Season 2 Episode 2 - The Choice

As Hardman asserts his intention to stay, Jessica assigns Harvey the task of garnering support for her within the firm. However, Harvey's relentless pursuit of victory may end up alienating more people than gaining allies.

Mike finds himself in a precarious situation after Trevor reveals the truth to Jessica in the season finale of the first season, nearly resulting in Mike's termination. Nevertheless, Mike is delighted to discover that Rachel still holds romantic feelings for him after finally hearing the message he missed due to Trevor's interference.

Jessica is taken aback to see unauthorized construction taking place at the law firm, assuming it's all orchestrated by Daniel Hardman. Even her cherished tea set is being moved to the supposed new office. Louis enters and questions why the walls aren't painted in taupe, as per Hardman's request. He ponders whom he should now report to, now that the founding partner has returned and assigned him the task of summarizing all the firm's past cases. Jessica reassures him that he still answers to her, and they work closely together, even though the truth is that Jessica and Daniel are not on the same page. When Harvey questions why she concealed the truth, she explains that "You don't let the children know that mommy and daddy are fighting."

Mike is eager to share the news with Rachel that he finally received her message. However, before he can express his feelings for her, Louis interrupts and insists that he needs Rachel's attention. Just as Rachel leaves, Mike surprises her with a long kiss.

Jessica visits Harvey's office to discuss how various departments perceive him. Donna interjects from her desk, just as Jessica is about to inquire about real estate, claiming that Harvey is unpleasant to work with in real estate matters, as well as contracts, taxes, and mergers. She suggests that these people dislike Harvey because he always believes he is right. She mentions that bankruptcy is the only area where they are barely known. Despite this, Jessica assigns Harvey a bankruptcy case for Paul Porter's client. 

Meanwhile, Mike enjoys a pineapple flower from the omelet bar that Hardman provided for the associates. Harvey warns him not to trust Daniel because he doesn't truly know who he is. Harvey reveals that Hardman had embezzled funds from clients to support his mistress, while falsely claiming the money was for his wife's cancer treatments. Initially, Mike contemplates siding with Daniel, but Harvey cautions him that his job will be in jeopardy if he aligns with Daniel. He also points out that Jessica chose to keep him despite his fraudulent actions, which convinces Mike to switch sides. Harvey assigns Mike a task related to Paul Porter.

Louis approaches Donna, seeking information about what is happening between Daniel and Jessica. He even tries to bribe her with tickets to a show she desperately wants to see, featuring Meryl Streep and Glenn Close, in exchange for the information. Feeling manipulated by Louis, Donna remains silent, but Louis lets her know that if she's ready to talk, he will give her a ticket. Meanwhile, Mike flirts with Rachel and reveals that he broke up with Jenny for her. They almost share a kiss, but their moment is interrupted by an executive passing by, prompting Mike to playfully switch back to work. He asks Rachel why she went on a double date with Kyle if she doesn't even like him and suggests that she share the details on a future date.

Harvey meets Paul on a golf course to discuss the ongoing changes in the office. Harvey assures Paul that he will handle Tom, Paul's client, and prevent the foreclosure of Madison 25, thereby safeguarding Paul's reputation. In return, Harvey requests Paul's support for Jessica within the firm.

Harvey and Mike meet with Tom Clapper to discuss the foreclosure of Madison 25. Tom is reluctant to declare bankruptcy, prompting Harvey to use a football analogy. He likens the situation to Peyton Manning getting injured and the team losing games, emphasizing the need to let go of certain things to protect assets (in this case, letting go of Manning). Harvey informs Tom that he already owes a quarter billion and needs to release some assets to safeguard his own interests. Tom explains that it's not about him or his future, but about his family name. He presents his own football analogy, mentioning that when a team is about to lose, a quarterback throws a Hail Mary pass. Harvey counters by stating that a team resorts to such a play only when they have nothing to lose, which isn't the case for Tom. When almost all else fails and Tom presents his case, Mike comes up with an idea.

Donna approaches Louis in his office to inquire about the possibility of extending the $250 million loan debt for Tom. However, when Donna mentions that the bank involved is National Metropolitan, Louis becomes skeptical. In exchange for the debt extension, Louis requests detailed information about the conflict between Daniel and Jessica, and Donna seizes the opportunity to ask for the show tickets. They strike a deal.

Harvey and Mike meet with a bank representative to discuss the foreclosure hold on Madison 25 and emphasize that Tom's assets will generate substantial profits for the bank. However, the bank informs them that the current assets of the property are what truly matter, and they cannot currently liquidate any of those assets.

Mike and Rachel attempt to establish some dating ground rules in the library when Louis enters and reminds Rachel about her assignment. Mike is displeased by this and reminds Louis that if he wants Rachel to summarize all the firm's cases, he'll have to wait. Mike tries to make Louis jealous by mentioning that Hardman invited all the associates to a Bruce Springsteen concert. Louis claims he doesn't care because he doesn't want to spend his evening with a group of associates.

Harvey finds Paul in his office and explains the rationale behind their actions in the Madison 25 case. However, Paul is unhappy because he wants to protect Tom's future. Harvey insists that Paul should trust him on this, but Paul forces Harvey to have Tom sign the bankruptcy papers. Seeing Mike engrossed in research on the Madison 25 case, Harvey devises a new plan since Paul is unresponsive to their original one. Mike informs Harvey that there are eight projects within a two-block radius of Madison 25, all built after Madison 25. This signifies that Madison 25 is the focal point of these new properties. Furthermore, six of these properties are backed by National Metropolitan. This implies that if Madison 25 closes, these other properties will suffer, as they rely on Madison 25's success to enhance their own value.

