In an unexpected turn of events, Sarah Rafferty discovered that the storyline surrounding her character in a popular series didn't go as she had anticipated. The actress recently disclosed that she lost a wager with her co-star Gabriel Macht regarding the relationship trajectory between their characters.
Macht portrayed Harvey Specter in the acclaimed legal drama, while Rafferty played the role of Donna Paulsen, who served as the secretary to the prestigious New York lawyer. Initially, the path for their characters did not unfold as either of them expected.
Rafferty had envisioned Donna Paulsen as a strong, independent figure, making it surprisingly shocking when her character ended up in a romantic connection with Macht’s Harvey Specter. The actress, now 51, articulated her concern about projecting an image of a woman merely waiting for a man to enter her life.
In a conversation with a media outlet, Rafferty candidly shared that few anticipated the romantic possibilities between Donna and Harvey, including herself. She explained how she lost a bet to her co-star, who was confident that the writers intended to unite their characters. “I lost the bet, is what I’m saying. I did not think it was going to happen,” she humorously remarked, attributing her viewpoint to the essence of Donna’s character, who she felt would not succumb to traditional romance.
Viewers might recall from Season 2 a flashback suggesting their connection, but it wasn’t something anyone regarded as a plausible development in their narrative. Although there were playful moments between the two, Rafferty perceived them simply as light-hearted exchanges. Donna, in her eyes, thrived independently without the need for a man beside her. “It was crucial for me that she stayed a person who wasn't yearning and hoping in the wings for some guy,” she stated.
The series also navigated fan expectations, recognizing the potential criticism that Donna and Harvey’s romance could provoke from the audience. Ultimately, Rafferty backed the decision to intertwine their character arcs, noting, “Harvey had changed in such a way that he had succeeded in proving himself to be a good partner to a woman like Donna.”
Is there an opportunity for further progress on the series?
Suits aired for nine notable seasons from 2011 to 2019, and owing to its enduring popularity, a related series named Suits L.A. is currently in the works. While many fans would enjoy seeing familiar faces, this new show will introduce an entirely fresh cast within the same universe. Stephen Amell, known for his role on Arrow, will take on a leading character.
The original creator of the series, Aaron Korsh, is set to come back as both a writer and executive producer, ensuring that the essence of the franchise remains intact. With five years since the original show ended, this new project will surely quench the audience's desires for more engaging content.
Suits is still accessible for streaming on Netflix.
