Summary
"Suits" creator Aaron Korsh won't explain the mystery of Harvey and Donna's can-opener ritual because he wants viewers to want to know rather than know.
The can opener ritual traces its origins to Harvey and Donna's tenure at the District Attorney's office, intertwined with the inclusion of thumbtacks.
Although the show fails to provide a comprehensive explanation, hints imply that the ritual developed from a previous tradition featuring whipped cream and possibly harboring romantic implications.
Show creator Aaron Korsh has addressed the mystery surrounding the can opener in Suits, which pertains to the relationship between Donna and Harvey. With the show now available on Netflix and gaining renewed interest, fans are eager to understand this enigmatic aspect. When questioned about the can opener on Twitter, Korsh attempts to provide a justification for not providing an explanation. See his response below.
For context, the mystery is never resolved in Suits. Based on Korsh's answer, this is intentional, and it's likely that he will never fully explain it.
What’s The Real Deal About Harvey & Donna’s Can Opener In Suits?
Harvey and Donna have a unique can-opener ritual that involves a collection of thumbtacks. This ritual is brought out on rare occasions when Harvey is faced with a significant trial, as he typically prefers to resolve matters without going to court. The tradition was established during their time working at the District Attorney's office, where Harvey was honing his courtroom skills before becoming a part of Pearson, Hardman. It was first introduced in the inaugural season of the television series Suits.
The can-opener ritual between Harvey and Donna in Suits is left somewhat unexplained, but there are hints about its origins. The ritual was already established before they joined Jessica's firm and initially involved whipped cream. However, a night together using whipped cream made it awkward for them, leading them to abandon that practice. This prompted them to come up with a new ritual involving a can opener and thumbtack.
The mystery surrounding the can-opener ritual has sparked various theories. Given the lingering romantic tension between Harvey and Donna throughout the show, some speculate that it may have a sexual connotation. However, it remains uncertain if the full explanation of the ritual will ever be revealed, especially since show creator Korsh has been unwilling to disclose its true meaning.
Source: Aaron Korsh/Twitter