Suits - “One-Two-Three Go...” Retrospective. Same But Different.

Season 4, Episode 1

Air Date: Wednesday, June 11, 2014, 9/8c on USA

Rating: ★★★★★

“A yes is always so much better when it starts as a no.” – Mike

Patrick J. Adams as Michael Ross

After three season of Suits, it appeared the writers were running out of ideas to keep the series exciting. Countless episodes of internal power struggles became all too familiar and the rotation of names on the Pearson Hardman Darby Specter wall had become a running joke. A shake up was needed but not one that would upset the balance of such a wonderful ensemble cast. So, why not just give Mike Ross (Patrick J Adams) his own spinoff?

While that’s not exactly what happens, it does describe the feel of “One-Two-Three Go…” Mike has left Pearson Specter and joined the Sidwell Investment Group (SIG) as an investment banker. New office, new people, it all has a new show feel that occasionally crosses paths with the old show in a way that seems fresh and yet very familiar.

One thing the Suits writers do well is witty banter and “One-Two-Three Go…” is no exception, especially when Mike pays his old firm a visit. I couldn’t help but laugh at the interaction between Mike and Donna (Sara Rafferty) when Mike tells her his new secretary is so much younger than she is.

Gina Torres as Jessica Pearson, Gabriel Macht as Harvey Specter

Donna stands out in “One-Two-Three Go…” as the voice of reason, even taking on a motherly role when expressing her concerns to Harvey (Gabriel Macht) about his nonchalant attitude towards Mike. “But, Mike’s a client and you need to start treating him like one.” Despite her warnings, Harvey isn’t convinced Mike has what it takes to succeed, telling him, “You’re offering someone hugs and rainbows” instead of behaving like a shark. It makes for some intriguing tension as their relationship takes on a more professional tone.

I don’t know if it was the acting or how the character was written but from day one, I haven’t been able to tolerate any scenes with Katrina (Amanda Schull). So imagine my surprise when I really enjoyed her in “One-Two-Three Go….” Despite my earlier feelings about her, Katrina and Louis (Rick Hoffman) make a wonderful team that is amusing to watch as they scheme together over their next moves. Dare I say, I wouldn’t mind seeing more of Katrina this season.

Meghan Markle as Rachel Zane

As someone who admittedly has a small crush on Rachel (Meghan Markle), I was worried her being off at law school would mean we would see less of her. Thankfully, Rachel doesn’t miss a beat as she is now serving as Harvey’s assistant while also attending law school. Not only that, she is as witty as ever as her banter with Harvey is almost equal to that between Harvey and Donna.

Why isn’t Michael Gross on TV more? There is a delightful charm about him brought on simply with his smile ever since his Steven Keaton days on Family Ties. Gross guest stars as Walter Gillis, a wealthy businessman who Mike comes to with a business proposal. Maybe it was because seeing him brought back fond memories of the hit 80s show but I really enjoyed his scenes with Mike. I hope with Walter’s business arrangement with Mike, we will get to see more of Gross on the show.

Speaking of other shows, I was a fan of D.B Woodside ever since he played Wayne Palmer on 24 and was excited to see him join the cast of Suits as Jeff Malone, an SEC prosecutor with his eyes set on Pearson Specter. Given his connection to Jessica (Gina Torres) and the history of past office romances on Suits, it will be interesting to see if Malone makes it through the entire season unscathed.

Gabriel Macht as Harvey Specter

One of the things I have come to enjoy about Suits is the way the legal jargon has been ‘dumbed down’ while still appearing smart. Maybe it’s just me, but this is one of the first times I didn’t follow everything going on after Mike tells Harvey, “Pearson Specter is formally in review.” I understand the rivalry and tension between the two, which allowed me to follow the story better, but Mike putting the firm “in review” changes things. On top of that, adding the conflict of interest further complicates matters even more. While it’s not a necessity to understand all the legal maneuverings, it does make it easier to watch.

Necessary Roughness, also on USA Network, went through a similar shakeup where the show’s star went to work for another company. Like Suits, the writers had to find ways to incorporate the original characters into the new environment. While enjoyable, the show never felt the same to me and after that season, the show was canceled. Here, the Suits writers do a stellar job shaking things up without making it feel like they shook anything up at all.

I really enjoy seeing Mike and Harvey go head to head. Chances are Mike will return to Pearson Specter and it will be interesting to see if the writers will be able to put things back together as well as they took them apart. Until then, I’m just happy to see Suits back for another season.

Tweet me @staffaroadtrip or leave a comment below to let me know what you think about “One-Two-Three Go…”

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.