Suits s07e01 Episode Script
Skin in the Game
1 Previously, on "Suits" Tara Messer, will you marry me? Yes, Louis, I'll marry you.
[Chuckles.]
I don't care how much money you make or how many you women you sleep with.
You have issues in your life that are going to keep you from having real relationships.
Benjamin and I have an overlap on our software with another company.
Louis pulled out every trick in the book to get us this.
- Take the money.
- I don't want the money.
- Donna-- - I want something more.
- What do you mean more? - I made a deal that we would handle the miners' case in exchange for the chance to be admitted to the bar.
Are you goddamn kidding me? You're fired.
- Don't do it.
- He lied--not once, not twice-- I don't care because we need him.
Monday morning, you better start putting your money where your mouth is and find us another $50,000 case.
Tara left a 15-second voicemail.
She's either gonna tell me that she never wants to see me again or she wants to make up.
[Soft dramatic music.]
[Crying.]
What's that? Your first year's salary in advance.
Welcome back.
Harvey, I'm running out of ways to tell you I don't want to be a corporate lawyer.
I'm offering you a deal.
One for you, one for me.
I don't wanna just fund the clinic for a year.
I want to fund it for two, and any case I want to bring the clinic onto, I can.
Done.
- And there's one more thing.
- You are not getting my office.
Oh, yes, I am, and I will tell you why.
- Why? - 'Cause she's gone, Harvey.
It's time for you to take the reins.
[Indie rock music.]
Harvey.
What are you doing here? Nothing, I was just driving this baby around and remembered how much street parking you had.
Is that supposed to impress me? Well, I hope so.
Sure as hell impresses me.
Well, it's nice to see you, but if you wanted an appointment, you should have called.
I'm not here for an appointment.
I'm here to ask you out.
You're serious.
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and - Harvey - Please, let me finish.
Things have changed since the last time I saw you.
I'm not the same man that I was.
I made peace with my family; I got my old associate back, and as of this morning, I'm the head of my firm, and when I thought of sharing that with someone, I thought of you.
Well, it doesn't matter, because it's completely unethical for a doctor to engage in a relationship with her patient.
Not if enough time has passed, and according to the APA, as of three weeks ago, enough time has passed.
- You did your homework.
- Sure did.
So the only question is: Thursday at 8:00 or Saturday at 9:00? One dinner, and if this chemistry you so clearly think exists doesn't, then we part as friends, no hard feelings.
If it doesn't work out, no harm, no foul.
Thursday.
Oh, and if the car's too much, I can always have Ray drive.
I like the car.
[Engine turns over, revs.]
What did you say? I couldn't hear you.
I like the car.
Good.
You're here early.
I need you to take point on a consumer fraud hearing for Sandra.
Nathan, I need to talk to you.
Okay.
I know things got heated between us the other night, but as far as I'm concerned, it's water under the bridge, so if you're wondering if I'm still upset at you-- I'm not.
And this is to make sure you're still not upset with me after you hear what I'm about to say.
Why am I holding a check for $500,000? Because I've decided to go back to Pearson Specter Litt, and I gave you my word that I wouldn't leave you high and dry.
So let me get this straight: You changed your mind, and now Harvey Specter is buying you back? If it were up to Harvey, you wouldn't be getting a penny.
I insisted on this.
Just like I insisted on every other case I take from now on being pro Bono.
It sounds like you insisted on that to make yourself feel better.
No, Nathan, I did that because I care about doing this kind of work, and if you're okay with it, I'd even like the idea of us partnering on a case every now and then.
But what if I say I'm not okay with any of this? I know that you were the one that gave me another chance to be a lawyer when no one else would, but don't punish the clinic.
It's a lot of money.
With that, you could replace me and help a lot of people for a long time.
[Soft dramatic music.]
- Is that for me? - No, actually, it's for me.
You're later than usually this morning.
I've been waiting for you.
Donna, about the other night.
I know you said you wanted more, but before you say anything-- - I want to be a partner.
- Partner? Yes.
I figured out what I want, and I want to be a partner at this firm.
Donna, I don't mean to insult you, but you're not even a lawyer.
Good, because my being a partner isn't about the law.
It's about keeping this firm running, which I've been doing for as long as I can remember.
I know that, but it doesn't mean that I can get you-- I've given over ten years of my life to this place, Harvey, and I've done it all from your desk.
All I'm asking is for a seat at the table.
I'll have to ask Louis about it.
Does that mean that you're on board? I don't know.
It's Mike's first day back, it's a big ask, and on top of all of that, I've decided to tell Louis that I'm taking full control as managing partner.
Well, congratulations, Harvey, but which is it? Louis? Mike? "Big ask.
" Because I'd hate to think I mustered the courage to do this, and then once you get on that elevator, it's out of your mind.
I give you my word.
I will not forget about it.
Okay.
[exhales.]
See the money, wanna stay for your meal Get another piece of pie for your wife Everybody wanna know how it feel Everybody wanna see what it's like I'll even eat a bean pie, I don't mind Me and Missy is so busy, busy making money All right All step back, I'm 'bout to dance Suits 7x01 Skin in the Game the greenback boogie Did you sleep in here? Just getting a feel for my new office.
You think a bike rack would fit on this wall? You put a bike rack in here, your first pro Bono, you'll be representing yourself after I shove it up your ass.
Wow.
That sounds uncomfortable.
Now, speaking of pro bonos, when are you gonna get your old man records out of here so I can settle in and get to work? I'll get out of here once we take of Neil Stillman.
Neil Stillman? Detour industries? No, Neil Stillman, Jedi counsel.
Okay, I was asking because Neil Stillman is a corporate client, so what happened to one for me, then one for you? Do I need to remind you that at a corporate law firm, we do the cases that pay the bills first? Besides, I haven't even told you the best part yet.
You only got two weeks to live? No.
After we're done with this case, I'm giving you Neil Stillman.
Harvey, I appreciate that, but seriously, if you're just gonna give him to me when we're done, why don't you give him to me now? Whatever it is, I can handle it myself.
- I know that.
- Then what's going on? It doesn't make sense for us to be working together on this.
All right, you want the truth? When Jessica made managing partner, she and I never really got to do cases together anymore.
You used to work on cases together? Yeah.
She was me and I was you.
We kicked ass.
Right.
And what exactly did you contribute to the equation? Oh, movie quotes, mostly, but that's not the point.
The point is we had a great time doing it.
- Harvey - Mike, I'm serious.
Once Jessica stepped up, our relationship changed.
And if you'd known that was gonna happen, you would have wanted one last case together.
Exactly.
So what do you say? We go out and have some fun and kick some ass? Or do you want to stay here measuring for your bike rack? It's not gonna measure itself.
All right, fine.
Kick ass.
But we do this, I want on that Jedi counsel.
Robes, light saber, whole deal.
[Upbeat music.]
Good, you're here.
Gretchen, what are you doing here? - I'm here to give you these.
- What are those? Brochures from the top nine mud resorts in the northern hemisphere, though I don't know why a person would do that in the first place.
It's like sitting in a bathtub of your own poop.
What the hell are you talking about? Louis, you need to take yourself some time off.
When's the last time you even had a vacation? Nine years ago July.
Goddamn travel agent sold me a package to Club Med Bangladesh, so, hard pass.
What kind of person goes to a sex club in Bangladesh? It's not like that.
I had just seen "Slumdog Millionaire," and I was trying to find Freida Pinto.
I believe she considers London her place of habitat.
No, I'm not talking about the real Freida Pinto.
I'm talking about my Freida Pinto.
There's many different Freida Pintos out there, okay? So just--I'm not an idiot.
Leave me alone.
Louis, I'm just worried that if you sit around and stew, this breakup's gonna get the best of you.
Gretchen, I really appreciate that, but I'm not just gonna sit around.
I'm gonna be pouring my heartbreak into those new associates.
Are you sure that's the best idea? Look I didn't just lose Tara.
I lost a chance at being a father.
And those associates have always been my children to me.
My children.
And the truth is, I've been neglecting them ever since they got here, but that ends this morning.
I'm proud of you, Louis.
Thank you, Gretchen.
[Indistinct chatter.]
- Where the hell have you been? - Neil, you called an hour ago.
Well, that means you should have been here in 30 minutes.
Well, I got news for you: I'm not Dominos.
That's too bad, because slinging pizzas might be the only job you can get if you don't stop shitting the bed.
Shitting the bed? How's that? I've been trying to get you on the phone for two weeks.
Jessica leaves, and all of a sudden, I start falling through the cracks? You're not falling through anything.
I'm here now, and I brought the best junior partner in the firm.
