Suits Review: If the Shoe Fits (Season 9 Episode 5)

As fun as it is to have Mike back for a bit on Suits, his return isn’t exactly everything I’d dreamed of.

For a few moments on Suits Season 9 Episode 5, “If the Shoe Fits,” he’s back for a visit and the Mike/Harvey banter brings back an energy to the show that I’d nearly forgotten about. Mike even gives Harvey a hard time about taking so long to come to his senses over Donna. But in true Suits fashion, this visit from an old friend includes a stack of paperwork and some quick rivalry.

That’s not a bad thing, not exactly. Having Harvey and Mike go against each other on a case feels right and it offers a chance to see how much Mike has learned from his mentor over the years. 

The problem comes with how fast it happens, how out of nowhere it feels (though yes, it’s acknowledged his timing is related to Faye), and how rushed much of the scenes feel. It’s something I’m finding I’m becoming more and more frustrated with in this final season — I want a little more time to be spent on so many major storylines and characters.

And once again, I see stories I’m less interested in and that I feel take away from what it is we really care about seeing. I’m almost anxious with how little Suits there is left. Could we just increase the number of episodes for the final season, please?

All that said, I do really enjoy seeing Mike again. Patrick J. Adams falls right back into the role with ease, but in a way that shows his character has also grown.

And his presence comes at just the right time to put Harvey in check for a bit. He comes in as a moral compass and causes Harvey to reflect in a way that probably only Mike could.

Their “fair fight” is worth it to watch and lends itself to the where I think this season is ultimately headed. It’s what I mentioned about Faye’s presence in an earlier review — we’ve never really, truly seen these lawyers have to play by the rules. Now that’s all they can do.

Except of course for a very stubborn Samatha Wheeler.

It’s one step forward and two steps back with her. It’s been difficult for her to find her place at this firm, and just as she really started to, Mike shows up and there’s a history there that she doesn’t quite understand and isn’t willing to make exceptions for.

Donna impresses upon her that Mike is family — he’s part of their firm’s family, and let’s also not forget that Mike is now Zane’s son-in-law, which also connects her to him. But Samantha still does what she thinks is best for her client, even though it means blurring some ethical lines and breaking the rules.

That doesn’t mean she’s willing to hang Harvey out to dry, though. When it comes down to it, she owns up to her own choices rather than letting him take the fall. I’m not sure the Samantha we met early last season would have done the same. 

Unfortunately, Faye is still there as our resident villain this season, and she fires Samantha on the spot. 

That won’t go over well.

Elsewhere in the episode, Louis is dealing with his own issues. He doesn’t know how to deal with a pregnant and emotional Sheila. 

I really appreciate getting to see this side of their relationship, expensive glass slippers and all. It serves as a little of the comedic relief, but it’s also very real. Sheila’s emotions are something a lot of women could identify with, and the dynamic between Louis and Sheila remains one of my favorites. 

What a beautiful thing that they work out their problems by heading to therapy to talk things out. Sheila’s reveal about work doesn’t even come as the surprise it might have several episodes ago.  

The work/life balance theme comes into play with Katrina too. It’s a storyline I appreciate because I think it’s something so many people in our culture need to consider. Katrina needs to take time for herself and find joy in something other than work, which of course, Donna is wise enough to help her realize.

It’s even better that finding a hobby and taking that time to herself is what she needs to get over her feelings for Brian. It’s such a positive message.

Overall, I’m mixed on this one. Everything works, and Mike being back is great to watch, especially with his interactions with Harvey. I just wish more time had been spent on it.

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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