Why doesn't Harvey Specter return in Suits LA Episode 5? Reasons explored

Harvey Specter made his much-awaited return to the Suits franchise in Suits LA Episode 4. However, the appearance was brief, and that too in flashback sequences, which left the audience wanting more.

Fans were then hoping to see Harvey again in episode 5, expecting that the character would become an integral part of the narrative. However, contrary to the expectations, the fan-favorite attorney was not seen in the episode.

While Gabriel Macht has been confirmed to reprise his role as Harvey in multiple episodes of Suits LA, his absence from episode 5 is attributed to the core plot. Titled You're on Your Own, the episode is largely focused on Lester Thompson’s trial and does not leave any room for Harvey’s arrival.

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Why Harvey Specter was not seen in Suits LA Episode 5 despite his introduction in the show?

Harvey Specter was officially introduced in Suits LA episode 4, Batman Returns, as Ted Black’s old friend. The attorney was seen in two flashback sequences, first playing baseball with him, and later meeting him at a bar with some important information about the latter’s mafia case.

On the other hand, episode 5 mainly revolved around Lester’s case and trial in the present timeline. Throughout the episode, Ted worked hard to buy more time for the trial and tried to one-up the prosecutor, Elizabeth Smith.

Meanwhile, Erica also focused on finding the truth about Lester’s murder accusations and did not work on any entertainment-based case, unlike the previous episodes.

Series creator Aaron Korsh and his team of writers worked out the episode in such a way that the present timeline storyline moved significantly forward. Since Harvey Specter has not been introduced in the present yet, it made sense that he did not appear in Suits LA episode 5.

The show has not established any connection between Harvey and Lester’s case so far, and hence, the attorney’s absence from an episode that heavily followed the producer’s trial is justified. Besides, Harvey is labeled as a recurring character in the series. Since he is not a main character, he is expected to remain absent from a majority of episodes.

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Harvey Specter is confirmed to appear in three episodes of Suits LA

The makers have confirmed that Gabriel Macht will be reprising his role as Harvey in three of the 10 episodes of the Suits spin-off. His first appearance has already been shown in flashbacks. The lawyer will now be seen in two of the five remaining episodes.

While fans were a little disappointed with how Harvey’s introduction panned out in the show, there is still a lot to look forward to. At the same time, two other Suits veterans have also been confirmed to appear in Suits LA. Rick Hoffman will be returning as Louis Litt in one episode, and David Costabile will appear as Daniel Hardman.

The main cast of the spin-off includes Stephen Amell as Ted Black, Josh McDermitt as Stuart Lane, Lex Scott Davis as Erica Rollins, Bryan Greenberg as Rick Dodsen, and Rachelle Goulding as Samantha Railsback.

The cast also includes Kevin Weisman as Lester Thompson, Azita Ghanizada as Rosalyn, Troy Winbush as Kevin, Maggie Grace as Amanda Stevens, and Alice Lee as Leah Power.

The legal drama airs new episodes on NBC on Sundays.