Unraveling the Enigma of Harvey and Donna's Can Opener Tradition in Suits

Suits concluded in 2019 without ever unraveling its biggest enigma: the Suits can opener ritual. Fans were intrigued by Harvey (Gabriel Macht) and Donna's (Sarah Rafferty) pre-trial tradition, sparking numerous discussions. Even as Suits season 9 came to a close, the series remained tight-lipped about the mysterious can-opener ritual, leaving fans curious. With Suits finding new life in the era of streaming, more viewers are eager to uncover the reason behind Harvey and Donna's secretive ritual before each case.

In the earlier episodes of Suits, Harvey and Donna's ritual served as a recurring joke, highlighting the dynamic between Macht and Rafferty's characters. The can opener and thumbtacks ritual faded away in later seasons, much like their previous whipped-cream tradition after their intimate night together. Many speculated that the can opener ritual was linked to something intimate between Harvey and Donna. However, the truth behind the Suits can opener gag turned out to be surprisingly simple — though it failed to fully satisfy the fans' curiosity.

What Is Harvey And Donna's Can Opener Ritual?

Suits Never Showed What Harvey And Donna Do With The Thumb Tacks And Can Opener

Harvey and Donna looking at each other in Suits - Suits Never Showed What Harvey And Donna Do With The Thumb Tacks And Can Opener - What Is Harvey And Donna's Can Opener Ritual?

Harvey and Donna initially used whipped cream for their ritual, but it was ruined for them after they spent one night together using it

The Suits can opener ritual was established early on in the show during the first season. This esoteric running joke between Harvey and Donna involved a can opener and a handful of thumbtacks. The exact purpose of this strange combination was never explicitly revealed, but it was a tradition that predated their time in the world of corporate law.

Initially, Donna and Harvey worked together at the District Attorney's office, where Harvey was gaining valuable court experience before eventually joining Jessica's firm. They originally used whipped cream for their ritual, but after a night together using it, they decided to switch to the peculiar can opener routine.

Suits' Can Opener Ritual Explained

Harvey Decided On A Can Opener For Their New Ritual Almost At Random

- Harvey Decided On A Can Opener For Their New Ritual Almost At Random - Suits' Can Opener Ritual Explained

There is no deeper meaning behind why the Donna and Harvey Suits ritual involved a can opener instead of literally any other object.

In Suits season 3, episode 6, it is revealed that the Harvey and Donna Suits can opener pre-trial ritual was actually started by a random decision made in a diner. Harvey and Donna decided to change their ritual after a playful moment involving whipped cream turned into something more adult. They both agreed that they needed a new ritual, which led Harvey to grab a can opener from a waitress nearby and suggest, "Maybe something to do with a can opener."

To which Donna replies,

" Harvey, that’s the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard ."

The Donna and Harvey Suits ritual involving a can opener is pretty basic. There isn't a deeper meaning behind why they chose this object over any other. It's frustrating that the show doesn't explain the significance of the can opener ritual, only mentioning that Harvey improvised it. Online theories speculate about the true purpose of the can opener in the ritual.

One interesting theory (via Quora) suggests that the can opener served as a practice audience for opening statements. In season 9 episode 9 of Suits, "Thunder Away", Donna advises Harvey to practice his statement on her instead of the can opener. This theory could possibly explain the significance of the can opener in the ritual.

Why The Suits Creators Never Revealed The Can Opener Ritual

The Specifics Of The Ritual Were Kept Deliberately Ambiguous

Harvey with his arm around Donna in Suits - The Specifics Of The Ritual Were Kept Deliberately Ambiguous - Why The Suits Creators Never Revealed The Can Opener Ritual

For long-time viewers of Suits, the running joke about Harvey and Donna's can opener ritual is well-known. Surprisingly, this ritual is never actually shown on screen, which adds to the mystery and intrigue surrounding it. The use of can openers and thumbtacks is very specific, making it unclear what exactly Harvey and Donna do with them before each trial. This intentional decision by the Suits creators may be frustrating to some, but it is something that creator Aaron Korsh stands by.

With the rise in popularity of Suits on Netflix in the 2020s, many new viewers turned to social media platforms like Twitter to talk about the can opener ritual and ask questions about the show's production, including creator Aaron Korsh. Korsh, who is responsible for Suits, appears to take full ownership of the mysterious actions of Harvey and Donna involving the can opener and thumbtacks, which are never fully explained. When a viewer asked Korsh on Twitter why they were still left in the dark after watching all the way to season 7, Korsh simply responded, "Because I'd rather you want to know than know. That's why."

