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While the legal aspects of Suits were a large 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, might have started out as the show's protagonist, but his relationship with Harvey, Gabriel Macht, is what won fans over. Harvey was the seasoned and brilliant lawyer who took Mike under his wing because he saw his potential from the beginning. Though 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 plenty of harsh realities about Harvey Specter's characters in Suits, like his questionable treatment of women and the lengths he'll go to win a case, Harvey's evolution as a character is also what makes him special. He remains the stone-cold shark he's always been in the courtroom, but time and experience make him value his friends and loved ones over his personal success. Loyalty is a key part of Harvey's character and something that he demonstrates many times over in his best moments and most unforgettable scenes.
The spinoff series, Suits: L.A. has started filming (via Collider ) .
8 Harvey And Donna's Wedding
Season 9, Episode 10, "One Last Con"
Sarah Rafferty plays Donna, and though Harvey had many girlfriends before Donna in Suits, it was clear early on that she was always the perfect fit for the hot-shot lawyer. The series touched upon the romantic implications of their dynamic early on in the show. Despite this, it wasn't until later that both parties always insisted that they were connected because of friendship and loyalty rather than love. However, once the pair finally admitted that there was something deeper going on between them, audiences couldn't help but hope for a romantic wedding like Mike and Rachel's (Meghan Markle).
It all becomes worth it when Harvey says his vows and describes how perfect they are for each other and the way she makes him feel.
The way Harvey and Donna's nuptials unfolded in the Suits series finale is a source of controversy, but the way their story ended makes sense for their characters. Harvey and Donna end up stealing Louis' (Rick Hoffman) wedding, which isn't particularly kind, but it tracks given the three characters' dynamics. Additionally, it all becomes worth it when Harvey says his vows and describes how perfect they are for each other and the way she makes him feel. It was the ideal ending to the show and gave audiences what they'd been 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 for the first several seasons of the show since Mike is carrying drugs for a friend when they first meet. Harvey takes on a father-like role towards Mike and isn't afraid to dole out tough love, especially when it comes to taking his career seriously. Though Harvey tells Mike he wants him to stop smoking marijuana, there comes a time when they both need to unwind, and Harvey lets Mike see under his mask of confidence and strength, if only for one night.
Of course, this scene isn't memorable because Harvey smokes with Mike, though this does provide some funny moments of the two of them together. What it really shows is that there's more to Harvey than Mike knows, that it demonstrates that Harvey is willing to see Mike as a friend and an equal. The high stress and pressures of the job would get to anyone, and they bond during this activity, as it's not just the audience who's seeing a new side of Harvey; it's also Mike. Harvey does this because he cares about Mike and his 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's the reason that many things in Mike's life go wrong before the audience meets him. From the minute Harvey hires Mike, he makes it clear that Trevor is not welcome in Mike's life anymore, and while this is harsh, Harvey's doing it for Mike's own good. The audience doesn't see much of Trevor after the early seasons until season 5, when Mike's freedom is on the line. It's then that Trevor shows up to testify against him.
It's an amazing moment because Trevor gets what he deserves, and everyone gets to see just how highly Harvey thinks of Mike.
Fortunately, Mike has a lawyer like Harvey who would do anything to ensure he stays out of prison, even if Mike ends up going to jail of his own volition. However, during the trial, Harvey tells Trevor exactly what he thinks of him and outlines just how pathetic and insignificant he thinks he is. It's an amazing moment because Trevor gets what he deserves, and everyone gets to see just how highly Harvey thinks of Mike. Additionally, Harvey puts his amazing skills to work by poking holes in all of Trevor's arguments.
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5 Harvey Takes The Stand
Season 1, Episode 11, "Rules of the Game"
One of Harvey's early nemesis is his former mentor at the DA's office, Cameron Dennis (Gary Cole), and at the end of season 1, he goes against Harvey to hide some of his own dirty laundry. This leads to Harvey being deposed, but in typical Harvey fashion, he doesn't take it very seriously. Jessica (Gina Torres) accompanies him, and the pair of them have fun playing their own private game while the opposing lawyer tries to catch Harvey in a lie. However, when the lawyer starts getting aggressive, Jessica gets protective.
