Suits disappoints with lukewarm new episode

After postponing a long awaited 2014 premiere, USA finally continued the third season of Suits on March 6. Devoted fans tuned into “Buried Secrets,” eager to know whether or not Louis would uncover Mike’s secret and Harvey would take his fluctuating relationship with Scottie to the next level. Unfortunately, the season premiere made little to no development in either area and suggests that season four will continue to drag out these recurring issues.

By the end of season three, Rachel turns down Stanford to instead pursue a law degree at Columbia. Harvey finally decides that he wants Scottie “in his life” — surely not the most romantic of declarations, but it is a big step for New York’s top-dog. After rotating three partners in only two years, Jessica still has her name on the door, and Pearson-Spector is for once enjoying executive stability. Donna has returned to the office and is again keeping Harvey’s life in order as a loyal legal assistant. Even Louis, the office rat, found tenderness in his “professional, meticulous and wonderfully anal” lover, Sheila. Life seemed to be smooth sailing for the leading players of New York’s premiere law firm.

Unfortunately, Louis came dangerously close to connecting the dots and discovering Mike’s secret, double life. Viewers were left questioning: Will Louis find out that Mike is duplicitous? Would Lit dare expose Harvey’s protege associate to the company? Are the firm’s power dynamics at stake? Season three ends on this cliffhanger, leaving Suits fans desperate for answers and fearing the worst.

Instead of cutting to the action, however, “Buried Secrets” follows Lit as the mysterious conundrum continues to burn a hole in his brain. Louis decides against approaching Sheila or Mike directly. With nothing more than a clue on Mike’s fraudulent transcript and gut instinct, Louis believes he’s uncovered the ultimate scandal; and, knowing Louis, action must be taken to right the firm.

Though he’s fully consumed by the enigma, Louis’ potential disclosure seems pretty insipid to viewers. Harvey and Donna know the truth. Rachel found out about her boyfriend ages ago and decided to forgive. Jessica — the real threat to everyone’s safety — is in the know. Even if Louis chooses to proceed with a full exposure, are there any important characters left to surprise?

Perhaps Pearson-Specter’s reputation will suffer from a non-Harvard affiliate  “peeing directly into the pristine pool of eliteness.” Or (impeccable timing), maybe non-Harvard grads will finally make their way into the firm, and Miss Zane can actualize her dream of moving up in the Pearson-Specter ranks.

“Buried Secrets” was marketed with a riveting preview and guest appearance, but ultimately proved lukewarm. Although Louis is verging on a breakthrough, Harvey fought tooth and nail for his beloved apprentice before and would fight again. If Harvey was able to convince Jessica of Mike’s value and talent, the obnoxious senior partner won’t cause the slightest wrinkle in Specter’s Italian suit.

Michael Phelps made a cameo as promised, and Scottie landed a “sports guy” as her first client. The olympic gold medalist said all of four sentences and is unlikely to return.

Rachel and Mike’s relationship is at an all-time high. The perils of long distance are no longer looming and the young, promising couple will shortly move in together. With nearly perfect LSAT scores, the company paralegal realizes her lawyer potential. Mike, too, is gaining confidence as he pursues cases solo, but for everyone’s sake, Nick Ronaldi needs to expire from the Suits cast. At least Tanner — a previously recycled villain — wasn’t so utterly dull.

Harvey Specter, the self-proclaimed eternal bachelor, may finally be settling down with his long-time romance, Dana Scott. Specter continuously claims that he wants her in the picture, but what this picture entails remains unclear. Typically decided, blunt and determined, Specter appears avoidant and confused. Though Harvey offered Scottie a position and paid her $500,000 buy-in,  his deep-rooted deficiencies remain intact and relevant. Harvey still faces extreme trust issues, he needs to work on his communication skills and told Dana that he isn’t ready to give her a ring.

What exactly does Harvey Specter want? Viewers should tune into USA Thursday night to find out.