I don't give a shit if he's the best junior towel boy.
I got something for you to do, and I want it done yesterday.
Let me guess, you want to sell your vodka business.
How the hell could you know that? Because you don't clean up the balance sheet of your third largest division six months after you restructure if you're not looking to put it on the market.
Okay, you brought the right guy.
My question is, what took so long? And my question is what's the rush? 'Cause you also don't ram a transaction through if you don't have to.
I have an opportunity to buy another company, and I don't wanna let it slip away.
What company? I'll start vetting them for you.
They're Russian, and they make a little product called none of your goddamn business.
Neil, what's with the secrecy? We're your lawyers.
We need to know what you're looking to do.
The secrecy is in case you're not my lawyers two weeks from now.
I don't want you knowing who I'm going after.
Is that a threat? It's just my way of making sure I don't keep falling through the cracks.
Now let's talk terms.
Good morning, Gretchen.
Have you seen Louis? I'm worried about how he's doing after last night.
My guess is he's in the bullpen with his hatchlings.
His hatchlings? I was concerned about him as you were, so I tried to get him to take a vacation.
He said he'd rather focus on raising those associates.
Focus on them or take it out on them? Knowing him, probably 50/50, but the man turned down a trip to the finest mud resorts in the world, so I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Then I will too.
Good morning, boys and girls.
Who's ready to tear Watson Industries a new asshole? That's what I like to see.
Now, on your desks, I've made each of you a copy of my initial brief.
Cling to it as if you wrote it yourself, and if any of you need to go to the bathroom, I suggest you do it now, because for the next two weeks, we are not leaving this room.
No one will be shitting.
No one will be pissing.
No-- Go ahead, ask him.
Ask me what? I heard about your reputation, but But what? Don't you worry about my reputation, son.
I am not the same Louis I used to be.
I still may be tough, but I have a soft spot, so what do you need? Two days off.
No problem.
Feel free to take Saturday and Sunday off.
He meant in addition to the weekend.
In addition? Brian, is this true? - Yes.
- Then Monday and Sunday you shall have.
[Clears throat.]
Okay, fine.
Monday and Tuesday it is.
- Thank you, Mr.
Litt.
- No, no, just call me Louis.
Mind if I ask what the occasion is? - I'm gonna be a father.
- What? We're gonna have a baby boy.
Something everybody here knows is never gonna happen to you.
[Laughter.]
[Laughing.]
Gonna be a father for the rest of his life.
- What'd you just say to me? - I said it's a C-section, 'cause the baby's actually sideways, which means we have to go in there You self-centered piece of shit.
Do you think I care about the graphic details? - I just thought-- - Thought what? That you don't give a shit about your job? Let me tell you something: When you work here, you work here.
You don't think about home and families and babies.
So the next time you want to put your personal life ahead of the needs of this firm, you better goddamn come to me a year in advance.
That's not fair.
He couldn't have known he was gonna have a baby a year-- Let me tell you something, Stephanie: Maybe you don't know how babies are made, because when people are trying, they know they're trying, and just because no one ever wants to try with you doesn't give you the right to tell me how to run my associates.
You got that? Got it.
[Dramatic music.]
You thinking what I'm thinking? Depends.
What are you thinking? I'm thinking we've got a vodka company to sell.
You already said you wanted to have some fun.
That's right, and you put those two together, what have we got? Both: Party.
See? We're already on the same page.
Why don't you get a kick-ass location, and I'll get the models.
Models? I like models.
Why can't I get the models? You make a good point.
It's a two-man job.
We'll both get the models.
Harvey, seriously, why do we even have to have models at this party? Well, two reasons.
First, people expect it, and you've got to give the people what they want.
Right, and second, any dipshit who shows up and hits on the models all night isn't a serious bidder for the company.
Huh, you really are ready for my office.
Hey, speaking of which, when exactly is that gonna happen.
I can't talk about that right now.
I got to go hit on some models.
Hey, Harvey, jokes aside, what you said before about us working together like the old days, I appreciate it.
It means a lot to me.
Me too.
Both: Pussy.
[Footsteps approaching.]
Donna, do you have a minute? I need your help.
Of course.
What's going on? Louis is out of control.
When Esther got married out of control, or when Harvey made senior partner out of control? Worse.
Shit.
What did he do? He just went off on the associates.
He was abusive and cruel and ugly.
Donna, I have never seen Louis like this before.
Rachel, if what you're saying is true, then we need to figure out why, because with Louis, there's always a reason-- Tara broke up with him last night.
- Oh, my god.
- I was there when it happened.
This is not something that he's going to get over quickly.
- So what are you saying? - I'm saying that I think I should take over the associates until he's able to get his emotions under control.
Rachel, taking the associates away isn't exactly gonna stabilize him.
That's the one thing he has.
Yeah, I know that, but I'm telling you, if we're not careful, someone's gonna do something to him, and he'll be lucky if it's just suing him.
Did you tell him that? I tried to, and he bit my head off the minute I walked into his office, so Okay, I'll talk to him.
But I'm gonna need you to tell me exactly what he did first.
Whatever it is, I don't have time, Donna.
From what I heard, you had time to go off on the associates this morning.
Who told you that? That's bullshit.
Are you telling me you didn't go off on Brian Altman and then make a horrible comment about Stephanie Patel's sex life? - It's called discipline, Donna.
- It's called actionable, Louis.
You're lucky that there isn't a lawsuit on your desk right now.
Well, thank you for your counsel.
I know what I'm doing.
Louis, I am trying to be understanding, but I think Rachel should handle the associates for right now.
- Is that a joke? - No, it's not.
Well, then let me explain a little something to you called pecking order.
See, I am up here.
Rachel's down here.
And you don't give dominion over your associates to someone down here.
I know that, but I also know that Tara broke up with you last night, and you're not in your right mind.
I don't want to hear that name again.
Louis, all I'm saying is if you don't deal with it, you're gonna keep abusing the associates, and then we're gonna have-- Hey, Donna, you know what, I didn't want to do this, but I did leave one name off the chart.
Me.
Rachel.
You.
So don't you tell me what to do.
[Soft dramatic music.]
Louis, I'm gonna let that go, because I know you're hurting, but that right there is exactly why I'm right, because if you're willing to talk to me like that, god help those associates.
[indistinct chatter.]
[Line trilling.]
- Hello? - Yes, is this Dr.
Feelgood? 'Cause I'd like to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
I'm sorry.
You've got the wrong number.
This is Dr.
I have work to do.
Well, in that case, I'd like to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Harvey, why exactly are you calling me? First, answer me this: How many times have you considered picking up the phone and telling me that you've reconsidered since you said yes? Four.
If you don't count right now.
Then let's just say I'm calling to tell you that I've been in a room full of models for the last hour, and all I can think of is you.
Still thinking of cancelling on me? No, Harvey.
I'm looking forward to our dinner as well.
[Line clicks.]
Did you move up the date of our wedding and forget to tell me? [Chuckles.]
No, I got to get dressed up for this thing that Harvey and I are going to for a client.
A thing for a client.
That's not very specific.
Uh, yeah, I mean, it's just kind of hard to explain.
Hmm, does it involve three dozen models and 1,000 bottles of vodka? I guess it's not that hard to explain.
Mm-hmm.
When were you gonna tell me? If not before, then definitely after Or never.
It's hard to tell.
I haven't really thought this through.
- You know I'm kidding, right? - Yes.
You should come.
I can't.
Katrina and I are taking the Chippendales public, so we're gonna meet with a few of their top dancers to go over some paperwork.
Probably take all night.
- So that's not funny.
- Yes, it is.
I'm serious, Rachel, you should come.
I think Harvey got a helicopter.
We should take a ride around the city.
I can't.
You go.
It's a long story.
I ju-- I might be taking over the associates, and if I do, I just want to be prepared.
Rachel, that's amazing, but are you telling me that Louis is really ready to give that up? That's the long story.
But I'll tell you about it later tonight.
- I can stay.
- No, you should go-- Great, okay.
[Chuckles.]
I love you.
I love you too.
[Chuckles.]
Donna, before you leave, can I talk to you for a second? What is it now? We're running low on coffee filters? Can't find the sweet 'n low? Or is Louis finally being sued for being an asshole? You want to tell me what's going on, or you want to keep firing your pistol in the wrong direction? I'm sorry, Gretchen.
I am just sick and tired of being everyone's go-to and not getting what I ask for.
I don't mean to sound insensitive, but you're a corporate secretary.
What exactly did you expect? You really want to know? I asked Harvey for a seat at the table.
- What table? - The partnership table.
