Hollywood often tries to resurrect the charm of cult classics, but it rarely succeeds. The new spinoff “Suits LA,” from creator Aaron Korsh, introduces a fresh set of lawyers on the West Coast. While it shares some elements with the beloved original aired on USA Network and later on Netflix, it struggles to hold the audience’s interest with weak characters and storylines.
The show kicks off in New York City in 2010, where federal prosecutor Ted Black, played by Stephen Amell, is trying to convince a witness to testify against the mob. After a heated encounter, he narrowly escapes a home explosion. Fast forward to present-day Los Angeles, and Ted is now at Black Lane, a law firm he co-founded with his friend, Stuart Lane, played by Josh McDermitt. Their firm is on edge due to a looming merger that promises to shake things up.
At Black Lane, we meet Erica Rollins and Rick Dodsen, who employ different strategies to land deals, both vying for a top position in entertainment promotion. Ted’s capable assistant, Roslyn, keeps him grounded, while Leah, a junior associate, is caught off guard by Erica’s intensity. When the merger goes south, Ted finds himself defending a longtime client facing murder charges, dredging up troubling memories from his past and reigniting old partnerships.
One major flaw of “Suits LA” is its characters. None stand out or feel memorable. The original “Suits” thrived on the chemistry between its leads, Harvey Specter and Mike Ross. Here, however, that spark is missing, leaving the show feeling flat.
Much of the plot relies on flashbacks to Ted’s life in New York. These scenes take up a significant chunk of the early episodes, making it difficult for viewers to get a grip on the new setting and why Ted chose to relocate to Los Angeles.
The pilot episode is disjointed, suffering from awkward dialogue and distracting camera angles. While Episode 2 tries to find its footing, it still leans heavily on references to Ted’s past, along with a series of unconvincing guest appearances. This reliance on nostalgia makes it hard for viewers to fully engage with this fresh take on “Suits.”
The original series, despite its occasional redundancy and cheesy lines, had memorable characters and engaging relationships that kept viewers invested. In contrast, “Suits LA” struggles to define its direction or the identities of its characters. The focus on entertainment law adds little to distinguish it from other legal dramas, suggesting some stories are best left where they began.
“Suits LA” premieres Feb. 23 on NBC, with new episodes airing weekly on Sundays.
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