The relationship between Jessica and Harvey is one of the most interesting in the show because they backstab and betray each other but are also fiercely loyal to each other. This plays out in this scene, but Harvey makes it clear that he doesn't need rescuing. He puts his opposing counsel in her place and never loses his sense of humor, even when it seems that she's gaining the upper hand. Throughout the episode, Harvey shows just 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 is trying to prepare Mike for his trial. Harvey knows that the opposing counsel will be coming after both Mike and the firm with everything they have and that they need to be ready for anything. In a mock trial, Harvey blindsides Mike and gives him plenty of tough love because he knows that what's coming will be far worse.
To be a great lawyer, sometimes he has to step over the line, and this is one of those moments.
Though it hurts to see Harvey use his skills against Mike, it's also an incredible scene because it shows how Harvey's always one step ahead, and that's why he's the best. It's a reminder that even though Harvey can be funny, charming, and even sensitive when he's on the firm's side, there's also a much darker part of him. To be a great lawyer, sometimes he has to step over the line, and this is one of those moments.
3 Harvey Does Something Selfless For An Innocent Man
Season 1, Episode 12, "Dog Fight"
One of the reasons it can be hard to root for Harvey at times is that he almost always only looks out for himself and those closest to him. While this makes him a great lawyer, it's a major source of conflict between him and Mike, especially in the cases he takes. As a corporate lawyer, Harvey usually only gets involved in criminal cases when it has to do with him or the firm, but he makes an exception early on in season 1. This is when Harvey's past at the DA's office comes back to haunt him.
However, Harvey doesn't stop trying to help an innocent man, Clifford (Neil Brown Jr.), get released. It's revealed that Harvey was the one who put him in prison, which makes their relationship tense, to say the least. However, Harvey admits that he was wrong and puts his career on the line to ensure that Clifford gets out of this situation. Rightfully, Clifford is angry at Harvey and isn't convinced that he should risk even more jail time on Harvey's word. However, Harvey uses this dynamic to guarantee that he gets the chance to set him free.
2 Harvey Closes The Deal
Season 1, Episode 1, Pilot
Harvey and Jessica have a complex relationship, but no episode or moment better demonstrates their dynamic than the pilot. Though this isn't the first scene in the show where the audience meets Harvey, it's one that spells out his character clearly and helps establish almost everything about him. First, it's made clear that Jessica knows how to delegate and that she trusts Harvey more than anyone at the firm. She trusts him not in spite of the fact that he bends the rules but because of it.
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As the scene progresses, the audience is firmly on Harvey's side in the way he handles the client and sees that while he plays a little dirty, it's always in good faith. While there are many other moments from the pilot that help the viewer get to know Harvey, this one is critical because it shows every side of him and is also a great jumping-off point for his character. Some of the arrogance that Harvey has here will soften into confidence as the seasons progress.
1 Harvey Accepts Mike Leaving The Firm
Season 5, Episode 10, Faith
Harvey struggles with being emotionally vulnerable throughout Suits, especially when it comes to Mike, even though it's clear that he loves him the most. In season 5, right before Mike is discovered and his life is changed 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 handle it because he didn't know how to express how much he loved Mike. However, this changes and Harvey even pulls Mike in for a hug when he says he's going.
Of course, this moment is short-lived, as Mike is arrested not long after, but that doesn't change what a pivotal moment it is for Harvey in Suits. Instead of lashing out or questioning Mike's loyalty, he recognizes that his leaving the firm is for the best and that their relationship can survive the separation. This demonstrates maturity and security in their friendship that Harvey never had before, but will stay with him for the rest of the show and through Mike's darkest hours.
Suits follows Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), who, despite never attending law school, is able to use his photographic memory to become a lawyer. The legal drama ran from 2011 to 2019 for a total of nine seasons and also starred Gabriel Macht, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, and Rick Hoffman.
Release Date June 23, 2011
Seasons 9
Network USA
Writers Aaron Korsh
Showrunner Aaron Korsh
Creator(s) Aaron Korsh
English (US) ·