Mike and Harvey return to the bank to meet with the representative again and inform her that they intend to preserve Madison 25. They reveal that they have discovered the bank's motive behind pursuing the foreclosure of Madison 25: to sell prime real estate cheaply in the other properties. They inform her that three of the properties surrounding Madison 25 are represented by Pearson Hardman and that if the bank proceeds with the foreclosure, they will take their business elsewhere and support the remaining properties. Faced with this revelation, the bank representative concedes and approves a new loan.

Louis is seen in a meeting with Arnie Berenson, a headhunter at Berenson-O'Neill. Arnie informs Louis that there are several other firms that would be eager to have him. He offers Louis a choice and hands him his card.

During their first date, Rachel tells Mike that honesty is an attractive quality in a man, prompting Mike to confess that Donna assisted him in selecting a good restaurant for their date. However, this revelation doesn't sit well with Mike, as he is still conflicted about keeping the fact that he didn't graduate from Harvard a secret from Rachel. They share a kiss, and Mike waits for Rachel to leave in a cab.

Mike visits Harvey at his luxurious apartment to express his belief that he needs to disclose the complete truth to Rachel. He explains that all the lies are catching up to him and he thinks that telling Rachel will finally put his past behind him. Harvey disapproves and just as Mike is about to leave, Harvey warns him that if he tells Rachel and it reaches Hardman, they, along with Jessica, will face severe consequences. Harvey reminds Mike of the lengths he went to in order to protect him and threatens that he will be fired if he jeopardizes it all.

The next morning, Jessica pays Harvey a visit at his apartment and expresses her displeasure with Harvey's tactics in threatening the bank. She reminds him that she specifically instructed him to do what Paul asks and emphasizes that Tom isn't even Harvey's client. Despite Jessica's reservations, Harvey remains hopeful about his plan, but Jessica orders him not to pitch his idea to the client and to simply comply with Paul's requests.

Rachel confides in Donna about her date with Mike and boasts about their comfort with each other. She reveals that they have found a way to keep their relationship a secret from the firm. Donna advises Mike regarding his recent confrontation with Harvey at his apartment. Mike believes that Harvey doesn't care about his happiness. Donna takes Mike to Harvey's office and informs him that Harvey fought hard to keep him on board, even threatening Jessica that he would leave if Mike did. Mike is stunned by this revelation. Donna tells him that if he truly cares about Rachel, he has no choice but to break up with her. In an emotional moment, Donna assures Mike that feelings fade after a breakup and that they can still work together, drawing from her own experience with Harvey when they worked at the DA's office.

Louis waits to speak with Jessica about something important when Paul Porter interrupts them. Jessica gives Louis a stern look, to which he reluctantly replies, "It can wait." Louis retreats to his office and looks at the card he received from Arnie Berenson. Just then, a messenger delivers a package to him. Inside the package is a gift from Daniel Hardman—an audio recorder that Louis had desired. He hides Arnie Berenson's card, indicating that he now realizes he can align himself with Daniel Hardman and remain at the firm.

Harvey informs Mike that Jessica rejected their deal with Tom and insists that bankruptcy is the solution. Harvey expresses his displeasure with having to follow orders from Jessica and Paul when there is a viable solution at hand. Harvey also advises Mike to do the right thing in his conflict with Rachel. In a meeting with Paul and Tom in the conference room, Harvey announces that they were able to renegotiate the loan terms, leading to further delays in Tom's payments. Harvey emphasizes that this decision means no bankruptcy or foreclosure. Paul is unhappy with the outcome, and after Tom declares that he won't forget what Harvey has done, Paul echoes the same sentiment with a much darker tone.

Harvey meets Jessica on the rooftop of the building, where she expresses feeling betrayed by his actions. Harvey argues that despite the situation created in the bankruptcy department, it will benefit her and the real estate department. Jessica clarifies that her issue isn't with real estate, but with Harvey, as she can't believe he would put himself before her and that he simply doesn't care. Jessica now feels betrayed and alone in her power struggle with Hardman.

Mike meets Rachel at a hotdog stand to break up with her. Rachel is confused, and Mike reveals that he knows about Colin McCarthy, a first-year associate she used to date. When they broke up, Colin's career suffered, leading to his eventual termination. Mike fears that he will somehow ruin their relationship and meet the same fate as Colin. Rachel interprets this as Mike thinking she's not good enough for him and storms off in anger.

Jessica finds Louis in Hardman's office, and he makes several comments insinuating that he has been preparing Hardman's office for his return. She apologizes for dismissing him earlier, explaining that it was urgent, and offers to hear him out now, giving him her full attention. However, having already chosen to side with Hardman, Louis curtly informs Jessica that he no longer needs to speak with her.

Harvey finds Mike engrossed in research and checks in on him. Mike informs Harvey that he did what Harvey wanted regarding Rachel, but it is evident that he is upset with Harvey about it. Harvey acknowledges that Mike was right about breaking up with Rachel but reminds him that it doesn't make him a better man. As Mike leaves, he spots a disheartened Rachel entering the elevator, further exacerbating his pain.

In the final scene of the episode, Harvey returns Jessica's tea set to her office and reassures her that she is not alone in her struggle against Daniel.