- No wonder he shot you down.
- He didn't shoot me down.
He told me he would think about it, but I haven't heard anything, and I don't know now if I will.
One way to get his attention is to go in there and take that check you gave him and rip it the hell up.
- What check? - The check you gave him for your partnership money.
You didn't give him one, did you? No.
Let me tell you something, Red.
You want a seat at the table, you got to put some skin in the game.
[Indie rock music.]
[indistinct chatter.]
There he is.
Hey, Harvey, this was a great idea, huh? Glad I thought of it.
Are we having fun? If you call talking geopolitics with a model named Svetlana fun, then that would be a big, fat bowl of yes.
Easy, tiger.
The bartender's pouring doubles.
Mm.
And what are you getting at? I'm having another drink.
I said for you to be careful.
I can handle my liquor.
Okay.
How many fingers am I holding up, huh? Huh? You can't tell, can you? Who can't handle my liquor now? I'd tell you to put food in your stomach, but unfortunately, I only ordered enough to give the appearance of having food.
So basically, you're just trying to get these guys hammered so you can drive up the bidding.
No.
I told you, the guys hitting on the models aren't serious.
Now I'm telling you That the guys who let themselves get drunk aren't serious, which means whoever's left are the bids that we have in our hands at the end of the night.
You knew it the whole time, didn't you? Who do you think you're talking to? Good man.
There's just one small problem.
What if, by accident, I happen to be one of the people that let himself get too drunk? You just might as well keep drinking, 'cause if we're not having fun, what the hell are we doing here? Yes! Copy that.
- [Chuckles.]
- Svetlana You know this office isn't gonna pack itself up, right? It's not packed because one of us has been at work for the last three hours.
The other one of us was sleeping off all the work he did last night.
You mean you're hung over from all the vodka you drank? Yeah, that's what I just said.
I never should have hired you back.
Well, it's too late to fire me now.
Is it? Because if you were worth your salary, you'd ask how many bids we're sitting on.
I don't have to ask, because I've got this.
Guest list was 500, and half of them came for the girls.
Half of the other half don't have the capital, and 60% of the rest of them woke up realizing they don't want to work in the liquor business.
Take, I don't know, what, 47 off the top for good measure? Leaves us with three bids.
- Donna told you, didn't she? - Probably.
Did she bother telling you what we're doing now? She didn't have to, 'cause you're Harvey Specter.
You've got one trick, and you taught it to me years ago, so let's go.
You know I have more than one trick, right? No, I know you think you do, but just because you put on a different costume doesn't make it a different trick.
Yeah, I liked you better when you were drunk.
I liked you better when I was drunk too.
I don't care what they say.
This is bullshit, and I'm not gonna get played.
Gentlemen, we're so sorry.
It's my first day.
Evidently, I booked the conference room at the same time as Harvey.
Bullshit.
You think we don't know what's going on here? You double booked the room to scare us into overbidding.
You're right.
We should have known a couple of smart guys like you would never fall for the banana in the tailpipe.
We brought you down here just because you were the only two bidders who came in at 100 million, so now, you have to look each other in the eye while you go head-to-head.
So here's what's gonna happen: You got one chance to write down your best bid.
Winner takes all, loser goes home.
We'll be back in 15 minutes, and we better see some more zeroes.
What if we collude, right here? Stick at 100 and you're shit out of luck? Which, by the way, is exactly why you don't double book a conference room.
There's only one problem with that.
When we said you two were the only ones that came in at 100, we didn't say there wasn't someone who put down more.
- Axelrod.
- Bingo.
Second bid came in 20 minutes ago.
So if you two want to collude, go right ahead, but it better be for a hell of a lot more than 100 million.
[Soft dramatic music.]
- How'd it go? - That depends.
What was Axelrod's second bid? 200 million.
Well, then it doesn't really matter how it went, because whatever those clowns come up with, Neil Stillman's walking away with a boatload of cash.
Speaking of boatloads of cash It's a check for half a million dollars.
I told you I was serious about becoming a partner, and I am.
- Donna - Harvey, be honest.
You haven't given one thought to what we talked about yesterday.
- I've been a little busy.
- And you've also been avoiding the subject.
This way, you have to take me seriously.
I do take you seriously.
Then walk the hell down to Louis' office and tell him I'm a partner.
Donna, I can't just ram every decision down his throat.
Every decision? You haven't even told him that you're stepping into Jessica's shoes yet.
I'm waiting for the right time.
And if I were a partner, I would tell you that the right time was yesterday.
Donna Harvey, you think I'm asking for charity, I'm not.
I am asking for you to make official what I have been doing for years anyway, which is giving you advice, like you need to step the hell up and tell Louis that you're in charge, and right this second, you're either gonna take that advice, or you're not, but it is time that you recognize me for what I do.
My brother Thomas is the clever one.
Teaches at Cambridge.
20 hours a week, summers off.
You're not listening to a word I'm saying, are you? - I'm sorry.
- Well, you should be.
I've been told I'm actually quite delightful.
You are.
I'm just a little distracted.
Halfway through appetizers.
Doesn't bode very well for how you'll be feeling when our flambé arrives.
It's not that.
Jessica left the firm last month.
Everyone assumes that I'm next in line, and now I've got Donna telling me that if I don't step up Wait a second, I thought you told me as of the other morning that you're now head of the firm.
I am.
I just haven't told Louis yet, and Donna won't let it go.
I think this may have been a mistake.
- What? - You didn't come to me to date me, you came to me because you're in the middle of another crisis and you need me to walk you through it.
That's not true.
Of course you don't think it's true.
If you did, you would have called my office and made an appointment.
I don't need an appointment.
I'm sharing things about my life.
Last time I checked, that's what people do on dates.
Yes, it's what they do, Harvey, but on first dates, they also try to make the other person feel special and listened to.
Paula-- Do you know why it's unethical for a therapist to go out with her client, Harvey? Yeah, of course I do.
It's because it's natural for a client to transfer feelings of desire onto his therapist that aren't real.
- I know that.
- What you may not know is that it's not unnatural for a therapist to feel the same way.
You don't think I've had fantasies about you? That one day you'd show up at my office as I was heading home for the night, and I turn around, and you'd be there.
You wouldn't say a word, but You'd take me in your arms and kiss me, and It would actually be the start of something special.
Well, I have, which is why despite my better judgment, I'm here with you right now.
- So what's the problem? - The problem is those fantasies weren't of me being a therapist to a man who's still too afraid to admit that he needs help, much less take control of a firm that bears his name.
Thank you for dinner, Harvey.
If you need a session, call my office.
Unfortunately, I can't see you anymore, but I can give you a recommendation for someone who can.
[Dramatic music.]
- Louis, what can I do-- - Do for me? You could tell me from now on if you have a problem with me, you'll take it up with me instead of going behind my back.
- What? - That's right.
You think I don't know the whole "Rachel should be in charge of my associates" bullshit came from you and not Donna? You're right.
It was from me.
And I came to you first, and you bit my head off.
Well, then let me tell you in a way that won't harm your pretty little head, because I clearly forgot what a delicate little flower you are.
Those associates are mine, and the only way you're ever gonna get them is if you pry them from my cold, dead hands.
Donna, unless it's an emergency-- It is an emergency.
Harvey, I need to know what you're doing about me.
Donna, right this second is not the time.
It is the time, because if somebody doesn't do something about Louis soon, this firm is gonna end up being sued by our own associates.
I don't have the authority to do anything, and you don't even know what I'm talking about.
Okay, Donna.
You win.
You're a partner.
[Line clicks.]
Harvey.
We got a problem.
What is it now? Take a look.
Where'd you get this? It doesn't matter where I got it.
It's out there.
You can't be sure Neil knew this.
What difference does that make? Because if he didn't know, it's just bad luck.
Harvey, he's the goddamn CEO.
He knew.
He kept it from us, and he kept it from the guys buying his company.
- You don't know that.
- Yes, I do.
I also know you still have time to go stop this sale from going through.
Are you kidding? They signed the documents.
It's already gone through.
Money hasn't changed hands yet, so you still have time to stop it.
- Mike-- - Harvey, if you don't get over there and find out before-- All right.
I'll handle it.
- And where are you going? - I need to talk to Louis.
Whatever it is, it's gonna have to wait until tomorrow, because if you don't get over there before that money changes hands, you are opening us up to a shitload of trouble.
Kind of creepy in here at night, isn't it? Oh, I don't know.
I find it kind of peaceful.
Then why get rid of it? And more importantly, why'd you need the sale to go through so quickly? I told you, I have another opportunity.
