Although the legal aspects Suits were a big part of the TV show’s long-running success, the characters and their dynamics remain one of the most important parts. Mike Ross, played by Patrick J. Adams, may have started out as the series’ protagonist, but his relationship with Harvey, Gabriel Macht, is what won over fans. Harvey was the experienced and brilliant lawyer who took Mike under his wing because he saw its potential from the beginning. Although they didn’t always see eye to eye, Harvey was Mike’s best friend and a driving force behind the series’ impact.
While there are many harsh realities about Harvey Specter’s characters in Suitssuch as his questionable treatment of women and the lengths he will go to win a case, Harvey’s evolution as a character is also what makes him special. He remains the cold shark he always was in the courtroom, but time and experience make him value his friends and loved ones over his personal success. Loyalty is a fundamental part of Harvey’s character and something he demonstrates time and time again in his best moments and most unforgettable scenes.
8
Harvey and Donna’s wedding
Season 9, Episode 10, ‘One Last Con’
Sarah Rafferty plays Donna, and although Harvey had many girlfriends before Donna in SuitsIt was clear from the start that she was always the perfect choice for the famous lawyer. The series addressed the romantic implications of their initial dynamic on the show. Despite this, it was only later that both parties always insisted that they were bound by friendship and loyalty rather than love. However, when the pair finally admitted that there was something deeper going on between them, audiences couldn’t help but hope for a romantic marriage like Mike and Rachel’s (Meghan Markle).
It’s all worth it when Harvey says his vows and describes how perfect they are for each other and how she makes him feel.
The way Harvey and Donna’s nuptials unfolded in Suits The series’ ending is a source of controversy, but the way the story ended makes sense for its characters. Harvey and Donna end up stealing Louis’ (Rick Hoffman) wedding, which isn’t particularly kind, but it follows the dynamics of the three characters. Plus, it’s all worth it when Harvey says his vows and describes how perfect they are for each other and how she makes him feel. It was the ideal ending to the show and gave the audience what they were waiting for.
7
Harvey and Mike let loose together
Season 2, Episode 10, ‘High Noon’
Drugs are a constant source of tension between Harvey and Mike during the early seasons of the series, as Mike carries drugs for a friend when they first meet. Harvey takes on a fatherly role towards Mike and isn’t afraid to show tough love, especially when it comes to taking his career seriously. Although Harvey tells Mike he wants him to stop smoking weed, there comes a time when they both need to relax and Harvey lets Mike see beneath his mask of confidence and strength, if only for one night.
Of course, this scene isn’t memorable because Harvey smokes with Mike, although it does provide some funny moments of the two of them together. What this really shows is that there is more to Harvey than Mike knows, which demonstrates that Harvey is willing to see Mike as a friend and equal. The high stress and pressures of the job would take a toll on anyone, and they come together during this activity as it’s not just the public who are seeing a new side of Harvey; It’s also Mike. Harvey does this because he cares about Mike and your feelings.
|
Season |
Rotten Tomatoes critic score |
Rotten Tomatoes audience score |
|
1 |
78% |
89% |
|
2 |
86% |
94% |
|
3 |
85% |
92% |
|
4 |
100% |
93% |
|
5 |
100% |
92% |
|
6 |
100% |
82% |
|
7 |
94% |
85% |
|
8 |
100% |
74% |
|
9 |
83% |
81% |
6
Harvey puts Trevor in his place
Season 5, Episode 14, ‘Self-Defense’
It’s fair to say that Trevor (Tom Lipinski) is one of the most hated characters in Suits, as he is the reason many things in Mike’s life go wrong before the audience gets to know him. From the moment Harvey hires Mike, he makes it clear that Trevor is no longer welcome in Mike’s life, and although this is difficult, Harvey is doing this for Mike’s own good. Audiences don’t see much of Trevor after the first few seasons until Season 5 when Mike’s freedom is at stake. That’s when Trevor shows up to testify against him.
It’s an incredible moment because Trevor gets what he deserves and everyone can see how much Harvey has for Mike.
Luckily, Mike has a lawyer like Harvey who would do anything to make sure he stays out of prison, even if Mike ends up going to prison of his own free will. However, during the trial, Harvey tells Trevor exactly what he thinks of him and describes how pathetic and insignificant he thinks he is. It’s an incredible moment because Trevor gets what he deserves and everyone can see how much Harvey has for Mike. Plus, Harvey puts his incredible skills to work, poking holes in all of Trevor’s arguments.
