Aaron Korsh’sSuits LAaims to continue the legacy ofSuits13 years after it premiered, but it ultimately disappoints. WhenSuitsfound a resurgence via streaming in 2023, it became clear it was only a matter of time before any broadcaster attempted to resurrect the franchise. By then, the original show on USA Network had been off the air for four years, but thanks to the binge model, people who missed their chance to catch it during its original run got the chance to discover it for the first time.
Ideally, the franchise’s return would be via aSuitsfollow-up, but instead, Korsh is launching an offshoot. As someone who was part of the legal drama’s original audience on USA Network, I understand whySuits LAis the only viable option to revive the series at this point. Set on the West Coast,Stephen Amell’s Ted Black leads a new ensemble of lawyerswho will focus on dealing with cases in the entertainment industry.Suits LA’s storydoesn’t have an immediate narrative hook like its predecessor’s “2 Lawyers,1 Degree” tag, but it promises to preserve the legacy ofSuits.
Suits LA Is Unrecognizable As A Suits Spinoff
Suits' Charm, Wit & Banter Are Barely Present In The Spinoff
Unfortunately,Suits LAis unable to recapture the magic ofSuits. I was sent the first 3 episodes of the new series, which focuses on setting its tone and story, and while there are intriguing plots, particularly how it offers a new perspective on Hollywood, it doesn’t have the same charm and wit that its predecessor is known for.Suits LAis devoid of the best things that madeSuitsa fan favorite. I understand the pressure on Korsh to do something different, but the spinofffails to balance offering something new while keeping the original show’s DNA.
ThroughoutSuits LA’s first three episodes, Black is dealt with consecutive losses — a stark difference from where Harvey’s story begins inSuits.
There’s anobvious attempt to make sure thatSuits LAis not just a rehash of its parent show. Despite Black being billed as a Harvey Specter replacement, which is reinforced by their connection, he’s nothing remotely like Gabriel Macht’s character. This works against its attempt to get people who lovedSuitsto care about the spinoff even if their favorite characters aren’t in it. ThroughoutSuits LA’s first three episodes, Black is dealt with consecutive losses — a stark difference from where Harvey’s story begins inSuits.
The Suits Revival I’ve Wanted For Six Years Now Looks Completely Impossible
After learning about Gabriel Macht’s stance on his upcoming return as Harvey Specter, I think my dream Suits revival is totally impossible now.
BecauseSuits LAkicks off in absolute mayhem, it barely gets the chance to be fun. Even the banter that Korsh did so well inSuitsis almost non-existent. It is heavy and dark from the get-go, with several plot twists, backstabbing, and even underdeveloped angst just in its first hour. Its storytelling is reminiscent of the latter seasons ofSuits, whenit felt like Pearson Hardman was always on the brink of collapse every episode. Sadly, that stretch of storytelling isn’t anyone’s favorite.
Suits LA Needs To Find Its Focus
Luckily, Suits LA Has Time To Fix Itself
Thelack of the main narrative hookis evident in the show’s storytellingthus far. While theSuitscastgrew to have their respective storylines, it started with its focus on bringing together Harvey and Mike. Once they were partnered up, the bulk of the overarching narrative shifted towards how they could keep their secret.Suits LAtries to do so much in so little time. Aside from Ted’s work crisis, he is also dealing with a personal one that somehow connects to a couple more new plot lines.
Luckily,Suits LAis a network series, which means that it has more than enough time in its freshman year to unpack and dissect everything that unraveled in its first 3 episodes.
Beyond that, the rest of the ensemble also have their own subplots that require more context to be compelling. It doesn’t help thatSuits LAelects to incorporate confusing flashbacks that distract from an already complicated present timeline. Luckily,Suits LAis a network series, which means that it has more than enough time in its freshman year to unpack and dissect everything that unraveled in its first three episodes.
For what it’s worth, it has several intriguing storylines at play, and if executed right, it could be great for the legal drama. One key aspect thatSuits LAhas the potential to do better than its predecessor is its weekly cases. Viewers are more likely familiar with Hollywood as opposed to the world of mergers and acquisitions. There have already been several references to pop culture. If done right,Suits LA’s weekly cases can be more fun and entertaining than whatSuitstackled.
Suits LA will stream on Peacock after its broadcast on NBC.
Because it is part of a franchise,Suits LAcannot escape the comparisons toSuits. Instead of trying so hard to be different, It’s much better to take what worked in the original show and incorporate it into its storytelling. Currently,the spinoff is more representative of the worst parts ofSuits— when storylines became too convoluted and dramatic to make up for Mike’s exit. Hopefully it can course correct as it settles into its storytelling.
Suits LAairs weekly each Sunday at 9:00 PM ET on NBC.
Suits LA
Suits LA follows Ted Black, a former federal prosecutor who now represents influential clients in Los Angeles. As his law firm faces a critical juncture, Ted must navigate the challenges of a role he once disdained, balancing moral dilemmas with the demands of high-stakes legal battles.
