Ep 1. Right-Hand Man

After the departure of several main characters in the previous season, Suits returns with its eighth season and an episode titled Right-Hand Man.

The episode starts with the aftermath of managing partner Jessica Pearson's departure to Chicago. The remaining partners, Harvey Specter, Louis Litt, and Donna Paulsen, are struggling to fill in the gaps left by her absence. Harvey decides to hire a new senior partner, Alex Williams, to join the firm. Though initially skeptical of Alex, Louis and Harvey eventually find his expertise and reputation appealing.

Meanwhile, Mike Ross - a former associate of the firm and a fan favorite - has started working at a legal clinic, working on pro-bono cases. He is conflicted about whether he wants to return to corporate law, considering how he left his previous law firm in a controversial manner. But when he gets involved in a case that bears similarities to some previous cases he worked on with Harvey, he starts to question his decision to leave the corporate world.

Mike's doubts are amplified when he learns that his former firm is still thriving despite the departure of several key characters. He also discovers that Samantha Wheeler, a new attorney, has joined the firm, and is seemingly making waves. Mike's conversation with Samantha sheds some light on the changes within the firm and how Harvey is struggling to fill the shoes of the departed characters.

At the same time, Harvey and Louis are surprised to see the return of Katrina Bennett, who was fired from the firm previously. She seeks their help in finding a job and impresses them with her progress since her departure. They eventually offer her a job but on a trial basis.

As the episode progresses, Louis appoints Harvey as the new managing partner, despite Donna's reservations. Donna, sensing Harvey's struggle with the new role and the pressure it brings, subtly tries to encourage him to be confident and proactive in his approach. However, Harvey knows that filling Jessica's shoes is not going to be easy.

Right-Hand Man does an excellent job in setting up the season. It efficiently introduces the new characters and their roles while also addressing the departure of key figures. The episode has an engaging storyline, which leaves viewers waiting for more. The shift in focus from the legal aspects of the show to the characters' lives adds a new dimension to the story and will undoubtedly keep fans of the show hooked for the rest of the season.