An Interview with Suits' Sarah Rafferty

Sarah Rafferty plays Donna on USA's Suits, a legal drama that prizes exploration of morality and character drama over case-of-the-week procedural. Donna is Harvey's right hand (wo)man, who knows everything about him. Harvey may be a slick hot shot with an ego, which is well deserved, by the way, but Donna relates to him better than anyone, providing moments that humble and ground Harvey. She has a quick wit and a kind heart. She also serves as the gatekeeper, keeping the world away from her boss.

Rafferty is nice, too. This is her day off, and she makes the trek to the studio, anyway, just to speak with us. She isn't done up to look like Donna, perhaps giving the impression, more than the other interviews that day, that she is a real person, not just the character she plays on TV. She is frank and open, excited to share her passion for the series that she loves being a part of.

The first thing Sarah reveals is that Donna has a huge story coming up in the fifth episode of the season. It turns out, Donna is not always right. I'll give a moment for you fans of the show to digest this, as it simply doesn't seem possible that her character could ever be wrong. But it's true. It thoroughly confuses Donna, as much as it will viewers, and will take several episodes to play out. Donna likes to put on masks, and they will fall away with this development. According to Sarah, after episode five, “That lingering confusion and doubt and remorse are there.”

Rest assured, though, Sarah says, "It's good wrong. It's right wrong." Whatever that means. But the bottom line is that Donna will be knocked off of her perfect pedestal, which, as beloved as she already is, should make for a more well-rounded character.

Rafferty is pleased with the way Donna's role is expanding this year, allowing her to be a more complicated person. In an effort to make Suits more of an ensemble piece, and a less predictable formula, Donna isn’t just interacting with Harvey this year. Right away, in the season two premiere, Donna has a great scene with Rachel, with whom she is forming a friendly bond. There may be some friction in future episodes, but for now, it's great to see the gal pals palling.

Suits is good to its female characters. Rafferty likes that the women on this show, Donna included, are strong, multi-layered, complicated, and real. They are not stereotypes. They are not just romantic interests or supporting players. They are every bit as important as the male characters, and will have plenty to do in the upcoming episodes.

Part of this dynamic shift, away from the two-man show that was much of season one, can be credited to bringing in Hardman, whose name is on the door, but has been unseen til now. Hardman is played by the fantastic David Costabile (Breaking Bad, Damages). Sarah says, "Introducing Hardman makes all of the relationships more dynamic. It’s really exciting to have David here. He’s amazing.” But Hardman is also a mysterious character with a past, and his relationships with each character, as well as the power he seeks to wield over them, throws everything out of balance.

How will Donna deal with Hardman's intrusion? Rafferty says “Donna is intensely loyal and brave in her loyalty.” She understands Harvey better than anybody, because she has always worked with him, even before he came to Pearson Hardman. Her loyalty will be tested this season, and “she goes as far as she possibly can to protect him.”

Donna also has a relationship with Harvey's protege, Mike, played by Patrick J. Adams. Rafferty thinks that Donna likes what Mike brings out in Harvey, which definitely colors her fondness for the young man. After all, she wants the best for Harvey, and if Mike can help him be at the top of his game, she is all for it. Plus, Donna and Mike, because of their unique, close relationships with Harvey, can now be confidantes.

It's no mystery to Sarah why people are connecting with Donna, besides her devotion to Harvey, of course. She thinks that they like her wit, and how quick she is. She works in a man’s world, but isn’t competing with men. It's a great, bold character, who certainly stands out as unique in this television landscape.

When asked how much of herself goes into the role of Donna, Sarah doesn't take much credit. She says that many scenes are written with very specific beats. All of the writers have strong ears for the voices of the characters. Donna and the others have been extremely well defined from the first episode. So mainly, she just tries to play what is on the page, saying she has no input into where the character is going. Many will agree, she plays the part quite well.

That doesn't mean that the actors aren't allowed to take risks. Sarah reveals that they are encouraged to improv after they get the script filmed as written. It's a great experience that helps hone the craft, as well as really gets under the skin of the part.

She further compliments the writers with their bravery, especially in season two, where plots move along at a very rapid pace. She says they can stuff a ton into an hour because they have so many other ideas on where to go from here. There is no sense of stretching anything out, or making the fans wait for the best developments. Her enthusiasm is contagious, and if the season two premiere is any indication, the story has, indeed, moved into the fast lane this year.

The question many fans of Suits want to know is, will Harvey and Donna be hooking up? After all, there is definite chemistry between them. Sarah laughs, and chalks that up to her long friendship with Gabriel Macht, who plays Harvey, that spans two decades. She professes that their children are friends, and it would be very awkward for her to play with him in that way. She also thinks it might be a "jump the shark" moment for the show. Many will disagree with that, but she may be right.

Now, Rafferty isn't against Donna getting a love interest on the series, at least one who is not Harvey. Her suggestions for the role include George Clooney and Brad Pitt, which are definitely realistic for a cable television show. Not. But she says, "when that day [to find a love interest] comes, you can be sure that I will be in on the casting."

