Suits Review: Rocky 8 (Season 8 Episode 11)
We’re back after a lengthy hiatus, and Suits Season 8 Episode 11, “Rocky 8,” is as fun as it is complex.
Louis is managing partner now, and the challenges he faces in that role are much what you’d expect — the biggest being a hesitation to step in and lead when it comes to Harvey.
The quick shifts in power are obviously difficult for everyone, and I think it’s interesting that we’re getting to see so many characters try on the hat, so to speak. It’s a chance to dig deeper into the characters, giving them each a new role and a new challenge that tests everything we know about them so far.
Donna’s move to COO, Harvey’s move to managing partner, and now Louis’s move to managing partner — those changes reveal so much.
And it looks as though Louis is going to shine in the new role. Granted, it takes him a moment, but with a little help from Donna he comes into his own. He’s got to learn to delegate, to trust, and to be willing to take charge when he as to. He has the confidence for the most part. It’s just leading over Harvey that’s probably going to continue to be a hiccup.
That has the potential to show more change in their relationship too, though. Harvey already respects Louis more than he used too. And that’s really an understatement.
What’s really satisfying is that Harvey is back in the ring (pun intended) and focusing on cases again. This one has everything to do with Jessica, and it’s even better to see Zane jump in and want to help.
Harvey working a case is always fun to watch, especially when he succeeds. It’s even better that Louis is part of the successful plan by the end.
I have less to say about the fact that the firm is now named, get ready, “Zane Specter Litt Wheeler Williams.” Something about Alex and Samantha having been added as named partners feels sillier now that I’ve seen it on the wall.
We saw how that came to pass, and that decision was the right one, maybe. But it feels like it takes away from Harvey and Louis, especially with both characters being so new to the scene.
We get the start of Donna’s new love interest on this episode too. Go ahead. Scream. I know you have bad feelings about this.
But at the moment, there’s no real potential with Donna and Harvey, so I’m at least a little interested to see where things could go with a new man. More than that, I think (and I’m basing this on previews, which I shouldn’t do) that a new relationship for Donna could offer some clarity for Harvey.
Or, maybe it won’t. But I do like seeing Donna get a chance at romance one way or another.
The real star of this episode is Katrina. Speaking of characters being challenged by new roles and new situations, Katrina is now a senior partner, and she has to decide what kind of lawyer she wants to be.
She’s scared of Samantha at first, who wants her to do something not quite legal to fix a problem with a client that Katrina ultimately caused. She caused it, though, because of doing what Harvey needed her to. And the whole situation now reflects, if you dig really deep, on the show itself.
What kinds of lawyers are these? Harvey is willing to bend the rules — we know this. But usually, he’s doing it with good intentions. Katrina, on the other hand, doesn’t want to handle things that way, and this becomes a defining moment for her.
Again, it’s Donna who is the voice of reason, because of course she is. She picks up quickly on what’s happening and offers Katrina the advice she needs to hear. Katrina only needs a little push, let’s be clear. But once she gets it, she stands up for herself, while also addressing the problem in a different way that’s more in line with her values.
The way she stands up for herself to Samantha is powerful, and it earns her some respect.
The best part? It ends with the women bonding over it and deciding to go out for drinks. No boys allowed. Not even Louis. Forget pitting women against each other. Suits understands how much better it is to have them come together.
What did you think of this episode of Suits? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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Suits airs Wednesdays at 10/9c on USA.
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Ashley Bissette Sumerel
Ashley is editor-in-chief of Tell-Tale TV as well as an English Instructor with degrees in Literature, Creative Writing, and Cultural Studies. She'll never grow tired of watching Gilmore Girls and is happy to talk about Buffy the Vampire Slayer for as long as anyone is willing to listen. Ashley is also a member of the Critics Choice Association and is a Tomatometer approved critic (Rotten Tomatoes).