Suits Review: Promises, Promises (Season 8 Episode 3)
While Harvey channels his inner Mike Ross to take on a case that makes his life complicated, Alex proves his value to the firm yet again on Suits Season 8 Episode 3, “Promises, Promises.”
We’re three episodes into the season, and while life is moving forward pretty seamlessly without Mike and Rachel in the mix, Mike’s presence is certainly still there. I’m so glad we haven’t just moved right past that major exit. Instead, his leaving is affecting Harvey in some subtle ways.
On this episode, it affects his willingness to take on a case that he shouldn’t because it’s against their landlord.
We’ve seen a lot of different sides to Harvey Specter over the years, and I love seeing the side of him that hands a lady his handkerchief and show’s genuine concern over her emotions.
He knows going after his own landlord, despite the fact that it’s the right thing to do, is a terrible idea. It’s not something the old Harvey would have done. But as much as Mike learned from Harvey over the years, Mike influenced him too, and now Harvey does just what Mike would have done.
That kind of nuance is what I appreciate about Suits more than anything. It’s fun to watch the cases each week and it’s fun to see drama unfold, but these characters, especially Harvey, are so complex.
The ways Harvey has changed over the years show such an interesting level of depth, even though he still has a long way to go.
Going after the landlord backfires fast, from broken toilets and elevators to Anna losing her job. David Fox is a terrible human, that’s for sure — but he’s also a worthy opponent and a villain I’m glad to see back on our screens.
The best part, though, is how Donna is the one to close the deal. Harvey comes up with a plan, after realizing he can’t take this case very far.
It’s a “what would Mike do” kind of plan (can we get t-shirts made with that phrase, you guys?) but to seal the deal, it has to be delivered by Donna.
It’s satisfying to see her do that with David Fox after the trouble he gave her last season, but it’s even better that she adds her own spin to make it work — David Fox gets free legal services from Harvey for a year.
That should be interesting.
Meanwhile, Alex has a chance to shine as he tries to get one of Zane’s former clients, Gavin Andrews, back — but he doesn’t realize it’s one he shouldn’t be touching with a ten-foot pole.
It is a little frustrating that he didn’t consider Samatha’s warnings in the slightest, but he’s right to be angry she didn’t try harder to convince him either.
It only takes a little advice from Samantha to make Alex realize what he really needs to do. His plan is Harvey Specter level stuff — being able to fix the problem and force his client to do things legally rather than doing as the client asked.
I really enjoy watching Alex pull this kind of thing off and stand his ground. And the dynamic between him and Samantha is interesting too — especially since the competition between them is about to get even more intense.
Other thoughts:
- I like Katrina more and more each week, and I appreciate seeing some growth in her so quickly.
- Robert and Harvey are fun to watch together. Poor Robert can’t keep up with Harvey’s drinking habits, though!
- It’s too bad we don’t get a phone call between Harvey and Mike, but it’s sweet that Harvey wants to call him instead with happy news.
What did you think of this episode of Suits? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Suits airs Wednesdays at 9/8c on USA.
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley Bissette Sumerel is a television and film critic living in Wilmington, North Carolina. She is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as Eulalie Magazine. Ashley has also written for outlets such as Rolling Stone, Paste Magazine, and Insider. Ashley has been a member of the Critics Choice Association since 2017 and is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved critic. In addition to her work as an editor and critic, Ashley teaches Entertainment Journalism, Composition, and Literature at the University of North Carolina Wilmington.
One thought on “Suits Review: Promises, Promises (Season 8 Episode 3)”
Suits writing – feels sometimes to manufactured – “I can’t say cause I don’t wanna show weakness …”?? Which kind of top Lawyer would have that ?? Anyhow… There is a Mike missing and it is not Alex but maybe Samantha can evolve? as they need a new Mike and Harvey’s friendly wrestling partner urgent…
The show became big in solving the unsolvable case with a humorous team that everyone loved. Became then a soap opera in season 6/7 and hopefully gets back to a Law show in season 8 after all.
Suits Character – Season 8
Harvey -needs to go back to be badass + funny and not a winey friendship seeking pseudo managing partner – he was the guy mike looked up to and was joking around with – now he feels like a lightly mental case
Zane – great – sometimes over the top but still looks like good old Suit character
Donna – great
Alex – feels unreal – Is it only me? but I still feel Alex is the unloved Psych wingman try to be a lawyer somehow this man has a constant self-pity Aura
Samantha – I see the best Mike potential here – a great character played by a great actress
Luis – still great – Whoever tries to make him more winey – stop it! He can be vulnerable but should also be venerable. He needs to be back as the finance genius Lawyer who is tough to cover his vulnerable part, not a winey Lawyer that even wins cases sometimes…
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