Welcome back to Pearson Specter Litt! Season five of Suits kicks off with “The Skunk,” an episode packed with the emotional fallout from season four’s finale and the introduction of new challenges for our favorite lawyers. If you’re diving back into Suits or catching up, this episode guide will break down everything you need to know about the season premiere, ensuring you don’t miss a single beat of the drama.
Harvey’s Panic and Donna’s Move
The episode opens by immediately addressing the seismic shift at the end of season four: Donna leaving Harvey. We find Harvey Spectre, usually the epitome of cool confidence, in a psychologist’s office. This is a clear indication that the departure of Donna has deeply affected him, manifesting as panic attacks – a surprising vulnerability for the usually unflappable hotshot lawyer.
Meanwhile, Mike and Rachel are basking in the glow of their engagement, but they decide to keep their happy news under wraps for the time being. In a stark contrast to Harvey’s turmoil, Louis is ecstatic. Donna, having decided she can no longer work for Harvey, chooses to work for Louis. For Louis, this is a dream come true, marking a significant high point in his often turbulent professional life.
Louis’s character development throughout Suits has been a highlight for many viewers. Initially presented as an antagonist, his journey has revealed layers of vulnerability and humor, making him one of the most compelling characters in the series.
Alternative text: Headshot of Rick Hoffman as Louis Litt in Suits, showcasing his character’s complex and expressive nature.
The Case of Kevin Slattery and Dubious Deals
The legal drama kicks in with Harvey taking on a new client, Kevin Slattery, who is facing bankruptcy. Harvey confidently assures Kevin that he can handle the situation, proposing a deal that gives Pearson Specter Litt 20% of the company. This immediately sets the stage for the high-stakes, morally grey legal maneuvering that Suits is known for.
Back in Harvey’s now-empty office, the absence of Donna is palpable. He’s clearly feeling the loss of his indispensable right-hand woman. Rachel steps in to help temporarily, explaining to Mike the sensitive situation between Harvey and Donna.
Harvey and Mike then delve into strategizing Kevin’s case. The initial plan seems legally questionable, but Harvey dismisses concerns with his characteristic bravado, “Let them sue then, it’s civil anyway.” However, Mike, ever the resourceful one, sees a loophole. They approach one of Kevin’s creditors, suggesting they buy up all the debt or risk losing everything. When the creditor threatens legal action, Mike reveals their plan: they will acquire a defunct Canadian trucking company to circumvent the law. This showcases the typical Suits blend of legal ingenuity and risky tactics.
It’s worth noting that Suits often delves into complex legal strategies that may not be entirely accurate in real-world scenarios. However, the show’s strength lies in its clever writing and dramatic presentation of these high-stakes situations.
Misunderstandings and Missed Creditors
Louis, in his usual quirky fashion, needs documents printed but encounters a snag when Donna’s printer is still linked to her old desk. In an attempt to be helpful, Louis offers to retrieve the documents, hoping to avoid an awkward encounter between Donna and Harvey. Harvey, in a seemingly conciliatory gesture, gives Louis “the can opener” (a symbolic office ritual, though its exact meaning isn’t fully explained) to return to Donna. However, in Donna’s drawer, Louis discovers a list of potential replacements for Donna – drafted before she decided to work for him. Misinterpreting this as a sign that Donna is planning to leave him, Louis reverts to his insecure and confrontational side, turning on Donna. This highlights Louis’s deep-seated anxieties and fear of abandonment, stemming from past experiences, particularly when Harvey poached Mike from him in earlier seasons.
The Kevin Slattery case takes a turn for the worse when a crucial creditor is accidentally omitted from the bankruptcy filing. Jessica confronts Harvey, and he seeks out Mike to understand what went wrong. They realize Rachel made a mistake, inadvertently leaving out a single name from the last printed sheet. Harvey understands that these oversights are a direct consequence of Donna’s absence. In a moment of vulnerability, he asks Donna to return for just two weeks to help him find a replacement. Donna refuses, triggering another panic attack for Harvey, emphasizing his reliance on her.
Jessica, perceptive as ever, recognizes that Harvey’s issues with Donna are impacting his performance. She offers to intervene, but Harvey, in a display of pride, declines her help.
Redemption and New Beginnings
The missing creditor threatens to derail Kevin’s case completely. Mike, however, manages to pull off another legal maneuver to salvage the situation. While the specifics might be slightly convoluted for non-legal viewers, the essence is that they convince the creditors to buy Kevin’s company, but through clever contract structuring, Kevin retains operational control. When questioned, Harvey takes the blame for the oversight, protecting Rachel. Mike appreciates Harvey’s gesture, understanding the weight of Harvey’s admission and recognizing his own part in the near-disaster.
The episode concludes with Donna and Louis establishing their own victory ritual, mirroring Donna and Harvey’s past practices. Donna presents Louis with the same cake he had intended to give Mike earlier, symbolizing a fresh start for their partnership. Witnessing this, Harvey, in a moment of self-reflection, disposes of his anxiety medication and takes Mike to a basketball game, signifying a step towards dealing with his issues and acknowledging Mike’s support.
“The Skunk” is a strong season opener for Suits season five. It effectively sets up the emotional arcs for the main characters and introduces the legal challenges they will face. The episode expertly balances personal drama with the sharp legal intrigue that fans have come to expect. It leaves viewers eager to see what unfolds in Episode 2.
