Episode 10, Season 5 - Uninvited Guests

  The choice of a single word in a script can make a world of impact for the production team. The decision about where to set Mike’s conversation with Father Walker sparked a spirited late-night debate about the significance of the terms “church,” “chapel” and “cathedral.” Something grand but not too flashy was deemed necessary, and the scenes were ultimately shot in St. Paul’s Basilica, home to the oldest Catholic congregation in Toronto.

  Season Five has seen the return of several guest stars from seasons past; this week we’re treated to a flashback of Jessica with her one-time husband Quentin, played by Russell Hornsby. When Quentin first appeared in the fourth episode of season one, it shocked Harvey to learn that Jessica had been married – that devotion to separating the private from the professional cost Jessica dearly, and Quentin’s request for a divorce helps set the table for the present-day scene that follows. And although it’s been four seasons since his last appearance on Suits, Russell Hornsby has been plenty busy, having starred in 90 episodes of Grimm to date.

  As originally scripted, Jessica’s reaction to the news of Louis’s vote was to be played off-screen, with Donna hearing the smashing noise in the hallway. This being a side of Jessica we’ve never seen before, the thought was that just teasing her outburst would be shocking, even if the audience never saw it. But Gina Torres’ performance in this scene was simply too good to leave on the cutting room floor, and the producers opted instead to let the moment play out in full.

  As it turns out, Keaton Simons has another connection to the Suits universe. He is the stepson of Eric Roberts, who reprised his role this week as jailed corporate raider Charles Forstman. In addition to having his songs featured on numerous television shows, Keaton himself had a cameo on Californication with David Duchovny, who wrote songs for his album “Hell or Highwater” while in sessions with Keaton.

  The final moments of a season finale have to play just right, especially when they lead to a cliffhanger five seasons in the making. The producers spent more than a week just debating the music – office-wide polls were taken and impassioned arguments were made about the very purpose of a season-sending song. Ultimately the team decided on “When I Go” by Los Angeles-based artist Keaton Simons – its ominous build-up, urgent climax, and pointed lyrics all tell us Mike Ross’ reckoning has finally come.