Harvey Specter’s 10 Best Episodes In Suits To Watch Before Gabriel Macht’s Suits LA Return

The best episodes of Suitsfeaturing Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) easily highlight every facet of his character journey, whose conclusion will likely be seen in his cameo in Suits: L.A. Though updates on Suits L.A.have been slowly coming in, Harvey's cameo in the spinoff series has gotten major focus by audiences, creating more excitement for the series and for the potential storyline New York's best closer could be featured in. Considering the fact that Harvey is old friends with Ted Black (Stephen Amell), that storyline will likely be filled with the twists and turns the original show often used.

Harvey's return in Suits: L.A., alongside inviting speculation on the new spinoff, can also demonstrate how far he has come from the beginning of Suits. Harvey's journey in the original series was one of self-discovery and forgiveness as he evolved past his uncaring facade. His cocky characterization and rapid quips remained throughout, but several episodes of the series perfectly highlighted both aspects of him, making them essential viewing for audiences before his return in Suits: L.A. where his story will finally get a proper end.

10 Pilot

Season 1, Episode 1

Mike and Harvey talking in the Suits Pilot

Suits' pilot episode not only showcases the birth of Harvey and Mike Ross's (Patrick J. Adams) relationship, but gives audiences a concise and fun idea of Harvey's character that gets deconstructed later. The episode's biggest moment is Harvey and Mike's unlikely introduction to each other during Harvey's associate interviews, with the two's quick-fire repartee and knowledge immediately demonstrating their similar mindsets and senses of humor. However, the latter half of the episode truly shows the reason why Harvey is one of the best characters in Suits.

Harvey's domination of the courtroom during the initial hearing showcased his strengths as a lawyer, adding depth to his cocky attitude. His quick thinking throughout the episode regarding the case only strengthens this, mirroring Mike's own intellect while also still leaving his character with a unique advantage. Ultimately, the first episode of Suits demonstrates who Harvey is at his core: someone who loves to win and has the skills to achieve that goal. That core makes his character journey compelling, as he is later faced with problems that are not so easily solved.

9 Rules of the Game

Season 1, Episode 11

Harvey on the stand in the Suits episode "Rules of the Game"

The return of Harvey's mentor Cameron Dennis (Gary Cole) showcases Harvey's strong sense of loyalty and allows Suits to begin unraveling the seemingly impenetrable armor around him. Harvey's relationship with his former mentor is brought to the forefront when Dennis is put under investigation for tampering with evidence, pitting Harvey against him. Harvey is torn throughout the episode as Dennis was his first mentor but the threat of disbarment forces him to testify and ultimately realize the depth of Dennis' illegal actions even as he comes up with an agreeable solution for everyone.

Harvey is still his confident self throughout key moments in the Suits episode, such as during the deposition, but audiences do get to see a bit deeper into him during the flashback, which reveals he would rather leave Dennis than "betray" him. Harvey's sense of loyalty is a big part of his characterand this episode truly drives it home even as he uses his normal tricks to get his way. It also showcases his secretly good heart as the episode's conclusion shows Harvey's desire to make amends with one of his former clients, cracking his uncaring armor.

8 Rewind

Season 2, Episode 8

The death of Harvey's father truly pushed Harvey as a character in this episode of Suits, highlighting his avoidance tactics when it comes to emotions even as he brilliantly maneuvers his opponents. Daniel Hardman's (David Costabile) goal of trying to take over the firm is largely set back here thanks to Harvey's tactical prowess, but the episode demonstrates what that drive and brilliance have cost him. The flashbacks reveal how Hardman's vendetta against the firm began, but the moment that truly places Harvey at the forefront is Donna telling him his father had died of a heart attack.

Harvey was very close with his father, so news of his passing should have reorganized his perspective. Yet Harvey simply concentrates his efforts on ousting Hardman over processing his grief, showcasing his fear of vulnerability and the true beginnings of his cold demeanor. Harvey's visit to his father's grave in present time drives home both how complex his feelings are and how he attempts to lock them away, which slowly gets thwarted by Mike's presence in his life.

7 High Noon

Season 2, Episode 10

Harvey and Mike's comedic scenes together in this episode of Suits both allowed for them to make a major discovery and reveal a less polished side of Harvey. This episode is one of the season's more tense ones as Hardman continues to try to take over Pearson-Hardman, dragging Donna (Sarah Rafferty) down in the process. What makes matters worse is the abrupt loss of Mike's grandmother, adding another layer of stress and high emotion to the duo's storyline.

Therefore, the scene with the two of them in Mike's apartment is one of Harvey's best scenes in Suitsas it shows Mike and the audience his more playful, silly side, diffusing the tension. That side yields to his gentler one as Mike laments the loss of his grandmother, leading to Harvey sharing about his mother's infidelity. Those two moments give audiences more insight into Harvey's past while also revealing that under the surface, those vulnerable parts are still there, even as he uses his skills to bury Hardman.

6 The Other Time

Season 3, Episode 6

Donna looks happy while Harvey holds up a can opener in Suits

The beginnings of Harvey and Donna's relationship in Suits showcase Harvey's clear care for her and how he tries to suppress it due to his fears, which fails him as her new relationship forces them apart. As things in the firm become difficult due to the deal Jessica (Gina Torres) made with Edward Darby (Conleth Hill), Harvey reminisces on his past with Donna, confirming that the two were at one point romantically involved. Though the banter between the two in the flashback is entertaining, it also shows how good they are for each other, something Harvey is scared to admit.

