The first episode of "Suits" Season 5 illustrates to viewers just how badly Harvey Specter (Gabriel Macht) is hurting because of Donna's (Sarah Rafferty) decision to leave him. He is just in a bad place as any other miserable, dumped husband. It is so bad that he has to see a shrink to cope. Will the lawyer and secretary tandem ever get back together?
Spoiler alert: This fan update contains "Suits" Season 5, Episode 1 spoilers. It might be better to read this later if you have not watched this week's new episode on USA.
"Suits" Season 5, Episode 1 branches out in many ways, but the main story is about Donna's resignation and the depth of its effects on Harvey. The secondary story is Louis Litt's (Rick Hoffman) reaction. It is not easy for Louis to believe that Donna is not switching back to Harvey's office the way Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams) did in the past. Donna has to constantly convince Louis that this change is permanent.
It does not get a lot of screen time, but Rachel (Meghan Markle) and Mike's engagement gets significant attention, too. Toward the end of the episode, Donna reminds Rachel that they should always tell each other everything - even when one of them is going through some serious mess.
In the middle of denials and resentment, Donna and Rachel keep it real. It is one of the most touching moments in "Suits" Season 5, Episode 1. Harvey softens up, too, in the final moments of the episode. He gives Mike some engagement presents, including a ticket to a game that Jay-Z and Beyonce would watch, too.
At one point Jessica (Gina Torres) reminds Harvey that she could turn things around. But Harvey decides she does not want to force Donna to change her mind. This conversation hints to viewers that this change could be final - Donna is probably going to stay as Louis' secretary.
Given the number of times that Harvey and Louis clashed in the past, it is highly likely that Donna would find herself in a tougher situation now. Viewers can expect Louis to occasionally doubt Donna's intentions and loyalty. Obviously, this would open more areas of conflict, eventually. For now, Donna is Louis' secretary. Harvey has to hire a new secretary and spend some time with his shrink (Christina Cole).