And what if I said the real reason was you knew you vodka business was about to be sued for using another brand's recipe? I would say I did not know that.
- Well, now you do.
- It doesn't change a thing.
Those two dipshits already signed the agreement.
Neil, this looks a hell of a lot like you're asking me to be a party to fraud.
I'm asking you to do your job.
Look out for my interests, and take me at my word.
If I have reason to believe that you're lying to me, which I do-- The only thing you have reason to believe is that I will fire you if you don't do this for me and then find someone who will, so this thing is gonna get done whether you do it or not.
The only thing that happens if you don't is that the world will know what people suspect already: That you can't fill Jessica's shoes.
How long do you think it's gonna take after that before every one of your clients starts to leave you? So you tell me right now, are you in or not? - Shit.
Oliver.
- What's up, Mike? How's your new job? I'm sorry.
I swear I was gonna tell you.
Yeah, I heard, but I guess when you move on, you move on, right? - Come on, it's not like that.
- Bullshit, it's not like that.
You left, Mike, after everything you said.
Would you please just let me explain? I fought for your goddamn job.
I know that, and I will always be grateful for it, but I am telling you, it's better this way, because-- Better for who? Based on that extra cash that you had to throw at Nathan? I'd say it's better for you.
For everybody.
I can still have cases with the clinic.
You and I can still work together.
- Lucky me.
- Oliver, the only reason I went back is that Harvey committed to doing pro bonos, all right? Half of my cases, the kind the clinic does, only this time, with the resources of a big firm behind us.
Oh, really? What are you working on right now, Mike? What? What's your first case back? Eminent domain? Civil rights violation? Oliver, come on, it's not that-- Tell me your first case back isn't carrying water for some corporate big shot, and I'll shut my mouth right now.
Marissa was right.
All you were doing with us was biding your time.
[Soft dramatic music.]
- What the fu-- is going on? - What do you mean? Case is over.
You said you'd move.
I'm just getting the ball rolling.
I can't work on my own cases if I don't have my own office.
Listen, Mike.
You let the goddamn sale go through.
- You don't understand.
- I understand that you said that you wanted one last case together before you stepped up, but you clearly are not ready to step up, so I got to get my pro Bono cases in before this place doesn't even exist anymore.
Are you finished, or do you have a minute to hear why I let the sale go through? Oh, no, I don't care.
Mike, I have no proof he knew.
He's Jessica's client.
How's it gonna look if he tells the world that we can't handle his business anymore? Well, I'll tell you how it looks right now.
It looks like you're afraid and you're not in charge.
Okay, you say something like that to me, you better get ready for a hit, because I am doing the best I can.
No, Harvey, you're not doing shit.
You're hiding, 'cause you're afraid.
You're afraid to take responsibility for this firm, and you won't admit it to yourself.
I don't have to listen to this.
Well, you're going to, 'cause way back when, you cared enough about me to tell me the same thing to my face, and I'm just returning the favor.
I'm not her, Mike.
I'm not her.
You don't have to be her.
You just have to go back to being you.
The Harvey I met the day you hired me, he would have gone in there and told Neil Stillman to go fu-- himself.
So it's up to you.
You can keep hiding out in Jessica's shadow, or you get out of it and start being Harvey goddamn Specter.
Do you find it peaceful here in the day too? If you're here to bring me my check, then the answer's yes.
I'm here to tell you that we stopped the sale.
What did you just say? We're not taking part in your fraud so that you can dump your shitty company.
You son of a bitch, I don't remember giving you a choice.
Well, you did, because your exact words were, "Do it, or you're fired.
" Then you're goddamn fired.
You can let us go if you want, but the second you do, we're putting out a press release saying Pearson Specter Litt no longer represents clients we feel are unethical in their divestiture practices.
You can't do that, that's attorney-client privilege.
No, it's not, because we're not gonna name you.
But you can bet your ass the whole world is gonna know who we're talking about.
What do you want from me? Are you asking me as my client? Because I don't give free legal advice.
Yes, okay.
You're still my attorney.
In that case, here's what's gonna happen: You're gonna go into business with the guys whose process you stole.
You're gonna quietly give them 10% of your company, you're gonna triple your price, and you're gonna have a very public feud over whose vodka tastes better.
And then we both profit from a war between two brands that have the exact same product.
Win-win.
Maybe you are as good as Jessica.
Maybe I am.
Maybe I'm not.
But the thing we have in common is we're never gonna be bullied by any of our clients.
[Soft dramatic music.]
[indistinct shouting.]
All right, Louis, I've tried to be reasonable, but I'm not gonna sit around and watch this anymore.
As of this moment, you're no longer in charge of the associates.
Says you and what army? I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.
- I said you can't do that.
- Oh, yes, I can, because even though Harvey clearly didn't tell you, as of last night, I'm a senior partner.
- You're what? - That's right.
I gave Harvey a check for half a million dollars.
I'm a partner now, Louis, which means your whole "you're up here and I'm down here" bullshit, not anymore.
Partner? You're not even a lawyer.
Neither are the chief operating officers of four of the top nine firms in the world.
This is bullshit.
I didn't agree to any of this.
I don't care whether you agreed to it or not.
You're gonna live with it.
And I don't give a shit what your supposed title is.
I'm not giving up my associates.
And if you think you're gonna leave this bathroom without giving me the respect I deserve-- I'm not giving up my associates.
- That's enough.
- Harvey, what the hell kind of shit did you pull? Shut up and listen, Louis.
Donna asked for a seat at the table, and I gave her one, because when she worked for me, she had my back, and would kill anyone coming for me, and when she worked for you, she did the same exact thing, not to mention if she left tomorrow, this firm would be a pile of rubble within 15 minutes.
So then give her a raise.
You don't make her goddamn senior partner.
If Jessica were here, she'd tell you to do the same exact thing.
Well, Louis, Jessica isn't here, but I am.
- Thank you, Harvey.
- Don't thank me yet.
You asked for a vote.
You got it.
But the person who's gonna decide when that vote is is me, and I say our first order of business is putting out word that Harvey Specter is the new managing partner.
Now, you want to vote on that? Let's do it.
But if it's not unanimous, we're gonna have a big problem.
No problem here.
What about you, Louis? You got a problem with me calling the shots? No, Harvey.
No problem.
You're managing partner.
Good.
Then I suggest the two of you get your shit together before tomorrow, because right now, I've got some things to take care of.
I don't want to talk to you right now, Louis-- I want you to have the associates.
Whatever you said to Donna, you were right.
- Louis - Rachel, just let me finish while I'm still able to get it out.
I know I can be rough on them But it's only because I want to see them become the best lawyers they can be.
But I'm not in the best headspace right now, and if I keep taking my anger out on them, they will not become great lawyers.
They might not stay in the law at all, so It's better that someone else takes over for a while, and I cannot think of a better person than you.
I'm sorry that I went behind your back, Louis.
You were right to.
If you had asked me face-to-face, I don't even know what I would have done, and that--just thinking about that makes me sick.
Rachel, you're family, and if I lose you too Louis, you're not going to lose me, but I think I know what you may need.
Please don't say vacation.
If someone else mentions Martha's Vineyard one more time, I swear to God I was gonna say closure.
If you're telling me that I need to talk to Tara-- Louis, you were gonna get married.
You were gonna be a father.
That can't all end over a voicemail.
Treat them well.
- I knew it.
- Knew what? You don't have the balls to fill Harvey's office.
Okay, Donna, just to be clear, balls do not make the man.
- That's not what Rachel says.
- What does that even mean? I think we both know what that means.
Donna, for the record, my balls are within normal parameters.
So you just come down here to give me shit, or was there maybe another reason? What other reason would I have? I can't think of a single one.
- Then my work here is done.
- Good.
Because I certainly didn't come down here to tell you I remember the first time you were in this office, and I never thought I'd see the day when I told you congratulations, Mike.
You deserve it as your own.
- Thanks, Donna.
- You're welcome, Mike.
Are you sure you don't come with it? I mean, there is a desk right there that literally has your name on it.
Sorry, I wish I could, but I actually got a new office too.
- You did? - Needed one, because as of tomorrow, I am officially the firm's newest senior partner.
Holy shit.
Are you serious? Yes.
And from now on, it's, "Are you serious, ma'am?" Have you got that, pretty boy? My God.
Harvey's created a monster, hasn't he? You have no idea.
Donna It's about time.
[Soft upbeat music.]
Hey.
I know we haven't spoken, and we didn't exactly leave things off well, but I just really need to see you tonight if at all possible.
[Line beeps.]
Guess you got some skin in the game after all.
