The Shocking Truth Behind Jessica Pearson's Preference for Harvey Over Louis in Suits (& the Unexpected Identity of Her Successor)

Summary

Summary

Jessica initially identified Harvey as her potential successor, but in reality, the true brilliance in Suits lies in the collaboration between Harvey and Louis, who complement each other and achieve victories in court. Jessica overlooked the potential of Louis as a protégé from the beginning.

Both Harvey Specter and Louis Litt are exemplary lawyers in Suits, yet Jessica Pearson clearly favors one of them for personal reasons. Premiering in 2011, USA Network's legal drama is not only known as Meghan Markle's last acting role before her retirement and marriage to Prince Harry, but it has also gained renewed recognition since its Netflix debut. With a mix of loyal fans revisiting Suits and a new generation discovering the show, they are immersed in the world of Pearson, Hardman, and the subsequent developments that have taken place over the almost decade-long run of the series.

Suits has undergone several casting changes throughout the years. However, it can be argued that its earliest seasons showcased the best ensemble. While the main focus of the show revolves around the relationship between Harvey and his chosen protege, Mike Ross, there are also other interesting dynamics in this legal series. The majority of the events take place within the law firm, which allows for office politics to play a significant role in the overall storytelling. The original rivalry within Pearson, Hardman is between Louis and Harvey, and even though Jessica is expected to remain neutral as the managing partner, she often takes Harvey's side.

Harvey & Louis Are Both Great Lawyers In Suits

As Suits unfolds, Harvey and Louis are already established lawyers at Pearson, Hardman. However, the series takes a pivotal turn when Harvey is on the cusp of being promoted to Senior Partner. This promotion sparks a fierce rivalry between the two, which affects almost everyone in their orbit. Unfortunately, this competition often hampers their ability to effectively serve their clients and the firm. While Harvey is typically portrayed as the show's central figure, he is dubbed "New York's Best Closer," implying his superiority over Louis.

That being said, it is not entirely accurate. While Suits enjoys mocking Louis and portraying him as a caricature, he is in fact an exceptional lawyer, specializing in Corporate Finance. Harvey has always recognized this and frequently seeks his assistance in handling intricate cases involving numbers, as long as they are not caught up in a dispute. In addition to that, despite his unconventional methods, Louis excels at training the company's associates. However, his insecurities often cause him to stumble and make mistakes.

Jessica Favors Harvey Over Louis Because He Is More Like Her

In Suits, it is evident that Jessica holds a special place for Harvey, despite acknowledging the strengths and weaknesses of both him and Louis. While it is understandable to favor Harvey considering his exceptional performance in his role, the frustration that Louis constantly expresses towards them can be attributed to the fact that he supposedly brings in more billables than Harvey. It would be fair for Jessica to recognize Louis' efforts and give him the credit he truly deserves, rather than consistently reprimanding him whenever he voices his grievances about unfair treatment.

However, Jessica's rationale for favoring Harvey is not solely grounded in his technical expertise as a lawyer. She perceives Harvey as her protégé because he mirrors her own personality traits. While Louis possesses exceptional skills, his decision-making is influenced by his emotions, rendering him susceptible to manipulation. On the contrary, Harvey adopts a more calculated and pragmatic approach, adept at separating personal issues from professional obligations. He tackles challenges with utmost logic and rarely displays his emotions, much like Jessica. Her composed demeanor significantly contributes to her achievements.

Jessica’s Real Successor In Suits Isn't Who She Thinks It Is

From the beginning of Suits, Jessica has identified Harvey as her potential successor. Her instrumental role in his rise to becoming "New York's Best Closer" suggests that she has long regarded him as her protégé. This belief predates Harvey's association with Pearson Hardman and subsequent rivalry with Louis. Coincidentally, the highly idiosyncratic lawyer was also a part of the firm during that time. This demonstrates that Jessica's constant favoritism towards Harvey does not indicate a personal grudge against Louis.

In reality, though, both Harvey and Louis should be recognized as Jessica's true prodigies in Suits. Together, they form an exceptional and powerful team. While they may occasionally get caught up in petty disputes that escalate into larger conflicts, they have consistently demonstrated the ability to put aside their differences and come out victorious. This offers clear evidence that Jessica should have considered grooming Louis as a protege, considering her initial doubts about Harvey's emotional detachment. Pairing them as a team would create a harmonious balance between their contrasting personalities.