His offer to Donna in the flashback after he is hired by Jessica shows that fear, as she made clear that she does not get involved with the men she works with. In the present day, that stipulation is beginning to weigh on him as Donna finds love somewhere else and the firm changes due to the deal. That resistance to change, paired with the fear of losing Donna, is the start of Harvey's deconstruction, making this episode of Suits vital to understanding his later arc.

5 Not Just A Pretty Face

Season 4, Episode 16

Suits' season 4 finale further explores Harvey's relationship to Donna and this theme of change even as Harvey rectifies a situation from his past. The episode's flashbacks not only how Harvey and Donna met but also Harvey's relationship with his brother, whose desire to open a restaurant gets Harvey involved with Charles Forstman (Eric Roberts), who is being investigated in the present. Harvey's loyalty and love for his family shine here as he sacrifices his personal integrity for his brother's sake, making his later actions more entertaining for audiences.

Harvey's swift mind and cocky demeanor are strongly present here as he successfully gets Forstman arrested, saving his brother from criminal charges for opening the restaurant with embezzled money. That being said, Donna's announced departure from Harvey's desk unsettles that return to status quo for him, leaving him emotionally vulnerable. Mike's proposal to Rachel (Meghan Markle) only exacerbates that dissent as more changes around Harvey, sending him into an important low point in his arc for a portion of Suits' run.

4 No Refills

Season 5, Episode 3

Harvey talking with Dr. Agard in the Suits episode No Refills

Harvey's growing anxiety gets a moment in this Suits episode, forcing him to truly confront its source as those he loves move further away from him. Harvey is beset in this episode emotionally as Jack Soloff's (John Pyper-Ferguson) actions regarding his salary continue to haunt him, resulting in him retaliating. That retaliation, though, backfires which, paired with a confrontation with Donna, sends Harvey into a panic attack in front of Mike. This scene truly showcases both Harvey's vulnerability and strength as, even amid a panic attack, he defends himself from Soloff's outrage masterfully.

Even so, Harvey forces himself to confront the ever-increasing panic attacks, leading him back to his psychiatrist, Dr. Paula Agard (Christina Cole). Their session in this episode of Suits pushes Harvey's armor to its breaking point, forcing him to start facing his fears of abandonment and letting himself be vulnerable over simply avoiding it. This episode firmly began the upward swing of Harvey's arc as he truly faces all that was happening to him in regard to his loved ones and himself.

3 Faith

Season 5, Episode 10

Harvey's childhood is explored in this Suits episode, highlighting the beginning of his fears and how he tries to move on from them in the present. Audiences may remember the episode for its dramatic ending, but it is also one of the best flashback episodes in Suitsas it outlines the major moments in both Harvey and Mike's formative years that steered them to each other. Harvey's anger at his mother and abandonment issues are on full display as he rushes to tell his father of her infidelity, only to change his mind, building his armor further.

That armor, however, drops here as Harvey and Mike both prepare to resign due to a deal with Forstman, whose prison sentence limited little of his reach. This is a big departure from Harvey in earlier episodes of Suits, as he would never accept personal defeat. His arc shows how much he learned from Mike when it came to selflessness and how he has begun to let his heart show, resulting in a touching moment between the two before Mike's abrupt arrest, forcing Harvey back into the game to save him.

2 The Painting

Season 6, Episode 12

Harvey and his mother at dinner in the Suits episode "The Painting"

Harvey's visit with his mother is a major step in his arc in Suits, as the titular painting pushes him to finally confront her and begin healing. Harvey is still struggling with the loss of both Jessica and Mike from his life, prompting Donna to suggest he reach out to his mother, especially as he lost the duck painting she had gifted him years ago. Although Harvey forgives his mother in season 9, this episode is the start of that journey as she and Harvey discuss her infidelity and its impact on their lives in full.

While that first dinner is combative, it also lets Harvey lay himself bare for the first time to his mother, destroying his uncaring armor and leading to his mother's apology at her art studio. That moment both relieved him from some of the wounds he had suffered and led to him realizing that there was a way forward as they still loved each other. "The Painting" restructured aspects of Harvey's character for good, giving him the chance to heal further in Suits as he faces other fears that led to his harder facade.

1 One Last Con

Season 9, Episode 10

Suits' series finale highlights how far Harvey's character has come as he finally proposes to Donna, showcasing both his newfound faith in love and his devotion to those he cares for. Harvey's confrontation with Faye Richardson (Denise Crosby) is one last example of Harvey's maneuvering, albeit with him being a follower over a leader as it was Mike's plan. Despite this, combining that instinct with his faith in others pays off, showcasing how Harvey can show his caring side and still win as he always does due to having those he loves behind him.

What truly made this one of the best finales in Suits, though, was Harvey's proposal and his departure with Donna. Their wedding highlighted how Harvey was no longer afraid of love and admitting to his good heart, as he and Donna decide to move to Seattle to join Mike and Rachel. Harvey's arc truly comes full circle here as Suits showcases all of the people Harvey loves growing and evolving, with him doing the same without fear instead of worrying about what comes next.