Suits (TV Series) Tricks of the Trade (2011) User Reviews

We call this a "showcase" episode

[A_Different_Drummer · 9/10 · 13 February 2015]

Even the title TRICKS OF THE TRADE gives it away Usually a showcase episode is left until the very end of a season. The idea is that you build the characters to the point where the audience fully understands the backstory and then you start to cut loose, cross arcs, create parallel themes.

The amazing thing to this reviewer (which foretold the power of this series) is that the writers felt that by the sixth episode of the first season they were ready to party. Not only do we have the "present" arc which works really well about a wrongly accused stock trader (and nicely runs contra to the notion that this is a heartless firm) but we are digging deep in the backstory to have a character from the present try to get help on an LSAT which of course is part of the deep past of one of the main characters.

Beautiful construction.

Nicely Structured Episode

[Hitchcoc · 9/10 · 15 July 2023]

Michael is always having to look over his shoulder as he tries to keep his lack of a Harvard law degree from others. When Rachel finally is talked into studying for the LSAT Michael offers her his help. This puts him in danger. Her motivation is a bit shallow in that a friend of hers passed the test; however, Rachel hears from her that she hired someone to take the test. Of course, this person was Michael. This leads to a moral dilemma as Rachel decides for a time to find a test taker. In the business end, the firm is representing a big investment firm and bringing action against an employee. She is charged with insider trading but insists she did not do this, but that she did get caught up in the process. This is well done, as usual. I don't know if the show sustains this level forever, but so far I'm really impressed.