Heartburn

While Louis is trying a case, he has a heart attack. This happens after Rachel has revealed to Mike that her tuition is due. Louis had made an agreement with her that the firm would pay her tuition. The problem is that nothing is in writing, and the fact that Louis made the offer means nothing to Jessica and she turns her down. There are some great scenes while Louis is recovering. He proposes to his girlfriend and she says, leaving us with one of the ugliest visuals ever put on television. Michael is becoming somewhat disillusioned as he is viewed as little more than a lawyer's helper when it is he who comes up with some great proposals, including one that could save a worth adversary.

I'm SO sick and tired of this Rachel character. She throws tantrums like a spoiled rich girl that she is while constantly saying she's not one. Is she going to be this tiresome for the next five seasons?

To repeat: in a series already known for its writing, how amazing does the script for a single episode have to be to outshine the others? This answers the question.

One of the problems with episodic TV is that, to maintain audience interest, the writers will gradually over time move from exterior stories and themes and conflicts and start internalizing the stories among the characters.

The problem is that you can only do this for so long --- the process itself is like eating your own arm to avoid starvation. The good news is that when it is done well it a joy to behold.

This episode is a writing clinic in how to work with characters you have painstakingly created over 3 years.

"Heartburn" shows 3 concurrent stories: 1. Louis' health, personal life, and his relationships with others in the firm 2. Mike's career concern 3. Rachel's going to Columbia Law School. Many great scenes such as 1. Rachel is getting a new contract with the firm to pay for her tuition. She used Gabriel as Exhibit A to present the case that it will be a good investment for the firm. Harvey:"I am pretty awesome' 2. Harvey told this giant client, Tony G. off after Tony bullied him. 3. Mike discussed with Harvey that he wanted to go legit at Harvey's place. Two of them stood in the reflection of the great city - NY..(Does Mike wants to leave the big league to practice law in a small town?) Love and the shot and the implications.

I love this episode very much. Great writing with Great acting made it a joy to watch. Discussion of employee contracts terms in client's company and Rachel's verbal contract with Louis were interesting. They made the episode less soapy and much more intelligent. It is one of my favorite episodes of Suits so far.