Sure did, Gretchen.
Sure did.
[Chuckles.]
I don't care how much money you make or how many you women you sleep with.
You have issues in your life that are going to keep you from having real relationships.
Benjamin and I have an overlap on our software with another company.
Louis pulled out every trick in the book to get us this.
- Take the money.
- I don't want the money.
- Donna-- - I want something more.
- What do you mean more? - I made a deal that we would handle the miners' case in exchange for the chance to be admitted to the bar.
Are you goddamn kidding me? You're fired.
- Don't do it.
- He lied--not once, not twice-- I don't care because we need him.
Monday morning, you better start putting your money where your mouth is and find us another $50,000 case.
Tara left a 15-second voicemail.
She's either gonna tell me that she never wants to see me again or she wants to make up.
[Soft dramatic music.]
[Crying.]
What's that? Your first year's salary in advance.
Welcome back.
Harvey, I'm running out of ways to tell you I don't want to be a corporate lawyer.
I'm offering you a deal.
One for you, one for me.
I don't wanna just fund the clinic for a year.
I want to fund it for two, and any case I want to bring the clinic onto, I can.
Done.
- And there's one more thing.
- You are not getting my office.
Oh, yes, I am, and I will tell you why.
- Why? - 'Cause she's gone, Harvey.
It's time for you to take the reins.
[Indie rock music.]
Harvey.
What are you doing here? Nothing, I was just driving this baby around and remembered how much street parking you had.
Is that supposed to impress me? Well, I hope so.
Sure as hell impresses me.
Well, it's nice to see you, but if you wanted an appointment, you should have called.
I'm not here for an appointment.
I'm here to ask you out.
You're serious.
I've been doing a lot of thinking lately, and - Harvey - Please, let me finish.
Things have changed since the last time I saw you.
I'm not the same man that I was.
I made peace with my family; I got my old associate back, and as of this morning, I'm the head of my firm, and when I thought of sharing that with someone, I thought of you.
Well, it doesn't matter, because it's completely unethical for a doctor to engage in a relationship with her patient.
Not if enough time has passed, and according to the APA, as of three weeks ago, enough time has passed.
- You did your homework.
- Sure did.
So the only question is: Thursday at 8:00 or Saturday at 9:00? One dinner, and if this chemistry you so clearly think exists doesn't, then we part as friends, no hard feelings.
If it doesn't work out, no harm, no foul.
Thursday.
Oh, and if the car's too much, I can always have Ray drive.
I like the car.
[Engine turns over, revs.]
What did you say? I couldn't hear you.
I like the car.
Good.
You're here early.
I need you to take point on a consumer fraud hearing for Sandra.
Nathan, I need to talk to you.
Okay.
I know things got heated between us the other night, but as far as I'm concerned, it's water under the bridge, so if you're wondering if I'm still upset at you-- I'm not.
And this is to make sure you're still not upset with me after you hear what I'm about to say.
Why am I holding a check for $500,000? Because I've decided to go back to Pearson Specter Litt, and I gave you my word that I wouldn't leave you high and dry.
So let me get this straight: You changed your mind, and now Harvey Specter is buying you back? If it were up to Harvey, you wouldn't be getting a penny.
I insisted on this.
Just like I insisted on every other case I take from now on being pro Bono.
It sounds like you insisted on that to make yourself feel better.
No, Nathan, I did that because I care about doing this kind of work, and if you're okay with it, I'd even like the idea of us partnering on a case every now and then.
But what if I say I'm not okay with any of this? I know that you were the one that gave me another chance to be a lawyer when no one else would, but don't punish the clinic.
It's a lot of money.
With that, you could replace me and help a lot of people for a long time.
[Soft dramatic music.]
- Is that for me? - No, actually, it's for me.
You're later than usually this morning.
I've been waiting for you.
Donna, about the other night.
I know you said you wanted more, but before you say anything-- - I want to be a partner.
- Partner? Yes.
I figured out what I want, and I want to be a partner at this firm.
Donna, I don't mean to insult you, but you're not even a lawyer.
Good, because my being a partner isn't about the law.
It's about keeping this firm running, which I've been doing for as long as I can remember.
I know that, but it doesn't mean that I can get you-- I've given over ten years of my life to this place, Harvey, and I've done it all from your desk.
All I'm asking is for a seat at the table.
I'll have to ask Louis about it.
Does that mean that you're on board? I don't know.
It's Mike's first day back, it's a big ask, and on top of all of that, I've decided to tell Louis that I'm taking full control as managing partner.
Well, congratulations, Harvey, but which is it? Louis? Mike? "Big ask.
" Because I'd hate to think I mustered the courage to do this, and then once you get on that elevator, it's out of your mind.
I give you my word.
I will not forget about it.
Okay.
[exhales.]
See the money, wanna stay for your meal Get another piece of pie for your wife Everybody wanna know how it feel Everybody wanna see what it's like I'll even eat a bean pie, I don't mind Me and Missy is so busy, busy making money All right All step back, I'm 'bout to dance Suits 7x01 Skin in the Game the greenback boogie Did you sleep in here? Just getting a feel for my new office.
You think a bike rack would fit on this wall? You put a bike rack in here, your first pro Bono, you'll be representing yourself after I shove it up your ass.
Wow.
That sounds uncomfortable.
Now, speaking of pro bonos, when are you gonna get your old man records out of here so I can settle in and get to work? I'll get out of here once we take of Neil Stillman.
Neil Stillman? Detour industries? No, Neil Stillman, Jedi counsel.
Okay, I was asking because Neil Stillman is a corporate client, so what happened to one for me, then one for you? Do I need to remind you that at a corporate law firm, we do the cases that pay the bills first? Besides, I haven't even told you the best part yet.
You only got two weeks to live? No.
After we're done with this case, I'm giving you Neil Stillman.
Harvey, I appreciate that, but seriously, if you're just gonna give him to me when we're done, why don't you give him to me now? Whatever it is, I can handle it myself.
- I know that.
- Then what's going on? It doesn't make sense for us to be working together on this.
All right, you want the truth? When Jessica made managing partner, she and I never really got to do cases together anymore.
You used to work on cases together? Yeah.
She was me and I was you.
We kicked ass.
Right.
And what exactly did you contribute to the equation? Oh, movie quotes, mostly, but that's not the point.
The point is we had a great time doing it.
- Harvey - Mike, I'm serious.
Once Jessica stepped up, our relationship changed.
And if you'd known that was gonna happen, you would have wanted one last case together.
Exactly.
So what do you say? We go out and have some fun and kick some ass? Or do you want to stay here measuring for your bike rack? It's not gonna measure itself.
All right, fine.
Kick ass.
But we do this, I want on that Jedi counsel.
Robes, light saber, whole deal.
[Upbeat music.]
Good, you're here.
Gretchen, what are you doing here? - I'm here to give you these.
- What are those? Brochures from the top nine mud resorts in the northern hemisphere, though I don't know why a person would do that in the first place.
It's like sitting in a bathtub of your own poop.
What the hell are you talking about? Louis, you need to take yourself some time off.
When's the last time you even had a vacation? Nine years ago July.
Goddamn travel agent sold me a package to Club Med Bangladesh, so, hard pass.
What kind of person goes to a sex club in Bangladesh? It's not like that.
I had just seen "Slumdog Millionaire," and I was trying to find Freida Pinto.
I believe she considers London her place of habitat.
No, I'm not talking about the real Freida Pinto.
I'm talking about my Freida Pinto.
There's many different Freida Pintos out there, okay? So just--I'm not an idiot.
Leave me alone.
Louis, I'm just worried that if you sit around and stew, this breakup's gonna get the best of you.
Gretchen, I really appreciate that, but I'm not just gonna sit around.
I'm gonna be pouring my heartbreak into those new associates.
Are you sure that's the best idea? Look I didn't just lose Tara.
I lost a chance at being a father.
And those associates have always been my children to me.
My children.
And the truth is, I've been neglecting them ever since they got here, but that ends this morning.
I'm proud of you, Louis.
Thank you, Gretchen.
[Indistinct chatter.]
- Where the hell have you been? - Neil, you called an hour ago.
Well, that means you should have been here in 30 minutes.
Well, I got news for you: I'm not Dominos.
That's too bad, because slinging pizzas might be the only job you can get if you don't stop shitting the bed.
Shitting the bed? How's that? I've been trying to get you on the phone for two weeks.
Jessica leaves, and all of a sudden, I start falling through the cracks? You're not falling through anything.
I'm here now, and I brought the best junior partner in the firm.
I don't give a shit if he's the best junior towel boy.