Sarah Rafferty admits that she would like to be more like Donna. Donna is thoroughly unneurotic, easygoing, and confident, the latter of which is really challenging for the actress. Rafferty admires those traits. Also, Donna is a much better dresser. Sarah says she has learned a lot about how to shop for herself from the costume designer. So on that front, they two may be becoming a bit more similar.

Great insights! Thank you, Sarah, for your time today!

Suits begins its second season tonight at 10 p.m. ET on USA.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Click here for all of my Suits set visit articles! Article first published as Talking with Sarah Rafferty of USA's Suits on TheTVKing.com

The Descendants hits Blu-ray

Now out on Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy from FOX is The Descendants. The film, directed by Alexander Payne (Sideways, About Schmidt), is adapted from a book by Kaui Hart Hemmings. It tells the story of a family dealing with the tragedy of a mother's, Elizabeth (Patricia Hastie), accident. Husband Matt (George Clooney, Up in the Air, ER) soon learns that it's harder than it looks to take care of two daughters. His life is further complicated by a business deal involving his family's land, and learning that Elizabeth has been cheating on him. 

The Descendants is not a plot-heavy film, though there is a nice flow to it. Instead, it concentrates on exploring the emotions of those involved, and how people's actions can affect others. It is also about the dynamic of a particular family, and how it is shaped by circumstance.

This movie boasts a number of fantastic performances. Clooney is doing something a little different than usual, tackling an average schlub type of character rather than one who is exceedingly charming and handsome. Beau Bridges (Brothers & Sisters, Max Payne), as a relative of Matt's, is as close to a villain as the piece gets, something a little off of his best known parts, too. But no one is really black or white, and his motives are decent enough. Robert Forster has a tough position, playing Matt's father-in-law, but handles it expertly.

Rob Huebel (Childrens Hospital, I Love You, Man) and Mary Birdsong (Reno 911!) are known for their comedy, and do lighten things up a bit as Elizabeth's friends. Judy Greer (Arrested Development, Archer, 13 Going on 30), also known for being funny, tones it down to do some serious drama, which, it turns out, she is pretty good at! Matthew Lillard (Scooby-Doo, Scream) is also wonderful in a layered performance as Elizabeth's married lover.

Perhaps most surprising, though, are the young performers in The Descendants. Shailene Woodley, who plays elder daughter Alex, is best known for the cheesy Secret Life of the American Teenager on ABC Family. Anyone who has watched that series could be forgiven for expressing shock at her fantastic, nuanced, grown up performance in The Descendants. Lesser known Nick Krause (How to Eat Friend Worms) carries the double duty of heart and comedic relief with ease. Young Amara Miller is also wonderful, making it odd that she has no prior screen credits.

Another character in The Descendants is Hawaii itself. The beauty and majesty of the tropical environment are incredibly important to the feel of the film, which is why purchasing the Blu-ray version is recommended. With the breathtaking landscapes, one will want the rich detail of high definition to fully appreciate a world so different from much of America. The colors are lush and deep. The picture quality in this release is awesome.

Sound is vital, and The Descendants pays attention to that, too. There is a terrific score underlying the movie. Many of the scenes are filmed outside, but the 5.1 Dolby Digital soundtrack only uses the ambient noises needed to enhance, not distract, from the piece. It is all mixed together expertly.

The Descendants was nominated for five Academy Awards, winning the one for Best Adapted Screenplay. It also won the Golden Globe for Best Picture - Drama. Additionally, Clooney took home a Golden Globe for his acting performance. These accolades are deserved. Whether one enjoys the film or not, it's easy to appreciate the artistry of what it is, and the masterful work Clooney and Payne have done. 

The Descendants is packed with bonus features, though, strangely, it lacks an audio commentary track. A trailer is present. The deleted scenes delightfully have title cards that explain a little bit about what viewers are about to see, and provide reasons for why they were cut. Too bad there are only two of them, one very brief.

To hear the extras tell it, two men are primarily responsible for the success of the film. "Everybody Loves George" has cast members, including Greer, Lillard, Huebel, and Birdsong, raving about George Clooney. They all say that he is a great, handsome, funny guy who deserves his good reputation. Boring? Not really, because there are interesting anecdotes mixed in, too. But everyone does tend to love Clooney for a reason, and fans will find the featurette a confirmation of this.

"Working With Alexander" has Woodley, Bridges, and others raving about how fantastic it is to work with Payne, who inspires enthusiasm, and is as nice and humble as Clooney. Apparently, Payne is clear with what he wants, and takes good care of his people. Sounds like a director for whom getting stars for his next film will not be a problem.

