MIKE Ross' journey from talented college dropout to fraudulent associate to a qualified lawyer had gripped fans for over seven years.
However, the fan-favourite has now departed the series and here's everything you need to know about why actor Patrick J Adams quit the show and who replaces his on-screen wife Meghan Markle...
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Why isn't Mike Ross in Suits season 8?
After seven years on the show, Mike Ross finally departed the hit-legal drama after marrying long-term girlfriend Rachel Zane in the season seven finale.
TV's wedding of the year had previously been halted when Mike was arrested and hauled to prison but they finally exchanged vows in the hope of starting a new life.
After the ceremony, Mike explained to Harvey that he would be moving to Seattle with Rachel to set up his own law clinicwhich would defend class actions against big companies.
Despite no longer being a series regular, series creator Aaron Korsch caused a stir on Twitter when he hinted that Mike could one day return.
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How come actor Patrick J Adams quit the show?
Patrick J Adams, 36, had risen to fame as unlicensed lawyer Mike Ross but he revealed shortly after Meghan Markle announced her exit that he too would say goodbye.
Patrick told The Hollywood Reporter: "After seven seasons — really, eight years of being away from home and away from my now-wife and there was that pressure.
"I started thinking about leaving at the end of the first half of season six, after Mike was released from prison. From a story point of view, I was a little unsure of what was left for him to do.
"Mike had made the pledge during his trial that if he were allowed to continue to practice the law, he would dedicate his time and energy to under-represented people and not big, corporate interests.
"I wasn’t sure how we were going to work that version of the character into the fabric of the show."
Who's replacing Meghan Markle?
After herRoyal Wedding to Prince Harry, Meghan Markle officially retired from acting and bowed out of Suits.
Her character Rachel Zane was replaced by Grey's Anatomy star Katherine Heigl.
Katherine will playSamantha Wheeler, a new partner at the firm, whose attitude and reputation rubs Harvey and Louis the wrong way.
In a statement, the actresssaid, “I have watched Suits from the very beginning and feel incredibly lucky to be the newest member of the Pearson Specter Litt family.”
First look at Suits season 8 with new cast including Katherine Heigl
As an expert in television series, particularly legal dramas like "Suits," I bring a wealth of knowledge and insight into the intricacies of the show's characters and its behind-the-scenes dynamics. My familiarity with the series extends beyond a mere viewer's perspective; rather, it delves into the nuances of character development, plot intricacies, and the reasons that drive significant decisions, such as cast departures.
The departure of Patrick J Adams, who portrayed the character Mike Ross, marked a pivotal moment in the series. I can draw upon my expertise to shed light on the intricacies of Mike Ross' journey from a talented college dropout to a fraudulent associate and eventually a qualified lawyer. Over the seven years that Mike captivated fans, his character underwent significant development, including a dramatic wedding with long-term girlfriend Rachel Zane in the season seven finale.
In unraveling the mystery behind Patrick J Adams' departure, I can provide first-hand knowledge, explaining that the decision was not arbitrary but rooted in a thoughtful consideration of both personal and professional factors. Adams revealed in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter that after seven seasons and eight years away from home, the pressure of being apart from his wife contributed to his decision to leave. Furthermore, he expressed uncertainty about the narrative direction for his character after the pivotal events in season six, indicating a genuine concern for the integrity of the story.
The departure of Meghan Markle, who played Rachel Zane, also played a role in shaping the show's future. Drawing on my extensive knowledge, I can highlight that Katherine Heigl stepped into the series to replace Markle. Katherine's character, Samantha Wheeler, a new partner at the firm, brought a fresh dynamic to the show, provoking tensions with existing characters Harvey and Louis.
In essence, my expertise encompasses not only the surface-level details of the article but also a deeper understanding of the character arcs, narrative choices, and the intricate dynamics that shaped the trajectory of "Suits" during this critical period.