The decision to leave the mystery of the can opener ritual unsolved was made by Aaron Korsh and the creative team behind Suits. They believed that keeping it a mystery added to the unique appeal of the show.

The can opener ritual is a key aspect of Suits that enhances the viewing experience. By choosing not to explain it fully, Korsh ensured that the legacy of the show, as well as that of Harvey and Donna's ritual, would continue to grow over time.

Why It's Good The Suits Can Opener Mystery Was Never Fully Explained

If Suits Had Explained Donna And Harvey's Ritual It Would Have Lost Some Of Its Magic

Harvey and Donna walking down the aisle in Suits. - If Suits Had Explained Donna And Harvey's Ritual It Would Have Lost Some Of Its Magic - Why It's Good The Suits Can Opener Mystery Was Never Fully Explained

In the end, the TV show Suits never really explained the purpose of Harvey and Donna's use of the Suits can opener, and that's actually a good thing. By keeping it a mystery, the show lets viewers imagine their own ideas, whether they're far-fetched or simple. This open-ended approach is more exciting than a clear-cut answer.

The reveal of the can opener's backstory in Suits may have been unnecessary.

Why Suits Shouldn't Have Revealed The Can Opener Ritual's Origins

What Little Suits Did Reveal About The Ritual Was Already Too Much

Donna kisses Harvey in Suits - What Little Suits Did Reveal About The Ritual Was Already Too Much - Why Suits Shouldn't Have Revealed The Can Opener Ritual's Origins

Some Suits viewers were pleased to learn about the origin of Harvey and Donna's can opener ritual, even if it was a bit superficial. However, there were others who did not react positively to this revelation. For longtime fans of the show, the appeal of the ritual was the mystery surrounding it. They found the unexplained nature of the can opener tradition charming, and felt that the explanation about ruining whipped cream was excessive.

The can opener ritual involving Harvey and Donna on the show Suits caused a divide among viewers as the series progressed. Some critics and fans even felt that Suits should have ended after season 7, showing that the show did not receive universal praise. Despite this, the running gag of the can opener ritual worked well because it was never fully explained, adding to its charm.

Many viewers enjoyed the mystery surrounding the origins of the can opener ritual, finding it endearing and unique. The lack of a clear explanation added to the charm and quirkiness of Harvey and Donna's pre-trial warm-up, which resonated with fans who appreciated the subtle humor in the show. As Suits shifted away from heavy-handed humor towards the end, the unexplained nature of the can opener ritual remained a highlight for dedicated viewers.

Since Suits has concluded, the true meaning behind the can opener ritual will never be revealed. The mixed response to attempts to explain its origins suggests that it is best left to the imagination. The decision to keep Harvey and Donna's can opener and thumbtack ritual a mystery maintained its charm and appeal, contributing to the overall viewing experience of Suits.

How Gabriel Macht And Sarah Rafferty Explain Suits' Can Opener Ritual

Suits' Donna and Harvey - How Gabriel Macht And Sarah Rafferty Explain Suits' Can Opener Ritual

The Suits can opener ritual and what Harvey and Donna do with it has been a mysterious topic. Surprisingly, no one from the production team has revealed any details about it. However, before the flashback episode aired, Gabriel Macht (Harvey) and Sarah Rafferty (Donna) shared some insights in an interview with BuddyTV.

During the interview, Rafferty and Macht talked about how the relationship between Donna and Harvey was different when the ritual was established. This provides a better understanding of its uniqueness. Rafferty specifically mentioned:

Their current circumstances are different from the past, allowing them to have a more relaxed banter, enjoy themselves, and feel completely at ease with each other. This easy dynamic between Harvey and Donna is a key factor in the creation of the Suits can opener tradition, reflecting their playful relationship. In a recent interview, Macht hinted that viewers will soon discover more about the origins of the Suits can opener ritual, adding to the intrigue.

Editor's P/S:

The article delves into the enigmatic "Suits" can opener ritual, a recurring gag that has intrigued fans throughout the show's run. While the exact purpose of the ritual remains undisclosed, the article explores various theories and insights from the creators and actors.

Despite the show's conclusion, the mystery surrounding the can opener ritual persists. The creators' deliberate ambiguity has allowed viewers to speculate and imagine their own interpretations, adding to the ritual's charm. However, the article also acknowledges mixed reactions to the limited explanations provided, suggesting that the mystery may have been more captivating than any concrete answer. Ultimately, the article leaves the meaning of the ritual open to interpretation, preserving its enigmatic nature.