"The Real Descendants" tells the story of how Hawaiian land become privatized. It's a bit of a history lesson, but useful to understand some of the background on one of the subplots. These extra also touches on Hollywood's connection with the island state. "Hawaiian Style" speaks of some of the authentic details that contribute to the realism of the setting, including the feral chickens that roam the area after an early 1990s hurricane. Additionally, the cast and crew share their favorite native words.

Some of the extra titles are right on this nose. "Casting" is exactly what it sounds like. Casting people talk about how they found the people in this movie, including Lillard and Miller. "Working With Water" discusses just how hard it is to film scenes in boats and out on the ocean.

Believe it or not, there are even more features than this, including three music videos, a silent film, and a conversation with Payne and Clooney! So needless to say, there are a lot of special features in this set that will make sure you get your money's worth.

Buy The Descendants, available now as a Blu-ray / DVD / Digital Copy combo pack.

If you like my reviews, please follow me on Twitter! Article first published as Blu-ray Review: The Descendants on Blogcritics.

Memphis Beat premieres tonight

     I am quite fond of Jason Lee.  I loved him in all of the Kevin Smith movies and I was happy for him when he got the title role in My Name Is Earl, though I'm still a bit bitter the show didn't get a proper finale after four seasons.  I celebrate his successes and feel bad when he doesn't do so well.  After watching the first episode of his new show for TNT, Memphis Beat, I am not sure whether to be happy or sad for him.  It's good that he's headlining another cast, and cop shows do pretty well on television.  As far as cop shows go, it's decent.  But it's mostly just a serial crime show, or so it appears from the first episode, and his talent goes beyond such drivel.  Sure, there's a Memphis charm, good music, and he gets to sing in the pilot, "That's Alright, Mama".  It was enough for my to set my TiVo to record the second episode next week, but far short of earning a season pass.

     Other things Memphis Beat have going for it include a couple of the supporting cast.  Alfre Woodard (Desperate Housewives, The Family That Preys, True Blood) is his new boss, Lt. Tanya Rice, who is bringing a motherly quality to the M.P.D., although a brief scene with her calling her daughter proves that she isn't as good a child rearer as she pretends to be.  I love Abraham Benrubi (ER, Men in Trees), but although his name was in the opening credits, he had scant seconds of screen time in the pilot.  The other actors in the show were not memorable, at least in the first episode.

     TNT already has a few crime-based dramas, and they do pretty well on the network.  Memphis Beat will certainly add to that portfolio.  I just wish it had dared to go a little further, like Justified.  Shows in this genre are better if they are about the characters, more than the crimes.  This series has a hint of character drama, mostly in the annoying, uninspired scenes between Dwight (Lee) and his mother, Paula Ann (Celia Weston).  On a side note, will television shows please quite tossing in the mother, as if that makes up for their serial nature?  Although it sometimes work, it's a tired premise, and often doesn't.  It certainly does not here.

     Memphis Blue premieres tonight at 10pm on TNT.

Oscar stars also grace smaller screens (part I: the guys)

     The line between television and movies has been getting thinner and thinner for years.  While once movie stars were seen as something above their television counterparts, that has long since ceased to be the case.  There is so much crossover now between the two groups, that it is almost unnoticeable.  Furthermore, the awards shows for movies are carried on television.  Movies air on television all the time, especially on premium channels such as HBO and Showtime, which in turn now make their own television shows.  Although all of this year's Oscar male nominees have some television parts in their past, here are some of the strongest links:

George Clooney (Best Actor: Up in the Air) ~ The ultimate crossover, Clooney had his big break  starring in a popular television show called ER, before moving on to the cinema hits such as Ocean's Eleven, Good Night and Good Luck, and O Brother Where Art Thou?  Before any of that, he played recurring guest roles in shows such as Roseanne and The Facts of Life.

Colin Firth (Best Actor: A Single Man) ~ While many people know Firth from Bridget Jones's Diary and Love Actually, don't forget that he was Mr. Darcy in the television miniseries Pride and Prejudice, which is still arguably his best-known role.

Morgan Freeman (Best Actor: Invictus) ~ Freeman's defining part in The Shawshank Redemption may have been impressive, but he got his start on The Electric Company in the 1970's, appearing in almost eight hundred episodes.  He also guest starred on Ryan's Hope and portrayed Frederick Douglas in the 1990 award winning miniseries, The Civil War.

Woody Harrelson (Best Supporting Actor: The Messenger) ~ Harrelson is well known for his role on Cheers and his seven episode stint on Will & Grace.

Christopher Plummer (Best Supporting Actor: The Last Station) ~ Long after he starred in The Sound of Music, Plummer played a number of roles on the small screen, including starring in the early 90's series Counterstrike, appearing in the miniseries The Thorn Birds, and a guest spot on The Cosby Show.

Stanley Tucci (Best Supporting Actor: The Lovely Bones) ~ Tucci was in ten episodes of ER, starred in the very short-lived series 3 lbs. and did twenty-three episodes of Murder One.

     The Oscars will be given out during the Academy Awards ceremony Sunday, March 7th at 8pm on ABC.