USA Network continues the highly anticipated Suits spinoff series, Pearson, starring Gina Torres and Morgan Specter, with Episode 9: The Rival. After leaving her New York firm behind, former lawyerJessica Pearson (Torres) jumps into the Chicago world of politics.
The Mayor (Specter) returns home exhausted as his wife admits to knowing his affair. Keri Allen (Bethany Joy Lenz) is love with him and their affairs is risking everything Bobby has built. The Mayor’s wife doesn’t want to be a prop in his apology tour.
With the homeless camping outside of city hall, Angela (Chantel Riley) doesn’t want Jessica coming in for the rescue. With Nick (Simon Kassianides) missing, Derrick (Eli Goree) argues Pat McGann (Wayne Duvall) is responsible for the protest. After meeting with her grandmother, Jessica wonders what she can do to change Angela’s mind.
While Keri is thinking about moving to another job, Yoli Castillo (Isabel Arraiza) brings in business cards as a gift for taking on her mother’s case. With the demonstration going on outside city hall, Jessica and Bobby argue how to stop this firestorm. Jessica has to find a solution fast or Bobby will have to use force.
Derrick feels like he’s a sellout after being told half-truths. Defending herself, Jessica reminds him that she is the baddest operator around. Keri angrily reveals to Bobby that she is quitting her job. During his bowling game, Jessica promises McGann that she will squeeze him dry.
Jessica is surprised when Keri offers to help with the homeless encampment and slash the budget. Derrick tries to protect the Mayor with the press hounding him about Icarus. Jessica argues with Angela about signing the papers and ending the protests.
Now that McGann knows where Bobby’s bother is, they meet at an abandoned warehouse. Nick pulls out his gun but Pat threatens to reveal the tape. There may be another solution, Pat says.
Keri wants to cash out but her father thinks she shouldn’t quit. On the news, Jessica and the Mayor watch as Salazar defends the homeless. Now that Angela isn’t the leader anymore, Jessica offers Salazar a seat at the council if he removes himself.
If he does love her, Keri wants Bobby to let her go. She knows Bobby will not leave his kids for her. While Yoli and Derrick end up having a kiss, the homeless hold a meeting with the city council. As Angela fights for her neighbors, the crowd chants they’re “not going anywhere.”
Nick asks Keri for legal advice as he confesses to murder.
Pearson continues Wednesdays 10pm on USA Network.