I got something for you to do, and I want it done yesterday.
Let me guess, you want to sell your vodka business.
How the hell could you know that? Because you don't clean up the balance sheet of your third largest division six months after you restructure if you're not looking to put it on the market.
Okay, you brought the right guy.
My question is, what took so long? And my question is what's the rush? 'Cause you also don't ram a transaction through if you don't have to.
I have an opportunity to buy another company, and I don't wanna let it slip away.
What company? I'll start vetting them for you.
They're Russian, and they make a little product called none of your goddamn business.
Neil, what's with the secrecy? We're your lawyers.
We need to know what you're looking to do.
The secrecy is in case you're not my lawyers two weeks from now.
I don't want you knowing who I'm going after.
Is that a threat? It's just my way of making sure I don't keep falling through the cracks.
Now let's talk terms.
Good morning, Gretchen.
Have you seen Louis? I'm worried about how he's doing after last night.
My guess is he's in the bullpen with his hatchlings.
His hatchlings? I was concerned about him as you were, so I tried to get him to take a vacation.
He said he'd rather focus on raising those associates.
Focus on them or take it out on them? Knowing him, probably 50/50, but the man turned down a trip to the finest mud resorts in the world, so I decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
Then I will too.
Good morning, boys and girls.
Who's ready to tear Watson Industries a new asshole? That's what I like to see.
Now, on your desks, I've made each of you a copy of my initial brief.
Cling to it as if you wrote it yourself, and if any of you need to go to the bathroom, I suggest you do it now, because for the next two weeks, we are not leaving this room.
No one will be shitting.
No one will be pissing.
No-- Go ahead, ask him.
Ask me what? I heard about your reputation, but But what? Don't you worry about my reputation, son.
I am not the same Louis I used to be.
I still may be tough, but I have a soft spot, so what do you need? Two days off.
No problem.
Feel free to take Saturday and Sunday off.
He meant in addition to the weekend.
In addition? Brian, is this true? - Yes.
- Then Monday and Sunday you shall have.
[Clears throat.]
Okay, fine.
Monday and Tuesday it is.
- Thank you, Mr.
Litt.
- No, no, just call me Louis.
Mind if I ask what the occasion is? - I'm gonna be a father.
- What? We're gonna have a baby boy.
Something everybody here knows is never gonna happen to you.
[Laughter.]
[Laughing.]
Gonna be a father for the rest of his life.
- What'd you just say to me? - I said it's a C-section, 'cause the baby's actually sideways, which means we have to go in there You self-centered piece of shit.
Do you think I care about the graphic details? - I just thought-- - Thought what? That you don't give a shit about your job? Let me tell you something: When you work here, you work here.
You don't think about home and families and babies.
So the next time you want to put your personal life ahead of the needs of this firm, you better goddamn come to me a year in advance.
That's not fair.
He couldn't have known he was gonna have a baby a year-- Let me tell you something, Stephanie: Maybe you don't know how babies are made, because when people are trying, they know they're trying, and just because no one ever wants to try with you doesn't give you the right to tell me how to run my associates.
You got that? Got it.
[Dramatic music.]
You thinking what I'm thinking? Depends.
What are you thinking? I'm thinking we've got a vodka company to sell.
You already said you wanted to have some fun.
That's right, and you put those two together, what have we got? Both: Party.
See? We're already on the same page.
Why don't you get a kick-ass location, and I'll get the models.
Models? I like models.
Why can't I get the models? You make a good point.
It's a two-man job.
We'll both get the models.
Harvey, seriously, why do we even have to have models at this party? Well, two reasons.
First, people expect it, and you've got to give the people what they want.
Right, and second, any dipshit who shows up and hits on the models all night isn't a serious bidder for the company.
Huh, you really are ready for my office.
Hey, speaking of which, when exactly is that gonna happen.
I can't talk about that right now.
I got to go hit on some models.
Hey, Harvey, jokes aside, what you said before about us working together like the old days, I appreciate it.
It means a lot to me.
Me too.
Both: Pussy.
[Footsteps approaching.]
Donna, do you have a minute? I need your help.
Of course.
What's going on? Louis is out of control.
When Esther got married out of control, or when Harvey made senior partner out of control? Worse.
Shit.
What did he do? He just went off on the associates.
He was abusive and cruel and ugly.
Donna, I have never seen Louis like this before.
Rachel, if what you're saying is true, then we need to figure out why, because with Louis, there's always a reason-- Tara broke up with him last night.
- Oh, my god.
- I was there when it happened.
This is not something that he's going to get over quickly.
- So what are you saying? - I'm saying that I think I should take over the associates until he's able to get his emotions under control.
Rachel, taking the associates away isn't exactly gonna stabilize him.
That's the one thing he has.
Yeah, I know that, but I'm telling you, if we're not careful, someone's gonna do something to him, and he'll be lucky if it's just suing him.
Did you tell him that? I tried to, and he bit my head off the minute I walked into his office, so Okay, I'll talk to him.
But I'm gonna need you to tell me exactly what he did first.
Whatever it is, I don't have time, Donna.
From what I heard, you had time to go off on the associates this morning.
Who told you that? That's bullshit.
Are you telling me you didn't go off on Brian Altman and then make a horrible comment about Stephanie Patel's sex life? - It's called discipline, Donna.
- It's called actionable, Louis.
You're lucky that there isn't a lawsuit on your desk right now.
Well, thank you for your counsel.
I know what I'm doing.
Louis, I am trying to be understanding, but I think Rachel should handle the associates for right now.
- Is that a joke? - No, it's not.
Well, then let me explain a little something to you called pecking order.
See, I am up here.
Rachel's down here.
And you don't give dominion over your associates to someone down here.
I know that, but I also know that Tara broke up with you last night, and you're not in your right mind.
I don't want to hear that name again.
Louis, all I'm saying is if you don't deal with it, you're gonna keep abusing the associates, and then we're gonna have-- Hey, Donna, you know what, I didn't want to do this, but I did leave one name off the chart.
Me.
Rachel.
You.
So don't you tell me what to do.
[Soft dramatic music.]
Louis, I'm gonna let that go, because I know you're hurting, but that right there is exactly why I'm right, because if you're willing to talk to me like that, god help those associates.
[indistinct chatter.]
[Line trilling.]
- Hello? - Yes, is this Dr.
Feelgood? 'Cause I'd like to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
I'm sorry.
You've got the wrong number.
This is Dr.
I have work to do.
Well, in that case, I'd like to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.
Harvey, why exactly are you calling me? First, answer me this: How many times have you considered picking up the phone and telling me that you've reconsidered since you said yes? Four.
If you don't count right now.
Then let's just say I'm calling to tell you that I've been in a room full of models for the last hour, and all I can think of is you.
Still thinking of cancelling on me? No, Harvey.
I'm looking forward to our dinner as well.
[Line clicks.]
Did you move up the date of our wedding and forget to tell me? [Chuckles.]
No, I got to get dressed up for this thing that Harvey and I are going to for a client.
A thing for a client.
That's not very specific.
Uh, yeah, I mean, it's just kind of hard to explain.
Hmm, does it involve three dozen models and 1,000 bottles of vodka? I guess it's not that hard to explain.
Mm-hmm.
When were you gonna tell me? If not before, then definitely after Or never.
It's hard to tell.
I haven't really thought this through.
- You know I'm kidding, right? - Yes.
You should come.
I can't.
Katrina and I are taking the Chippendales public, so we're gonna meet with a few of their top dancers to go over some paperwork.
Probably take all night.
- So that's not funny.
- Yes, it is.
I'm serious, Rachel, you should come.
I think Harvey got a helicopter.
We should take a ride around the city.
I can't.
You go.
It's a long story.
I ju-- I might be taking over the associates, and if I do, I just want to be prepared.
Rachel, that's amazing, but are you telling me that Louis is really ready to give that up? That's the long story.
But I'll tell you about it later tonight.
- I can stay.
- No, you should go-- Great, okay.
[Chuckles.]
I love you.
I love you too.
[Chuckles.]
Donna, before you leave, can I talk to you for a second? What is it now? We're running low on coffee filters? Can't find the sweet 'n low? Or is Louis finally being sued for being an asshole? You want to tell me what's going on, or you want to keep firing your pistol in the wrong direction? I'm sorry, Gretchen.
I am just sick and tired of being everyone's go-to and not getting what I ask for.
I don't mean to sound insensitive, but you're a corporate secretary.
What exactly did you expect? You really want to know? I asked Harvey for a seat at the table.
- What table? - The partnership table.
- No wonder he shot you down.
- He didn't shoot me down.
