'Suits': 7 compelling and best character arcs across 9 seasons on USA Network's legal drama
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: 'Suits', starring Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, and Meghan Markle continues to be one of the best legal dramas ever made. It had its debut in June 2011 on USA Network and concluded its long run with nine seasons in September 2019.
All the nine seasons, currently available to watch on Netflix, continue to entertain the die-hard fans, while also attracting new audiences to the complex world of Harvey Specter.
Apart from its twisted legal cases, what makes the series so special is the individual stories of each character and how they developed over time. As we cherish the show, here are some of the best character arcs that have stayed with us years after the show concluded.
1. Mike Ross
Mike Ross (played by Patrick J. Adams) has the most interesting journey in the series. Despite not having a license to practice law, Harvey Specter hires him to be his associate.
In the initial seasons, we see him learning from Harvey, navigating his relationship with Rachel Zane, and continuously trying to keep his fraud a secret.
However, Harvey encourages him to stop visiting his grandma, in order to develop a skill of detachment. He is even tasked to take immoral cases.
His life takes a major shift after he gets caught and serves a short time in prison. In the season finale, he finally passes the bar and becomes a lawyer. He realizes that he is meant to do good deeds in his life and therefore, he starts taking more pro-bono cases, something that Harvey strongly dislikes.
As much as he looks up to Harvey, he comes to realize what's best for him. He marries Rachel and moves to Seattle with a clear vision of what kind of lawyer he wants to be.
2. Harvey Specter
Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht), being a hot-shot lawyer, can appear to be cold at times. His inability to express emotions is the cause why he has had no real relationships, even when he had a chance to have one with Donna Paulsen.
His character changes when Mike goes to prison. He gets caught in an emotional spiral, making desperate attempts to save his friend.
Once he breaks the wall that he built around himself, he starts expressing more. He rekindles with his estranged mother and even confesses his feelings for Donna.
3. Rachel Zane
Rachel Zane (played by Meghan Markle) is one of the most loved characters on 'Suits'. Despite being offered the opportunity of a lifetime by her father Robert Zane, one of the best lawyers in the city, she decides to work as a paralegal at Pearson's.
She constantly attempts to break the barriers and make a rightful place in the corporate world. As a woman of mixed race, who didn't go to Harvard, she has to work harder to prove her worth at the firm.
Sadly, her developing relationship with Mike Ross and her journey as a lawyer comes to an abrupt end when she departs from the show in Season 7.
4. Louis Litt
Louis Litt (played by Rick Hoffman) is introduced as the most irritating character on the show. We'll admit that he is hard to watch at times. He is constantly trying to steal Harvey's clients and keeps getting in fights with Mike.
Louis is desperate to be named partner but everyone (including the audience) agrees that he doesn't have the leadership qualities and team spirit that are needed in a partner.
However, once you are immersed in the show, you begin to like some qualities of Louis. He begins doing some good in moments of need, such as assisting Harvey and helping Mike save his clinic.
It's truly heartwarming to see him grow from a jealous and insecure man to a lovable character after all.
5. Robert Zane
Robert Zane's (Wendell Pierce) character arc has truly been a captivating one. He is initially projected as an antagonist, who not only disapproves of his daughter Rachel's career choice but also acts as an obstacle in her relationship with Mike Ross.
However, we later discover the true intentions behind his behavior. Deep down, he just cares deeply for Rachel and viewers eventually start to resonate with him.
By the end of the series, he emerges as a hero when Daniel tries to revoke Harvey's license and he takes the blame to save the firm.
6. Jessica Pearson
Portrayed by Gina Torres, the character of Jessica Pearson has been determined to achieve her goals.
To keep her image clean, she is seen resorting to blame-shifting, making others the scapegoat every time something goes wrong. She even shifts the entire blame on Harvey when Mike's secret comes out.
However, as the series progresses, she learns to take responsibility for things that went wrong under her watch.
7. Donna Paulsen
Donna Paulsen (played by Sarah Rafferty) has been the most intimidating character of 'Suits'. She is perfection and almost seems flawless until her repeated mistakes come to light while her growing ego blinds her.
As much as it's difficult for her, she finally realizes that she isn't perfect and that sometimes her intervention isn't required at all.
'Suits' trailer
Nine seasons of 'Suits' are available to stream on Netflix