So the thing about Suits...
I have this weird hangup about power dynamics. Like, I tend to find d/s centered fics not to my liking, and so naturally I tend to avoid them.
But there are certain fandoms where d/s dynamics are unavoidable, and I'm starting to find that Suits fandom is one of them. I like to think that the show is meant to showcase the relationship between Harvey and Mike, and as such, their mentor/student dynamics. This, of course, lends itself to the d/s vibes when people expound upon that dynamic in a fanfic where Mike and Harvey enter a romantic relationship.
My first foray into the fandom turned up a bunch of fics that contained d/s. Some of these fics are brilliantly written, and some less so. Nevertheless, that type of fic just isn't my particular cup of tea. I tend to enjoy fics that highlight the relationships of equals; people who balance themselves out in different ways. With Mike and Harvey, this seems to be a difficult task to accomplish. Certainly, Mike has proven himself to be exceptionally brilliant, able to retain information at the drop of a hat, and very independant. Despite this, Harvey is his superior in the workplace. On the most superficial level, he is Mike's boss, with the power to keep or fire him. But Harvey proves himself to be at the top of his profession, someone feared and revered by the employees of Pearson-Hardman, and those who watch him at work. Mike does not have an edge up on him, something Harvey constantly points out. The show seems to be trying to say that Mike has more of a moral compass, and therefore compliments Harvey emotionally. However, this doesn't raise him up all the way to Harvey's level.
This is probably why I look forward to all the brilliant AUs that will be written for the fandom; fics where Mike isn't working directly under Harvey, where his shortcomings aren't being constantly highlighted. In fact, there are a bunch of lovely AUs in progress over at the suitsmeme, my particular favorites being the pizza delivery boy!Mike and barista!Mike, where Mike isn't put in the immediate submissive position in his relationship with Harvey.
Those are my deep thoughts for the day. (Nods). I'm sure you all care so much :)
But there are certain fandoms where d/s dynamics are unavoidable, and I'm starting to find that Suits fandom is one of them. I like to think that the show is meant to showcase the relationship between Harvey and Mike, and as such, their mentor/student dynamics. This, of course, lends itself to the d/s vibes when people expound upon that dynamic in a fanfic where Mike and Harvey enter a romantic relationship.
My first foray into the fandom turned up a bunch of fics that contained d/s. Some of these fics are brilliantly written, and some less so. Nevertheless, that type of fic just isn't my particular cup of tea. I tend to enjoy fics that highlight the relationships of equals; people who balance themselves out in different ways. With Mike and Harvey, this seems to be a difficult task to accomplish. Certainly, Mike has proven himself to be exceptionally brilliant, able to retain information at the drop of a hat, and very independant. Despite this, Harvey is his superior in the workplace. On the most superficial level, he is Mike's boss, with the power to keep or fire him. But Harvey proves himself to be at the top of his profession, someone feared and revered by the employees of Pearson-Hardman, and those who watch him at work. Mike does not have an edge up on him, something Harvey constantly points out. The show seems to be trying to say that Mike has more of a moral compass, and therefore compliments Harvey emotionally. However, this doesn't raise him up all the way to Harvey's level.
This is probably why I look forward to all the brilliant AUs that will be written for the fandom; fics where Mike isn't working directly under Harvey, where his shortcomings aren't being constantly highlighted. In fact, there are a bunch of lovely AUs in progress over at the suitsmeme, my particular favorites being the pizza delivery boy!Mike and barista!Mike, where Mike isn't put in the immediate submissive position in his relationship with Harvey.
Those are my deep thoughts for the day. (Nods). I'm sure you all care so much :)