He told me he would think about it, but I haven't heard anything, and I don't know now if I will.
One way to get his attention is to go in there and take that check you gave him and rip it the hell up.
- What check? - The check you gave him for your partnership money.
You didn't give him one, did you? No.
Let me tell you something, Red.
You want a seat at the table, you got to put some skin in the game.
[Indie rock music.]
[indistinct chatter.]
There he is.
Hey, Harvey, this was a great idea, huh? Glad I thought of it.
Are we having fun? If you call talking geopolitics with a model named Svetlana fun, then that would be a big, fat bowl of yes.
Easy, tiger.
The bartender's pouring doubles.
Mm.
And what are you getting at? I'm having another drink.
I said for you to be careful.
I can handle my liquor.
Okay.
How many fingers am I holding up, huh? Huh? You can't tell, can you? Who can't handle my liquor now? I'd tell you to put food in your stomach, but unfortunately, I only ordered enough to give the appearance of having food.
So basically, you're just trying to get these guys hammered so you can drive up the bidding.
No.
I told you, the guys hitting on the models aren't serious.
Now I'm telling you That the guys who let themselves get drunk aren't serious, which means whoever's left are the bids that we have in our hands at the end of the night.
You knew it the whole time, didn't you? Who do you think you're talking to? Good man.
There's just one small problem.
What if, by accident, I happen to be one of the people that let himself get too drunk? You just might as well keep drinking, 'cause if we're not having fun, what the hell are we doing here? Yes! Copy that.
- [Chuckles.]
- Svetlana You know this office isn't gonna pack itself up, right? It's not packed because one of us has been at work for the last three hours.
The other one of us was sleeping off all the work he did last night.
You mean you're hung over from all the vodka you drank? Yeah, that's what I just said.
I never should have hired you back.
Well, it's too late to fire me now.
Is it? Because if you were worth your salary, you'd ask how many bids we're sitting on.
I don't have to ask, because I've got this.
Guest list was 500, and half of them came for the girls.
Half of the other half don't have the capital, and 60% of the rest of them woke up realizing they don't want to work in the liquor business.
Take, I don't know, what, 47 off the top for good measure? Leaves us with three bids.
- Donna told you, didn't she? - Probably.
Did she bother telling you what we're doing now? She didn't have to, 'cause you're Harvey Specter.
You've got one trick, and you taught it to me years ago, so let's go.
You know I have more than one trick, right? No, I know you think you do, but just because you put on a different costume doesn't make it a different trick.
Yeah, I liked you better when you were drunk.
I liked you better when I was drunk too.
I don't care what they say.
This is bullshit, and I'm not gonna get played.
Gentlemen, we're so sorry.
It's my first day.
Evidently, I booked the conference room at the same time as Harvey.
Bullshit.
You think we don't know what's going on here? You double booked the room to scare us into overbidding.
You're right.
We should have known a couple of smart guys like you would never fall for the banana in the tailpipe.
We brought you down here just because you were the only two bidders who came in at 100 million, so now, you have to look each other in the eye while you go head-to-head.
So here's what's gonna happen: You got one chance to write down your best bid.
Winner takes all, loser goes home.
We'll be back in 15 minutes, and we better see some more zeroes.
What if we collude, right here? Stick at 100 and you're shit out of luck? Which, by the way, is exactly why you don't double book a conference room.
There's only one problem with that.
When we said you two were the only ones that came in at 100, we didn't say there wasn't someone who put down more.
- Axelrod.
- Bingo.
Second bid came in 20 minutes ago.
So if you two want to collude, go right ahead, but it better be for a hell of a lot more than 100 million.
[Soft dramatic music.]
- How'd it go? - That depends.
What was Axelrod's second bid? 200 million.
Well, then it doesn't really matter how it went, because whatever those clowns come up with, Neil Stillman's walking away with a boatload of cash.
Speaking of boatloads of cash It's a check for half a million dollars.
I told you I was serious about becoming a partner, and I am.
- Donna - Harvey, be honest.
You haven't given one thought to what we talked about yesterday.
- I've been a little busy.
- And you've also been avoiding the subject.
This way, you have to take me seriously.
I do take you seriously.
Then walk the hell down to Louis' office and tell him I'm a partner.
Donna, I can't just ram every decision down his throat.
Every decision? You haven't even told him that you're stepping into Jessica's shoes yet.
I'm waiting for the right time.
And if I were a partner, I would tell you that the right time was yesterday.
Donna Harvey, you think I'm asking for charity, I'm not.
I am asking for you to make official what I have been doing for years anyway, which is giving you advice, like you need to step the hell up and tell Louis that you're in charge, and right this second, you're either gonna take that advice, or you're not, but it is time that you recognize me for what I do.
My brother Thomas is the clever one.
Teaches at Cambridge.
20 hours a week, summers off.
You're not listening to a word I'm saying, are you? - I'm sorry.
- Well, you should be.
I've been told I'm actually quite delightful.
You are.
I'm just a little distracted.
Halfway through appetizers.
Doesn't bode very well for how you'll be feeling when our flambé arrives.
It's not that.
Jessica left the firm last month.
Everyone assumes that I'm next in line, and now I've got Donna telling me that if I don't step up Wait a second, I thought you told me as of the other morning that you're now head of the firm.
I am.
I just haven't told Louis yet, and Donna won't let it go.
I think this may have been a mistake.
- What? - You didn't come to me to date me, you came to me because you're in the middle of another crisis and you need me to walk you through it.
That's not true.
Of course you don't think it's true.
If you did, you would have called my office and made an appointment.
I don't need an appointment.
I'm sharing things about my life.
Last time I checked, that's what people do on dates.
Yes, it's what they do, Harvey, but on first dates, they also try to make the other person feel special and listened to.
Paula-- Do you know why it's unethical for a therapist to go out with her client, Harvey? Yeah, of course I do.
It's because it's natural for a client to transfer feelings of desire onto his therapist that aren't real.
- I know that.
- What you may not know is that it's not unnatural for a therapist to feel the same way.
You don't think I've had fantasies about you? That one day you'd show up at my office as I was heading home for the night, and I turn around, and you'd be there.
You wouldn't say a word, but You'd take me in your arms and kiss me, and It would actually be the start of something special.
Well, I have, which is why despite my better judgment, I'm here with you right now.
- So what's the problem? - The problem is those fantasies weren't of me being a therapist to a man who's still too afraid to admit that he needs help, much less take control of a firm that bears his name.
Thank you for dinner, Harvey.
If you need a session, call my office.
Unfortunately, I can't see you anymore, but I can give you a recommendation for someone who can.
[Dramatic music.]
- Louis, what can I do-- - Do for me? You could tell me from now on if you have a problem with me, you'll take it up with me instead of going behind my back.
- What? - That's right.
You think I don't know the whole "Rachel should be in charge of my associates" bullshit came from you and not Donna? You're right.
It was from me.
And I came to you first, and you bit my head off.
Well, then let me tell you in a way that won't harm your pretty little head, because I clearly forgot what a delicate little flower you are.
Those associates are mine, and the only way you're ever gonna get them is if you pry them from my cold, dead hands.
Donna, unless it's an emergency-- It is an emergency.
Harvey, I need to know what you're doing about me.
Donna, right this second is not the time.
It is the time, because if somebody doesn't do something about Louis soon, this firm is gonna end up being sued by our own associates.
I don't have the authority to do anything, and you don't even know what I'm talking about.
Okay, Donna.
You win.
You're a partner.
[Line clicks.]
Harvey.
We got a problem.
What is it now? Take a look.
Where'd you get this? It doesn't matter where I got it.
It's out there.
You can't be sure Neil knew this.
What difference does that make? Because if he didn't know, it's just bad luck.
Harvey, he's the goddamn CEO.
He knew.
He kept it from us, and he kept it from the guys buying his company.
- You don't know that.
- Yes, I do.
I also know you still have time to go stop this sale from going through.
Are you kidding? They signed the documents.
It's already gone through.
Money hasn't changed hands yet, so you still have time to stop it.
- Mike-- - Harvey, if you don't get over there and find out before-- All right.
I'll handle it.
- And where are you going? - I need to talk to Louis.
Whatever it is, it's gonna have to wait until tomorrow, because if you don't get over there before that money changes hands, you are opening us up to a shitload of trouble.
Kind of creepy in here at night, isn't it? Oh, I don't know.
I find it kind of peaceful.
Then why get rid of it? And more importantly, why'd you need the sale to go through so quickly? I told you, I have another opportunity.
And what if I said the real reason was you knew you vodka business was about to be sued for using another brand's recipe? I would say I did not know that.
