Ep 3. Inside Track

Mike Ross, a brilliant but unmotivated college dropout, is officially hired as a law associate by the cunning Harvey Specter at Pearson Hardman. However, Mike is not a licensed lawyer and must rely on his photographic memory to succeed in the cutthroat world of corporate law. In episode 3, titled "Inside Track," Mike struggles to keep up with Harvey's demanding workload while also impressing his boss with his quick thinking.

The episode starts off with Harvey dragging Mike to an exclusive nightclub to meet a potential client. While there, Harvey's ex-flame and fellow attorney, Dana "Scottie" Scott, shows up and makes a scene. Harvey is annoyed by her interrupting his business deal, but it's clear that there is still unresolved chemistry between the two.

The following day, Harvey assigns Mike to work on a case regarding a merger between two airlines. However, Mike quickly realizes that Harvey is pitting him against another associate, Kyle Durant, to see who can come up with a better strategy. Mike and Kyle engage in a competitive battle to impress Harvey, which includes Mike using his photographic memory to recite pages of regulations and Kyle trying to sweet talk the opposing counsel.

Meanwhile, Rachel Zane, a paralegal at the firm, enlists Mike's help to pass her LSAT entrance exam. Despite initially being resistant to the idea, Mike eventually agrees to tutor her and the two bond over their shared love of literature. However, their study session is interrupted when Rachel's father, Robert Zane, a high-powered attorney at another firm, comes to the office to discuss a case with Harvey. Rachel is embarrassed by her father's overbearing demeanor towards her and Harvey, but Mike offers her a supportive ear.

As the case between the airlines heats up, it's revealed that the opposing counsel, Allison Holt, is a personal acquaintance of Harvey's. She confronts him at a coffee shop and tries to persuade him to switch sides, but Harvey refuses. Despite this setback, Mike and Kyle continue to compete for Harvey's favor and ultimately, Harvey must decide whose strategy to use. In the end, Harvey surprises everyone by choosing a completely different approach and teaching both Mike and Kyle a valuable lesson on thinking outside the box.

Overall, "Inside Track" is a fast-paced and entertaining episode that showcases the competitive nature of the legal world. The introduction of Scottie adds a layer of complexity to Harvey's character, while the rivalry between Mike and Kyle highlights the cutthroat atmosphere of the firm. Rachel's plotline provides a welcome break from the corporate drama and serves as a reminder that the characters are more than just their job titles. Fans of legal dramas will enjoy the high stakes and intricate strategies on display in this episode of Suits.