One Suits episode made The Donna unbearable, and 8 years later it still gives us the creeps

Suits fans hate The Donna, and for good reason, so check them out here (Image via Peacock)
'Suits' fans hate The Donna, and for good reason (Image via YouTube/Suits Official)

Disclaimer: The following article reflects the author's opinions on Suits and fan theories.

A controversial Suits episode included a subplot with an AI device named "The Donna." It aired about eight years back. In the show, Benjamin, an IT guy, gives a rogue AI as a gift. This AI is based on Donna's personality. But instead of making Donna's character more interesting, it turns her into a weird copy that makes people uncomfortable. Fans still talk on social media platforms as Reddit, about how they didn't like the episode, which was the 10th of Season 7 and was titled Donna, and how it could possibly be among the dumbest things on Suits.

Some viewers found the subplot confusing and didn't think it added much to the story. They didn't seem to enjoy it as much as other weird storylines, like the one with Louis and Nigel's cat. The particular episode was supposed to show something new about who Donna is, but it ended up making her less likable.

It is a clear example of a creative risk that did not pay off, and a reminder of a time when the show went too far with ideas.


Donna is possibly the cringiest Suits episode of all time

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The Donna episode of Suits has been widely criticized by critics and long-term fans, as one of the show's biggest missteps. It is often compared with the silly storyline involving Louis and Nigel's cat, which many found equally awkward. The episode faced harsh criticism for not developing Donna's character properly.

Instead of offering a thoughtful look at identity or loyalty, Donna's role was turned into a gimmick. She became a sort of AI joke machine, which didn't sit well with viewers. This change of direction was seen as a waste of potential for meaningful character growth.

The response from the audience was quick and negative. They felt that the show's creators missed a chance to explore Donna's character deeply. Instead, the audience seemed to think that the makers went with a plot that ended up being more embarrassing than clever.

The episode felt unbalanced and too reliant on this absurd subplot. It took away from what the show does best. Many fans were disappointed, for they believed the episode could have offered much more in terms of character development.


How could Suits Season 7 Episode 10 Donna have made more sense?

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The AI device given to Donna by Benjamin could have been better integrated into the main story. If Benjamin had been a central character, either as a friend or someone working with Donna, the side story would fit more smoothly. A plot about digital identity would have been interesting and given us more insight into Donna's character on Suits.

But the show didn't do that. They kept Benjamin as a side character, which made his gift seem out of place. The story didn't really go anywhere. Some fans were confused because they thought it was a one-time joke, not a real part of the story.

The story had potential to add depth, but ended up feeling like a small, unimportant part of the show. It was strange because the show is usually really good at focusing on the characters. So, the way they handled Benjamin's gift didn't match the rest of the series.


Other subpar subplots in Suits

A moment from the Suits episode featuring The Donna (Image via YouTube/Suits Official)
A moment from the Suits episode featuring The Donna (Image via YouTube/Suits Official)

The Donna marks one example of many confusing subplots in Suits. Some of these side stories, like the odd Louis and Nigel cat plot, have had fans scratching their heads. These tangents usually haven't added much to the main story. They are more like distractions that take away from the main plot.

The show is known for its sharp dialogue and legal drama, but when subplots don't make sense for the characters, they can ruin the experience for viewers. Many fans have complained that these weird storylines are jarring, and don't help you get into the story.

The message here is simple: Even in a show with great main storylines, subplots need to fit well and make sense. If they don't, they can end up damaging the show's reputation. The Suits subplots that didn't work have become something fans cringe at, long after these were aired. It is a reminder that good writing in TV means keeping everything connected and relevant to the story.


Watch Suits on USA Network, or stream it on Hulu and Amazon Prime Video.

Next up: 5 similarities between the OG show and its LA spin-off

Edited by Vinayak Chakravorty
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