A Suits Moment of Goodness: Harvey and Mike put the “High” in “High Noon” 

[WARNING: SPOILERS FOR SEASON 2 SUMMER FINALE]

The summer finale of USA Network’s Suits has aired and it was epic. Who knew that Hardman would win the managing partner vote at the beginning of the episode? And that by the end of the hour, Jessica and Harvey would be peeling him off the wall. His ouster was mega satisfying, wasn’t it?

What was less satisfying was the Mike/Rachel situation. There’s yet another obstacle they’re going to have to deal with when new episodes return. But I’m not going to think about the disastrous state that these two find themselves in at all. I’m going to think about some of the more positive aspects of “High Noon” — like the dialogue; the politics of Pearson Hardman; the stoned scenes; and finally getting the goods on Hardman. What I loved:

• Harvey not knowing a single one of the firm’s associates other than Mike Ross was classic Harvey. Of course he doesn’t bother to learn anyone’s names.

• Louis getting to be top dog for a while was cool. I’m not going to lie, it was a bit painful to watch, but he should know better than to get too cocky. Although, on this show, is there such a thing as too cocky? I don’t think so.

• Mike’s eulogy to his grammy was emotional and touching. And a perfect way to say goodbye to the only biological family he had left.

• Harvey: “Doth you want to kiss my ass?”

• Donna was so great in this episode. She continues to get the best lines. Loved this particular exchange with Louis:
  Donna: “You really don’t get it, do you? Harvey and I? Are like this. You think I would leave him for anybody let alone somebody who did what you did? You betrayed your team.”
  Louis: “Harvey and Jessica were not my team.”
  Donna: “Yes they were. And I was but no one is anymore. And I might not like moving but the one thing that I love about it is that it’s further away from your smug face.”

• Immediately after the vote Harvey told Jessica they needed to get out of dodge and strike out on their own. Jessica knew better than to run away. She knew they needed to lay low, put their heads down and wait for Hardman to mess up. She knew they weren’t going to have to wait long. And they didn’t. Of course, there was some manipulation going on to make it happen.

• Harvey manhandling then coming thisclose to punching Louis was a great moment. Only Mike stopped him from clocking Louis in the face. Go Mike.

• The Harvey/Tanner sparring for stakes scene was a good one. It showed us Harvey could fight with more than words and the law. He could throwdown in a respectable way. Plus, we got a little info out of all that goodness too.

• Harvey: “You go, I go.” Jessica: “He goes.” (Very Backdraft of Harvey and Jessica — with a twist of course)

• Harvey: “To the firm of Pearson and kiss my ass.”

• Louis gets what he probably wanted: to be Senior Partner, redeem himself with “the team” a little bit and not have to answer to Hardman who was clearly just using him.

• Hardman: “I’ll go but don’t kid yourself that this is the last page of the story.” Daniel will be coming for them and he just let Jessica know that.

All these lines of dialogue and scintillating scenes helped make “High Noon” one of the best episodes of the season. But, by far, my Moment of Goodness for the episode had to be when Harvey and Mike got stoned at Mike’s apartment. And then the action carried over to Pearson Hardman where things got even more interesting..

I think I loved this scene so much because I never ever thought we’d see Harvey let his hair down, so to speak. His voice was eight octaves higher than normal; he had cotton mouth; and he even opened up to Mike about his mom and dad. Loved the fact his dad was a sax player. And it was so sad that his mom — the groupie — was a perpetual cheater. Mike telling Harvey he was depressing when he was stoned wasn’t cool. But it was hilarious. Harvey guessing the weed came from the coffee cart guy was unexpected but glorious. And then their adventures to get their revenge on Hardman at the law firm was even better. But, show, you need to tell us what Harvey does with the can opener. Mike now knows. He needs to ‘fess up sooner rather than later. Plus, in addition to Backdraft, the show managed to work in a Seinfeld (“these pretzels are making me thirsty!”) and a Wayne’s World reference (“I’ve done it before to Louis.” “No way.” “Way.”).

Some other favorite quotes from the stoned portion of “High Noon”:

• “Is this the coffee cart guy?”

• “Harvey Specter doesn’t get cotton mouf.” “Cotton mouf?

• “I always hated the word ‘orphan.’ I just never felt like one. Until now.”

• “Did I ever tell you about my dad?” “I think you know the answer to that question.”

• “Your stoned is depressing. You should never share your feelings ever again — not with me.”

• “It’s not right? I drank three Gatorades on the way here. I’m going to pee orange — it’s right.”

• “If we’re going to do something, it needs to be original.” “ORANGE.”

• “Know what? I know what we’re going to do. I’m gonna get the can opener.” “Are you serious right now? You’re not messing with me? You’re finally going to tell me what you do with that can opener?” “Do I look serious?” “You look stoned.” “I am. But I never joke about the can opener.”

• “OK, if you were a narcissist with great hair what would your password be? Psss — Harvey. Specter. No, this is too easy. One of his favorite basketball players. Shaquille O’Bryant.”

• “I still don’t understand the thumb tack thing.” “Surprising, isn’t it?” “Yeah.”

Now it’s time to wait for Suits to return with more season 2 episodes. Boo. I’m bad at waiting.