Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast – Episode: Gina Torres

Release Date: November 5, 2024

Introduction

In this special episode of Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast, hosted by Patrick J. Adams (Mike Ross) and Sarah Rafferty (Donna Paulsen), the dynamic duo delves deep into the world of Suits by bringing on a distinguished guest—Gina Torres. Known for her powerful portrayal of Jessica Pearson, Gina joins the hosts to share her experiences, insights, and memorable moments from the hit TV series.

Welcome and Background of Gina Torres

Patrick J. Adams kicks off the conversation by introducing Gina Torres, highlighting her illustrious career spanning roles in Alias, Firefly, The Matrix series, and more. Gina shares snippets of her early life in the Bronx, her training in opera and jazz as a mezzo-soprano, and her transition into acting.

Gina Torres reflects on her diverse roles, emphasizing her commitment to portraying strong, multifaceted female characters. She remarks:

"I've always played lethal, badass women with a sense of humor and firmly rooted in my femininity."
[03:28]

Approach to Watching Suits

Patrick and Sarah reveal an intriguing aspect: despite starring together, neither had substantially watched Suits before starting the podcast. Gina confesses she hadn’t been a serious watcher during the show's run due to her busy schedule and commitment to her family.

"I do not like to watch myself. I think, like a lot of other actors, once I have distance on it..."
[04:56]

She further elaborates on the importance of maintaining distance to appreciate the show without being overly critical of her own performance.

Life on Set and Co-Parenting

The conversation shifts to the challenges of balancing a demanding filming schedule with parenting. Gina shares heartfelt anecdotes about managing her children’s schooling between Los Angeles and Toronto, emphasizing the importance of consistency and co-parenting with Patrick.

"We created a whole summer camp for them. That's kind of part of the thing."
[10:13]

Sarah and Patrick express their gratitude towards Gina for their co-parenting journey, highlighting the deep bonds formed both on and off the set.

Characterization of Jessica Pearson

A significant portion of the discussion revolves around Gina’s portrayal of Jessica Pearson. She delves into her character's complexity, balancing power with femininity without succumbing to traditional masculine traits often expected of powerful women in media.

"I didn't want to sacrifice anything that I had already learned along the way... I was feeling more in my body and more delicious as a woman."
[34:24]

Gina emphasizes that Jessica's strength stems from her inherent femininity, not from adopting masculine behaviors, setting her apart from other strong female characters in television.

Memorable Scenes and Challenges

Gina recounts specific challenging scenes, such as the emotional bar confrontation, where she had to navigate between script direction and her instinctual portrayal of Jessica's emotions.

"They wanted me to have this emotional breakdown, and I didn't believe it... I went back to the monitors and explained how I was feeling."
[48:21]

She highlights the importance of staying true to her character's essence, even when faced with conflicting directions from writers and directors.

Dynamic with Other Characters

Exploring Jessica’s relationships, Gina discusses her mentorship with Harvey Specter (played by Patrick). She portrays Jessica as a strategic chess player, always several steps ahead, facilitating Harvey’s growth while maintaining her dominance in the firm.

"Jessica's job is to not reign him in necessarily. Sometimes she did have to remind him that this was the playing field."
[29:45]

This dynamic underscores the intricate power plays within the firm, showcasing Jessica's ability to balance authority with mentorship.

Impact and Success of Suits

The hosts and Gina delve into why Suits has garnered global acclaim and lasting appeal. Gina attributes its success to the aspirational nature of the characters—intelligent, well-dressed, and charismatic—encouraging viewers to emulate their bravery and sophistication.

"Everybody in that show is a superhero in their own way... It gives people permission to dare to be that brave in their own life."
[61:59]

Patrick echoes this sentiment, sharing his experience speaking at the Oxford Union, where young aspiring lawyers drew inspiration from their characters' courage and determination.

Audience Engagement and Q&A

The episode features a segment where Gina and the hosts address fan questions. One notable query from Carrie from Fort Myers, Florida asks about Jessica's complex feelings towards Mike Ross. Gina explains the nuanced relationship, emphasizing Jessica's respect for Mike's intellect despite viewing him as a threat to her established world.

"Jessica respects his mind... Unfortunately, you have to die."
[58:38]

This interaction highlights the intricate character dynamics that have captivated audiences worldwide.

Closing Remarks

As the episode nears its end, Gina expresses her gratitude towards Patrick and Sarah, highlighting the meaningful relationships forged during the show's run. The hosts thank her for her time and invaluable insights, underscoring the profound impact Suits has had on their lives and careers.

"The greatest gift of Suits was the two of you."
[64:44]

Conclusion

This episode of Sidebar: A Suits Watch Podcast offers an intimate glimpse into Gina Torres’ experiences on Suits, her approach to a complex character, and the enduring legacy of the show. Through candid conversations and memorable anecdotes, listeners gain a deeper appreciation for the artistry and dedication that fueled one of television's most beloved legal dramas.

Notable Quotes:

• "I do not like to watch myself. I think, like a lot of other actors, once I have distance on it..."
  Gina Torres (04:56)

• "I've always played lethal, badass women with a sense of humor and firmly rooted in my femininity."
  Gina Torres (03:28)

• "Everybody in that show is a superhero in their own way... It gives people permission to dare to be that brave in their own life."
  Gina Torres (61:59)

• "The greatest gift of Suits was the two of you."
  Gina Torres (64:44)