5
Harvey takes the position
Season 1, Episode 11, “Rules of the Game”
One of Harvey’s first enemies is his former mentor in the DA’s office, Cameron Dennis (Gary Cole), and in the Season 1 finale, he goes against Harvey to hide some of his dirty laundry. This leads to Harvey being deposed, but in typical Harvey fashion, he doesn’t take it too seriously. Jéssica (Gina Torres) accompanies him, and the two have fun playing their private game while the opposing lawyer tries to catch Harvey in a lie. However, when the lawyer starts to get aggressive, Jessica becomes protective.
The relationship between Jessica and Harvey is one of the most interesting in the series because they stab each other in the back and betray each other, but they are also extremely loyal to each other. This happens in this scene, but Harvey makes it clear that he doesn’t need rescuing. He puts his opposing lawyer in her place and never loses his sense of humor, even when it seems like she’s gaining the upper hand. Throughout the episode, Harvey shows how well he handles a crisis and that no one can intimidate him.
4
Harvey prepares Mike for his trial
Season 5, Episode 14, ‘Self-Defense’
Sometimes Harvey has to do something cruel to the people he loves, even when it hurts. This is the case in the early part of “Self Defense,” when Harvey tries to prepare Mike for his trial. Harvey knows that the opposing lawyer will come after Mike and the company with everything they have and that they need to be ready for anything. At a mock trial, Harvey surprises Mike and gives him lots of love because he knows what’s coming will be much worse.
To be a great lawyer, sometimes he has to push the limits, and this is one of those times.
While it hurts to see Harvey use his abilities against Mike, it’s also an amazing scene. because it shows how Harvey is always one step ahead and that’s why he’s the best. It’s a reminder that while Harvey can be funny, charming, and even sensitive when he’s on the company’s side, there’s also a much darker side to him. To be a great lawyer, sometimes he has to push the limits, and this is one of those times.
3
Harvey does something selfless for an innocent man
Season 1, Episode 12, “Dog Fight”
One of the reasons it can sometimes be difficult to root for Harvey is that he almost always only cares for himself and those closest to him. While this makes him a great lawyer, it is a major source of conflict between him and Mike, especially in the cases he takes. As a corporate lawyer, Harvey generally only gets involved in criminal cases when it has to do with him or the company. but he makes an exception at the beginning of the first season. That’s when Harvey’s past at the DA’s office comes back to haunt him.
However, Harvey won’t stop trying to help an innocent man, Clifford (Neil Brown Jr.), get released. It is revealed that Harvey was the one who put him in prison, which makes their relationship strained, to say the least. However, Harvey admits he was wrong and puts his career on the line to make sure Clifford gets out of this situation. Rightfully so, Clifford is angry with Harvey and isn’t convinced he should risk even more prison time for Harvey’s word. However, Harvey uses this dynamic to ensure he has the chance to free him.
2
Harvey closes the deal
Season 1, Episode 1, Pilot
Harvey and Jessica have a complex relationship, but no episode or moment demonstrates their dynamic better than the pilot. While this isn’t the first scene in the series where the audience meets Harvey, it’s one that explains his character clearly and helps establish almost everything about him. First, it became clear that Jessica knows how to delegate and trusts Harvey more than anyone else in the company. She trusts him not despite him breaking the rules, but because of it.
As the scene progresses, the audience firmly sides with Harvey in the way he treats the customer and sees that although he plays a little dirty, it is always in good faith. While there are many other moments in the pilot that help the viewer get to know Harvey, this one is pivotal because it shows all sides of him and is also a great starting point for his character. Some of the swagger Harvey has here will turn into confidence as the seasons progress.
1
Harvey accepts Mike’s departure from the company
Season 5, Episode 10, Faith
Harvey struggles with being emotionally vulnerable all the time Suitsespecially when it comes to Mike, although it’s clear he loves him more. In Season 5, just before Mike is discovered and his life changes forever, Harvey finally accepts that Mike can’t work for him forever and takes it well. In the past, when Mike tried to leave, Harvey took it personally and couldn’t deal with it because he didn’t know how to express how much he loved Mike. However, this changes and Harvey even pulls Mike into a hug when he says he’s leaving.
Of course, this moment is short-lived, as Mike is arrested shortly after, but that doesn’t change what a pivotal moment it is for Harvey in Suits. Instead of attacking or questioning Mike’s loyalty, he recognizes that leaving the company is for the better and that their relationship can survive the separation. This demonstrates maturity and security in your friendship that Harvey has never had before, but will stay with him for the rest of the show and through Mike’s darkest hours.