Debashine Thangevelo
PATRICK J Adams might not have an eidetic memory in real life, but he isn’t likely to forget his life-changing role as Mike Ross in Aaron Korsh’s legal drama, Suits.
The 33-year-old Canadian actor has seen his world evolve – for the better – since appearing on the show, now in its fifth season.
To contextualise his TV journey, Adams spent the mainstay of his time in mostly inconsequential roles. The only silver lining to that was his choice in shows. Even though it might have been a fleeting role, he had the best platforms from Numb3rs, Without a Trace, NCIS, Lie to Me and FlashForward, to highlight the more prominent ones.
Since the show’s debut in 2011, doors have been opening for the actor. He landed more big screen projects. And, last year made a rather interesting departure into horror with the mini-series Rosemary’s Baby, opposite Zoe Saldana. He also appeared in the thriller drama, Orphan Black.
Like his über suave co-star, Gabriel Macht (Harvey), he also directed episode 14, titled Derailed. In fact, it was his debut.
Over the seasons Mike has certainly gained more confidence, especially with his powerhouse suits – to the point where he was able to go toe-to-toe with Harvey. Of course, having these two allies on opposite sides was a creative experiment by the writers. Thankfully, a short-lived one for fans.
This show works for myriad reasons. It goes without saying that the script is a winner: it’s taut, fresh and gripping. The casting is its anchor – especially with a diverse pool of characters bearing their own strengths, weaknesses and ambitions.
Then there is the issue of office romances, relationships burdened by legality and loyalties often being tested.
Last season ended with several storylines up in the air: Donna leaving Harvey (but not the company), Louis dealt another heavy blow and, last but not least, Mike’s engagement to Rachel.
With season five airing so close to the US season in South Africa, there is very little information to go on as to what can be expected.
However, Macht did tease the media recently by hinting at a big surprise coming up. He also revealed that Donna is now working for Louis. Ouch, that has to hurt. She has been in his corner since the beginning of his career. He will definitely be dealing with some abandonment issues there.
Oh, and Mike and Robert (Rachel’s dad) have their own drama going on, too.
In an earlier interview regarding the previous season, Adams commented on Macht and his relationship and how that has manifested so fantastically in the show.
He noted: “It was tough to really play some of the banter as things got more serious between them. I think Gabriel and I are happy to be back in the same place where we can have that sense of humour to come back into the show without losing the stakes. We love playing the drama of the scenes, and always look for them. We never intended for a ‘bromance’ to happen, that was all a by-product of us wanting to be comfortable with each other and to be able to play with each other and mix it. So hopefully we find a way to keep balancing the stakes of our situation and the emotional weight of the situation while at the same time make stupid jokes and quote movies and have a good time.”
With the bar raised in each season, this season is bound to boast more than a few fireworks, especially with the personal and professional boundaries blurring.
But, Adams is most definitely up for the challenge.
Interestingly, he was, in 2013, awarded an Honorary Life Membership of UCD Law Society. And, he got engaged on Valentine’s Day last year to actress Troian Bellisario, whom he met when he made a cameo on Pretty Little Liars.
Now that he is finally making headway in Hollywood and other spheres of his life, I’m sure he has a few surprises of his own for fans.
l Suits season 5 airs on Express on Friday, June 26 at 2.30am and then on M-Net (DStv channel 101) from Thursday, July 2 at 7.30pm.