Warning: This review contains spoilers for Suits LA Episode 3
Suits LAepisode 3 sees the central characters reveal their true colors as they are forced to go head-to-head. After the first two episodes introduced Ted Black and his friend-turned-rival Stuart Lane, the pair spend more time together in this episode, and the tension is palpable. In addition, the supporting cast has been making moves in the background, but this episode shined a spotlight on two in particular, which helps establish them within the world of the show.
The murder trial of the producer, who is a client of Ted’s, gets more tense when revelations come to light, which could blow up the case.Ted and Stuart have several moments in both the present and a flashbackscene that establish the characters' relationship. In a subplot, the team at Black & Associates finds themselves trying to appease the requests of formerThe Officestar Brian Baumgartner.
Episode 3 Opens Up Several Of The Pivotal Relationships In Suits LA
The beating heart of shows likeSuitsand its spin-off are the relationships that populate the show. For the original show, Harvey and Mike had incredible chemistry, Mike and Rachel were an electric pairing, Donna and Harvey had this wonderful tension and rapport, andHarvey and Louis had a tense vitriol. In each relationship, the feelings were palpable, which is why the show was able to take off in such a significant way.Suits LAis working towards establishing similarly intense relationships, but there are some that just don’t land.
The beating heart of a show likeSuitsand the spin-off is the relationships that populate the show.
For me, the character who works the least is Roslyn, Ted’s secretary. She is being set up as an incredibly wise and strong woman who can see issues coming from a mile away and is seemingly the best secretary in the world. However, this feels like a less-than-stellar attempt to replicate Donna fromSuits, without making her feel important to Ted. On the other hand, there are stand-out characters who are incredibly endearing, and wonderful to follow, including Leah Power (Alice Lee).
Leah is adorable, intelligent, and learning how to make it in an environment she doesn’t naturally fit into. But she is making it work for her and, with the friendship blooming between her and Erica Rollins, there is a genuine and wonderful connection. Meanwhile, Stephen Amell’s Ted is so far failing to connect with me. Previous episodes tried to establish multiple sides of the character, but he’s been mostly angry and grumpy, which doesn’t allow him to grow as a character.
The Drama Of Suits LA Takes Several Leaps Forward In Episode 3
There are numerous plots still developing inSuits LAepisode 3, with Ted’s estranged father having passed away, his best friend betraying him by cutting him out of a deal to merge firms with his ex-girlfriends, a murder trial, and an entertainment law firm that needs to continue to deliver for clients to stay afloat. In episode 3, all of these elements take big steps forward. As the past and present collide, the characters are forced to collide in tense ways.
Ted Black is potentially one of the least interesting characters in the series at this moment, with most of the major events happening in or around him.
However, three episodes in, the tension and world-building is not quite as well-defined as the show’s predecessor, which is largely contributing to the outpouring of negative reviews. But the show is moving in the right direction.Ted Black is potentially one of the least interesting charactersinSuits LAat the moment, with most of the major events happening in or around him. Thankfully, the supporting cast is developing into essential ways, and the show is building towards some dramatic reveals.
The split between Black and Lane was a big moment to start on, and as the show is progressing, it feels as though this separation of the core cast is hurting its development. Here’s hoping the rest of season 1 can recover and Amell will find a balance with his character. All that said, this episode does have clever twists, wonderful character development, and intense emotional beats.Suits LAhas a lot of potential, and episode 3 provides a clear look at what the show could be as it blends the dramatic tension with the comical entertainment industry side.
Suits LAwill release new episodes each Sunday at 9pm ET/PT 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.
