Faye Richardson’s reign of terror over Specter Litt Wheeler Williams, and later Specter Litt Wheeler Williams Bennett, ends in Season 9, Episode 9, “Thunder Away”. While her influence lingers in the finale, “One Last Con,” her formal removal as Special Master occurs within the penultimate episode of the series.
Understanding Faye Richardson’s Character Arc
Faye Richardson, portrayed by Denise Crosby, arrives in Season 9 as a Special Master appointed by the New York State Bar Association. Her mission is seemingly noble: to clean up Specter Litt’s questionable ethical practices and prevent further damage to the firm’s reputation. However, her methods are uncompromising, often bordering on tyrannical, and her true motivations are arguably more about power and control than genuine ethical reform. She becomes a significant antagonist, disrupting the established dynamics of the firm and pushing the characters to their limits. Her departure marks a turning point in the final season, paving the way for the firm’s ultimate survival and the resolution of long-standing conflicts.
The Role of Robert Zane’s Sacrifice
A critical aspect of Faye’s influence stems from the aftermath of Robert Zane’s decision to take the fall for Mike Ross in Season 8. This event triggered the Bar’s scrutiny, ultimately leading to Faye’s appointment. Zane’s sacrifice, intended to protect the firm and its people, ironically sets the stage for the firm’s most challenging period. Faye exploits this vulnerability, leveraging the ethical concerns surrounding the firm to consolidate her power.
The Impact on Individual Relationships
Faye’s presence significantly impacts the personal and professional relationships within the firm. Her restrictions and surveillance strain the bond between Harvey Specter and Donna Paulsen, challenge the professional integrity of Louis Litt, and force Samantha Wheeler into difficult ethical dilemmas. Even Mike Ross, when he returns, finds himself at odds with Faye’s authority and methods.
The Events Leading to Faye’s Departure
Faye’s undoing is a culmination of several factors. Her unwavering commitment to her own definition of justice, coupled with her inability to trust the people she’s supposed to be reforming, creates a volatile environment. Her constant threats and punishments ultimately backfire, as the partners unite against her.
Samantha Wheeler’s Rebellion
Samantha Wheeler plays a pivotal role in orchestrating Faye’s removal. Initially compliant, Samantha grows increasingly disillusioned with Faye’s heavy-handed tactics and her disregard for the firm’s employees. She actively seeks ways to undermine Faye, ultimately gathering evidence of Faye’s own ethical breaches, specifically, manipulating cases to fit her agenda.
The Exposure of Faye’s Wrongdoing
The turning point arrives when Samantha and the other partners uncover evidence that Faye has been manipulating legal cases, prioritizing her personal agenda over the pursuit of true justice. This discovery provides the leverage needed to challenge her authority and expose her hypocrisy.
The Deal with the Bar Association
Ultimately, Harvey negotiates a deal with the Bar Association: Faye resigns, and the firm avoids further sanctions. While Faye is forced out, the negotiation highlights the firm’s willingness to confront its past and commit to a more ethical future.
FAQs: Deep Diving into Faye Richardson’s Departure
Here are some frequently asked questions to further illuminate Faye Richardson’s role in Suits:
FAQ 1: Why was Faye Richardson appointed Special Master?
Faye Richardson was appointed as Special Master by the New York State Bar Association due to the ethical violations stemming from Robert Zane’s actions in Season 8. The Bar believed the firm needed oversight to ensure compliance with ethical standards and prevent further misconduct.
FAQ 2: What powers did Faye Richardson have as Special Master?
As Special Master, Faye had extensive authority over the firm’s operations. This included the power to review cases, monitor employee conduct, impose restrictions on firm activities, and even fire employees deemed to be in violation of ethical standards.
FAQ 3: What were some of Faye Richardson’s most controversial decisions?
Some of Faye’s most controversial decisions included: implementing strict monitoring policies, threatening partners with disbarment for minor infractions, attempting to control the firm’s culture, and interfering in cases based on her personal biases.
FAQ 4: How did Faye Richardson affect Harvey Specter’s relationship with Donna Paulsen?
Faye’s presence created significant tension between Harvey and Donna. Her restrictions and scrutiny made it difficult for them to pursue their relationship openly and honestly, leading to stress and uncertainty. Harvey often had to choose between protecting Donna and complying with Faye’s demands.
FAQ 5: What impact did Faye have on Louis Litt?
Louis struggled significantly under Faye’s oversight. Her constant criticism and threats exacerbated his insecurities and challenged his leadership abilities. Faye’s presence ultimately forced Louis to confront his own ethical shortcomings and strive to become a more responsible leader.
FAQ 6: How did Samantha Wheeler try to remove Faye Richardson?
Samantha initially tried to comply with Faye’s rules, but eventually, she realized the extent of Faye’s abuse of power. Samantha actively sought evidence of Faye’s own misconduct, culminating in the discovery of Faye manipulating cases for her own benefit. She then presented this evidence to the Bar Association.
FAQ 7: What was the evidence that led to Faye’s downfall?
The crucial evidence was proof that Faye Richardson was deliberately influencing legal outcomes based on her personal beliefs, rather than adhering to objective legal principles. This showed that she was abusing her power as Special Master.
FAQ 8: Did Mike Ross return during Faye Richardson’s tenure?
Yes, Mike Ross returned during Faye Richardson’s tenure, specifically in Season 9. He quickly found himself at odds with her strict rules and methods, reigniting his rivalry with Harvey, albeit with a different dynamic.
FAQ 9: How did Harvey ultimately get Faye to leave?
Harvey, leveraging the evidence Samantha gathered, negotiated with the New York State Bar Association. He offered a deal where Faye would resign in exchange for the Bar Association refraining from further sanctions against the firm. This allowed the firm to move forward without facing disbarment or further intervention.
FAQ 10: What happened to Faye Richardson after she left the firm?
The show doesn’t explicitly state what happened to Faye after her resignation. It is implied that she faced repercussions for her ethical violations, but the details of her future are left ambiguous. The focus shifts to the firm’s rebuilding efforts.
FAQ 11: How did Faye Richardson’s departure affect the firm’s reputation?
Faye’s departure allowed the firm to begin rebuilding its reputation. While the damage she caused lingered, her removal signified a commitment to ethical conduct and a willingness to learn from past mistakes. The firm’s new name, Specter Litt Wheeler Williams Bennett, reflected the partners’ renewed dedication to integrity and collaboration.
FAQ 12: Was Faye Richardson’s role necessary for the overall plot of Suits?
While Faye was a controversial character, her role was crucial in highlighting the ethical complexities of the legal profession and forcing the characters to confront their past mistakes. Her presence created intense drama and conflict, ultimately contributing to the overall arc of the series and leading to a satisfying resolution for the main characters. Her exit, in essence, allows the audience to see the firm’s evolution and its commitment to a better future.