10 Bitter Truths About Rewatching Suits, A Dozen Years Later

Article Overview

The television series Suits showcases its ingenuity in crime-solving and enigmatic components, which were representative of its era. However, certain aspects of the show have not stood the test of time, such as the unfavorable treatment of associates and improbable plotlines.

The main characters in Suits appear to have expertise in various areas of law, despite lacking formal qualifications, making it hard to believe. The show heavily relies on personal vendettas and redundant case revelations in its plot, and certain storylines, such as Mike's reentry into the legal field, seem improbable.

Suits was originally intended to be intense and edgy, but in its pursuit of these qualities, it made certain choices that do not hold up well over time. The show aired from 2011 to 2018 on the USA Network and follows the story of Mike Ross, a man with a photographic memory who lands a position with Harvey Spector despite lacking a formal law degree. Initially, Suits enjoyed great popularity during its original run on cable television, but its viewership skyrocketed upon its arrival on Netflix in 2023. This increased attention and audience interest have provided an opportunity to reassess Suits, now twelve years after its premiere.

In many respects, Suits is a product of its era. It aired during a time when the USA Network was dominated by groundbreaking crime-solving shows that revolved around two close friends navigating a particular aspect of the investigative world. The intriguing mystery of Mike's secret and the weekly case-solving aspect endeared Suits to viewers throughout its nine-season run. However, this does not absolve the show of some of its more problematic choices and moments. Upon revisiting Suits, one can identify various issues, ranging from actions that have not aged well to weak storylines.

10. Louis’ Treatment Of The Associates Is Too Cruel

9. Main Lawyers Practice Every Field Of Law

In Suits, Louis eventually achieves partnership status within the firm following his previous role of training the associates. However, his approach towards them is frequently unforgiving, characterized by harsh verbal outbursts and derogatory remarks. While the legal profession inherently demands long and arduous hours, the excessively exaggerated and often cruel expectations imposed by Louis no longer resonate well, particularly given the current focus on establishing appropriate working environments in reality.

8. Donna’s Actions For Harvey Are Out Of Character

In season 2 of the show, Pearson and Hardman are shown discussing the existence of different departments within their firm. However, these departments are all referenced when a battle for a partner position ensues. Interestingly, it appears that Harvey and Mike handle almost every type of law case that comes their way at the office. Whether it involves fraud or corporation settlements, these two lawyers possess expertise in all areas of law, which is truly remarkable considering Mike's lack of formal legal training in any specific practice area.

Donna, one of the show's most intelligent characters, makes a perplexing decision in season 2. She is accused of concealing a signed document that could have significantly impacted a case's outcome and subsequently gets dismissed due to this incident. It is puzzling because Donna is known for her unwavering loyalty towards Harvey, making it highly unlikely that she would engage in such behavior. She is well aware of how Harvey would react to the document being hidden, yet she chooses to do so regardless. Moreover, it is unfathomable that she is able to regain her position after this ordeal, as being accused of such actions would undoubtedly tarnish her reputation within the legal realm.

Donna is fired in Suits season 2, episode 5 and rehired in season 2, episode 9

7. Too Many Personal Vendettas

The portrayal of personal vendettas in the legal profession on the show Suits is highly unrealistic, even considering the high-stress nature of the field. Each season features numerous episodes where individuals attempt to ruin Harvey's reputation due to past actions, many of which would lead to his disbarment in real life. When the show momentarily deviates from the vendettas against Harvey outside the office, the lawyers within the Pearson and Hardman firm become entangled in their own conflicts. Harvey finds himself constantly feuding with Louis, Hardman, and others, resulting in an extremely toxic work environment. While the dramatization adds entertainment value, it compromises the integrity of the cases.

6. Repetitive Case Discovery Becomes Exhausting

One of the most amusing aspects of re-watching Suits is the spontaneous epiphanies the characters have during their discussions about the challenging cases they are tackling. In each episode, the characters find themselves stuck on a seemingly unsolvable case. However, just when they are engaged in casual conversation, someone unexpectedly utters a remark that magically provides them with the answer they desperately seek. Initially, this added an intriguing twist to the show, but as this pattern repeats itself in every episode, it becomes quite tiresome. It is an unrealistic and unfortunate reality of Suits resorting to convenient plot devices to maintain a swift narrative pace.

5. Mike Finding Work In Law Again Wouldn't Happen

Once Mike is finally released from prison, the issue arises of him needing to find employment in the field of law again. However, given his exposure as a fraudulent lawyer, the prospect of him successfully reentering the professional legal community appears highly implausible. His reputation has been severely tarnished, and the trustworthiness required for someone in his line of work is now in question. While the show needed to continue, this particular storyline, upon revisiting, seems too far-fetched as it ultimately leads to Mike becoming a genuine attorney.

4. Mike’s Hiring Process Is Confusing

3. Harvey Breaking Mike Out Of Prison Is Unrealistic

The hiring of Mike at Pearson and Hardman is a crucial part of the Suits plot. However, it is perplexing how he managed to bypass the HR department. It is expected that a prestigious law firm like Pearson and Hardman would prioritize hiring individuals with the necessary qualifications to protect their company's reputation. They typically provide the HR department with all the required documentation. In Mike's case, though, he lacks most of the prerequisites. He cannot provide evidence of a degree or any law experience, nor does he have any references. The fact that his colleagues are not deceived by his facade makes HR's oversight of his hiring a nightmare.

In the sixth season, Mike finds himself facing imprisonment once his secret is exposed, and Harvey's questionable plan to free him becomes highly implausible. It is highly unlikely that any correctional facility would approve a prisoner being taken on an unauthorized excursion just because of a personal connection, regardless of any pending favors. Strict protocols would undoubtedly be in effect to prevent Harvey from conveniently orchestrating Mike's escape. Moreover, Harvey resorting to faking a poisoning as a means to have Mike removed from the general population, solely to facilitate their escape, stretches the bounds of realism considerably.

2. Cases Move Too Quickly

Every episode in Suits presents a fresh case for the lawyers at Pearson Hardman. While it is customary for attorneys to handle multiple cases, the American legal system lacks the efficiency to resolve matters within a mere two days. The show adheres to an episodic case format, a common approach in legal dramas, yet the absence of long-standing cases renders it somewhat unrealistic. The acquisition, research, and at times even the court hearing all unfold within one episode and a brief timeframe, leaving the show devoid of a proper sense of pacing.

1. Everyone Knows Mike's Secret

Suits' enduring drama lies in Mike's well-guarded secret, which is consistently on the verge of being exposed. Whether it's in the heated arguments with Harvey or the numerous cases centered around deceitful professionals, Mike is constantly enveloped in jeopardy. The ever-increasing number of individuals who have knowledge of Mike's secret, particularly those who have no personal investment in his well-being, makes it nearly impossible for everyone to remain silent and refrain from revealing the truth.

Editor's P/S

As a Gen Z netizen, I have mixed feelings about Suits. On the one hand, I appreciate the show's stylish visuals, intriguing legal cases, and charismatic characters. On the other hand, I find some aspects of the show to be outdated and problematic.

One of the things that I find most disappointing about Suits is its portrayal of women. The female characters are often objectified and treated as sexual objects. This is especially true of Donna Paulsen, who is constantly being ogled by the male characters and is often used as a pawn in their power struggles. I also find it problematic that the show's only major female character of color, Rachel Zane, is often sidelined and treated as less capable than her male counterparts.