‘Suits LA’ Should Be Held In Contempt: TV Review

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Few reboots manage to recreate the authentic charm and excitement that classic shows provide, yet Hollywood doesn’t seem to be deterred from attempting. In the sequel series to the beloved legal drama “Suits,” titled “Suits LA,” creator Aaron Korsh presents a fresh team of lawyers based on an alternate coastline. While “Suits LA” retains the fundamental elements that made the original program so popular, first on USA Network and later on Netflix, it falls short in providing the necessary foundation, characters, or storylines to keep viewers engaged.

The series ‘Suits LA’ debuted in New York City back in 2010. The main character, lawyer Ted Black, played by Stephen Amell who seemed ill-fitting for the role, was trying to persuade a witness to testify against the mob in an upcoming trial. After a heated argument, the man’s house suddenly blew up, waking Ted up unexpectedly. Now, in the present day, we find Ted in Los Angeles, starting his workday at Black Lane, a law firm he and his friend Stuart Lane (portrayed by Josh McDermitt), a defense attorney specializing in criminal cases, founded over a decade ago. The firm is going through changes due to an upcoming merger, causing everyone to feel uneasy.

Black Lane’s staff consists of Erica Rollins (Lex Scott Davis) and Rick Dodsen (Bryan Greenberg), who employ diverse strategies to seal deals. These two are vying for a prestigious position as head of entertainment promotion. Roslyn (Azita Ghanizada) is Ted’s efficient, no-nonsense assistant, while Leah (Alice Lee), an associate working under Erica, appears both terrified and awestruck by her superior. The planned merger doesn’t go smoothly, causing Ted, who despises criminal defense work, to take on the defense of a longtime client accused of murder. This case, along with his recurring nightmares and the return of his former partner, Kevin (Troy Winbush), brings forth parts of Ted’s past that he had tried to keep hidden in New York.

A major problem with “Suits LA,” apart from its overall haphazard appearance, lies in its main characters. They fail to stand out or make a lasting impression. While the routine of “Suits” could sometimes feel repetitive, it was saved by the intriguing relationship between Gabriel Macht’s self-assured yet charming Harvey Specter and Patrick J. Adams’ genius associate, Mike Ross. Unfortunately, in this version, there seems to be little chemistry.

The story’s progression is heavily influenced by events from Ted’s life that happened 15 years ago. Since these flashbacks account for almost half of the series (as seen in the three episodes viewed during evaluation), viewers find themselves trying to understand the layout of Los Angeles while figuring out why and how Ted suddenly left New York City to rebuild his life and career on the West Coast, approximately 3,000 miles away.

Following an uneven and puzzling first episode with harsh dialogue, awkward camera work, and an unexpected turn, the series endeavors to find its footing in Episode 2 titled “Old Man Hanrahan.” However, due to its heavy dependence on the New York narrative and numerous flashy appearances by John Amos, Patton Oswalt, and others, viewers may struggle to fully immerse themselves and accept this new “Suits” universe as authentic.

During its nine-season span, “Suits” occasionally became repetitive and the dialogue seemed overly dramatic or lengthy. Nevertheless, the captivating characters and their interactions managed to keep the series afloat even when it appeared ready to sail into port. Conversely, “Suits LA” seems uncertain about its direction and the characters lack definition. Additionally, the legal aspect of the show doesn’t offer enough novelty to set it apart from other legal dramas. It’s evident that certain elements work better in New York.

“Suits LA” premieres Feb. 23 on NBC, with new episodes dropping weekly on Sundays.

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2025-02-23 19:19