- Well, now you do.
- It doesn't change a thing.
Those two dipshits already signed the agreement.
Neil, this looks a hell of a lot like you're asking me to be a party to fraud.
I'm asking you to do your job.
Look out for my interests, and take me at my word.
If I have reason to believe that you're lying to me, which I do-- The only thing you have reason to believe is that I will fire you if you don't do this for me and then find someone who will, so this thing is gonna get done whether you do it or not.
The only thing that happens if you don't is that the world will know what people suspect already: That you can't fill Jessica's shoes.
How long do you think it's gonna take after that before every one of your clients starts to leave you? So you tell me right now, are you in or not? - Shit.
Oliver.
- What's up, Mike? How's your new job? I'm sorry.
I swear I was gonna tell you.
Yeah, I heard, but I guess when you move on, you move on, right? - Come on, it's not like that.
- Bullshit, it's not like that.
You left, Mike, after everything you said.
Would you please just let me explain? I fought for your goddamn job.
I know that, and I will always be grateful for it, but I am telling you, it's better this way, because-- Better for who? Based on that extra cash that you had to throw at Nathan? I'd say it's better for you.
For everybody.
I can still have cases with the clinic.
You and I can still work together.
- Lucky me.
- Oliver, the only reason I went back is that Harvey committed to doing pro bonos, all right? Half of my cases, the kind the clinic does, only this time, with the resources of a big firm behind us.
Oh, really? What are you working on right now, Mike? What? What's your first case back? Eminent domain? Civil rights violation? Oliver, come on, it's not that-- Tell me your first case back isn't carrying water for some corporate big shot, and I'll shut my mouth right now.
Marissa was right.
All you were doing with us was biding your time.
[Soft dramatic music.]
- What the fu-- is going on? - What do you mean? Case is over.
You said you'd move.
I'm just getting the ball rolling.
I can't work on my own cases if I don't have my own office.
Listen, Mike.
You let the goddamn sale go through.
- You don't understand.
- I understand that you said that you wanted one last case together before you stepped up, but you clearly are not ready to step up, so I got to get my pro Bono cases in before this place doesn't even exist anymore.
Are you finished, or do you have a minute to hear why I let the sale go through? Oh, no, I don't care.
Mike, I have no proof he knew.
He's Jessica's client.
How's it gonna look if he tells the world that we can't handle his business anymore? Well, I'll tell you how it looks right now.
It looks like you're afraid and you're not in charge.
Okay, you say something like that to me, you better get ready for a hit, because I am doing the best I can.
No, Harvey, you're not doing shit.
You're hiding, 'cause you're afraid.
You're afraid to take responsibility for this firm, and you won't admit it to yourself.
I don't have to listen to this.
Well, you're going to, 'cause way back when, you cared enough about me to tell me the same thing to my face, and I'm just returning the favor.
I'm not her, Mike.
I'm not her.
You don't have to be her.
You just have to go back to being you.
The Harvey I met the day you hired me, he would have gone in there and told Neil Stillman to go fu-- himself.
So it's up to you.
You can keep hiding out in Jessica's shadow, or you get out of it and start being Harvey goddamn Specter.
Do you find it peaceful here in the day too? If you're here to bring me my check, then the answer's yes.
I'm here to tell you that we stopped the sale.
What did you just say? We're not taking part in your fraud so that you can dump your shitty company.
You son of a bitch, I don't remember giving you a choice.
Well, you did, because your exact words were, "Do it, or you're fired.
" Then you're goddamn fired.
You can let us go if you want, but the second you do, we're putting out a press release saying Pearson Specter Litt no longer represents clients we feel are unethical in their divestiture practices.
You can't do that, that's attorney-client privilege.
No, it's not, because we're not gonna name you.
But you can bet your ass the whole world is gonna know who we're talking about.
What do you want from me? Are you asking me as my client? Because I don't give free legal advice.
Yes, okay.
You're still my attorney.
In that case, here's what's gonna happen: You're gonna go into business with the guys whose process you stole.
You're gonna quietly give them 10% of your company, you're gonna triple your price, and you're gonna have a very public feud over whose vodka tastes better.
And then we both profit from a war between two brands that have the exact same product.
Win-win.
Maybe you are as good as Jessica.
Maybe I am.
Maybe I'm not.
But the thing we have in common is we're never gonna be bullied by any of our clients.
[Soft dramatic music.]
[indistinct shouting.]
All right, Louis, I've tried to be reasonable, but I'm not gonna sit around and watch this anymore.
As of this moment, you're no longer in charge of the associates.
Says you and what army? I'm sorry, I didn't catch that.
- I said you can't do that.
- Oh, yes, I can, because even though Harvey clearly didn't tell you, as of last night, I'm a senior partner.
- You're what? - That's right.
I gave Harvey a check for half a million dollars.
I'm a partner now, Louis, which means your whole "you're up here and I'm down here" bullshit, not anymore.
Partner? You're not even a lawyer.
Neither are the chief operating officers of four of the top nine firms in the world.
This is bullshit.
I didn't agree to any of this.
I don't care whether you agreed to it or not.
You're gonna live with it.
And I don't give a shit what your supposed title is.
I'm not giving up my associates.
And if you think you're gonna leave this bathroom without giving me the respect I deserve-- I'm not giving up my associates.
- That's enough.
- Harvey, what the hell kind of shit did you pull? Shut up and listen, Louis.
Donna asked for a seat at the table, and I gave her one, because when she worked for me, she had my back, and would kill anyone coming for me, and when she worked for you, she did the same exact thing, not to mention if she left tomorrow, this firm would be a pile of rubble within 15 minutes.
So then give her a raise.
You don't make her goddamn senior partner.
If Jessica were here, she'd tell you to do the same exact thing.
Well, Louis, Jessica isn't here, but I am.
- Thank you, Harvey.
- Don't thank me yet.
You asked for a vote.
You got it.
But the person who's gonna decide when that vote is is me, and I say our first order of business is putting out word that Harvey Specter is the new managing partner.
Now, you want to vote on that? Let's do it.
But if it's not unanimous, we're gonna have a big problem.
No problem here.
What about you, Louis? You got a problem with me calling the shots? No, Harvey.
No problem.
You're managing partner.
Good.
Then I suggest the two of you get your shit together before tomorrow, because right now, I've got some things to take care of.
I don't want to talk to you right now, Louis-- I want you to have the associates.
Whatever you said to Donna, you were right.
- Louis - Rachel, just let me finish while I'm still able to get it out.
I know I can be rough on them But it's only because I want to see them become the best lawyers they can be.
But I'm not in the best headspace right now, and if I keep taking my anger out on them, they will not become great lawyers.
They might not stay in the law at all, so It's better that someone else takes over for a while, and I cannot think of a better person than you.
I'm sorry that I went behind your back, Louis.
You were right to.
If you had asked me face-to-face, I don't even know what I would have done, and that--just thinking about that makes me sick.
Rachel, you're family, and if I lose you too Louis, you're not going to lose me, but I think I know what you may need.
Please don't say vacation.
If someone else mentions Martha's Vineyard one more time, I swear to God I was gonna say closure.
If you're telling me that I need to talk to Tara-- Louis, you were gonna get married.
You were gonna be a father.
That can't all end over a voicemail.
Treat them well.
- I knew it.
- Knew what? You don't have the balls to fill Harvey's office.
Okay, Donna, just to be clear, balls do not make the man.
- That's not what Rachel says.
- What does that even mean? I think we both know what that means.
Donna, for the record, my balls are within normal parameters.
So you just come down here to give me shit, or was there maybe another reason? What other reason would I have? I can't think of a single one.
- Then my work here is done.
- Good.
Because I certainly didn't come down here to tell you I remember the first time you were in this office, and I never thought I'd see the day when I told you congratulations, Mike.
You deserve it as your own.
- Thanks, Donna.
- You're welcome, Mike.
Are you sure you don't come with it? I mean, there is a desk right there that literally has your name on it.
Sorry, I wish I could, but I actually got a new office too.
- You did? - Needed one, because as of tomorrow, I am officially the firm's newest senior partner.
Holy shit.
Are you serious? Yes.
And from now on, it's, "Are you serious, ma'am?" Have you got that, pretty boy? My God.
Harvey's created a monster, hasn't he? You have no idea.
Donna It's about time.
[Soft upbeat music.]
Hey.
I know we haven't spoken, and we didn't exactly leave things off well, but I just really need to see you tonight if at all possible.
[Line beeps.]
Guess you got some skin in the game after all.
Sure did, Gretchen.
Sure did.