TV Show Review: Suits - Season 3

Stars: 5 out of 5

Pros: Compelling, twisty drama continues

Cons: I'll sue you if you list any

The Bottom Line:

The gang's back for more

Compelling and fun drama

In this lawyer firm

"If You Find Copy Rooms Interesting, You Need to Get Out More."

Over the course of the first two seasons, Suits has gone from cases of the week to bigger multi-episode cases.  That continued with season 3, as did internal politics and power struggle.  The result?  Another season I couldn't stop watching.

As the season opens, everyone is trying to figure out how to make the merger with a firm in England work.  Jessica Pearson (Gina Torres) is committed to make it work out while Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) is still a little miffed that Jessica didn't take him on as the new named partner.

All that changes when this new partner, Edward Darby (guest star Conleth Hill) drops a new case in their lap.  Hessington Oil has been a long time client of Darby's firm, but the current Hessington, Ava (guest star Michelle Fairley) is in major trouble that could cost her the company.  Unfortunately, that soon becomes the least of her worries.  It also causes problems in the firm with Harvey and Louis Litt (Rick Hoffman) clashing over how to handle the case.  Harvey's associate Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) does his best to help out while still trying to make things work with paralegal Rachel Zane (Meghan Markle).  And Donna (Sarah Rafferty)?  She's always there with a quip and a helping hand to make sure Harvey gets his way.

That story arc pretty much takes up the first 10 episodes of the season, and then the show heads into some new territory for the back 6 episodes.  I won't go into that since it involves some spoilers, but they left the characters in a very interesting place, meaning I can't wait for season 4 to start.

And that's the thing with this show.  The characters are the key.  Even when they are at each other's throats, I can't help but like them.  Yes, that even applies to slimy Louis.  He's not easy to like, but I have come to care for him as the seasons have gone on.  Most of the time, I still love to hate him, but I can at least see his side of things and feel for him even if I want his ideas to be foiled.

The writers do a great job coming up with complications and barriers to keep the characters from getting what they want.  It seems that each week, just as it looks like Harvey and Mike have things figured out, they get hit with another set back.  I just love watching and trying to guess their next move.

And we can't leave out the humor.  While Donna gets all the best lines, the rest of the cast has their moments to lighten things up with a one liner that will make you smile if not outright laugh.

The cast, both regular and guest stars, do an amazing job of bringing this all alive every week.  I always feel exactly what the characters are going through as we go along.  Special praise has to go to Rick Hoffman who has added the depth needed to make Louis work as a full fledged character and not just a cartoon foil.

All sixteen episodes are preserved in this four disc set.  The native wide screen and full surround are wonderful.  Extras include deleted scenes, a couple of alternative takes with commentary, two episode commentaries with various cast and crew, and a gag reel.  There is also a trio of fun behind the scenes featurettes.

The characters are the real stars of Suits, and season 3 continues the trend.  Sit back, relax, and be prepared to be sucked into this great show.

Season 3 Episodes:

1. The Arrangement

2. I Want You to Want Me

3. Unfinished Business

4. Conflict of Interest

5. Shadow of a Doubt

6. The Other Time

7. She's Mine

8. Endgame

9. Bad Faith

10. Stay

11. Buried Secrets

12. Yesterday's Gone

13. Moot Point

14. Heartburn

15. Know When to Fold 'Em

16. No Way Out