvey have had similar clashes in the past and managed to work things out but Nathan isn’t Harvey. It will be interesting to see how their relationship progresses, if at all.

If you’ve read my previous Suits reviews, you know I love it anytime the writers find a way to use Benjamin (David Reale), the IT specialist at the firm. I couldn’t stop laughing each time Donna (Sarah Rafferty) torments him. That said, “The Donna” device is too gimmicky and feels out of place. Sure, there are some very funny moments with the Siri inspired gadget but each time it appeared, it felt like I was watching another clever Suits Webisode rather than an actual storyline. Despite my reservations, Rafferty gives one of her funniest performances in “Teeth Nose Teeth,” especially when she is talking to her computer counterpart. What makes the bit work in the end is Donna’s realization that she’s more than just “quippy lines and sassy remarks.” It’s a heartfelt moment that caught me off guard.

For the longest time, I couldn’t figure out what was off about Tara’s (Carly Pope) relationship with Louis. I finally realized it’s because she’s an outsider. Mike and Rachel, Harvey and Scottie (Abigail Spencer), Jessica (Gina Torres) and Jeff (D.B. Woodside), and Louis and Sheila (Rachael Harris) all had ties to the legal system or the firm. While Louis briefly hires Tara in “Turn,” that dynamic ended several episodes ago. As cute as their relationship is, it’s the one storyline that’s independent of the others. Some may appreciate the side story but given all that’s happened at the firm, I’m ready for the focus of the story to be more internal.

I can’t remember the last time I openly let out a cheer during the final seconds of a Suits episode but the ending of “Teeth Nose Teeth” had me grinning from ear to ear. I’m thrilled at the direction the show is going and for what the writers have set up as the sixth season hits the final stretch.

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

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, <Louis> Rick Hoffman.

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Photos © 2017 USA Network, LLC, a division of NBC Universal, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

 

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.

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.