WARNING: This article contains spoilers for Suits LA Season 1, Episode 6, titled “Dester.”
Suits LA: The Evolving Role of Villains
The latest episode of Suits LA wraps up the Lester storyline, yet it raises questions about the future of its most engaging guest star to date. With a principal cast of four lead characters, the show faces challenges when it comes to featuring and developing supporting roles effectively. Notably, Leah did not make an appearance in this episode, highlighting the series’ struggle to balance its narrative focus. Nevertheless, a show like Suits LA thrives on its supporting cast, which is especially true for its antagonists.
One of the standout features of the original Suits series was its blend of episodic cases alongside overarching narratives and recurring villains. Characters such as Travis Tanner, Daniel Hardman, Charles Forstman, and Anita Gibbs created formidable challenges for Harvey and his allies. Consequently, the expectation was set high for Suits LA’s adversaries. Fortunately, it appears that the spinoff has introduced an impressive antagonist in Elizabeth Smith.
Implications of Lester’s Case Resolution for Elizabeth Smith’s Role
The Conclusion of the Lester Story Arc
Portrayed by Sofia Pernas, Elizabeth Smith served as the primary antagonist in Suits LA thus far. As the district attorney prosecuting Lester, she has posed significant challenges for Ted Black, who is defending his client in his inaugural criminal case. Their dynamic from the very first courtroom encounter showcased a formidable match: Smith’s confidence in her prosecution skills matched by Ted’s determination, a fact that only heightened the stakes. Elizabeth even employed Ted’s background as a former prosecutor against him during the trial.
There’s potential for Smith to establish herself as *Suits LA*’s equivalent of Travis Tanner, particularly given her intricate history with Amanda.
Despite the enjoyment her character has provided throughout the Lester saga, her future appears bleak at this juncture. The resolution of the Lester murder trial in episode 6 effectively leaves Smith without a current narrative purpose. Even her backstory with Amanda has been fully explored, leaving little ground to continue her arc in the immediate future. However, *Suits* has shown a penchant for reviving prior villains in new storylines, which gives hope for Elizabeth Smith’s potential return.
The Case for Reintroducing Smith as a Key Villain
Smith as Suits LA’s Potential First Recurring Villain
Beloved characters like Harvey Specter and Mike Ross rely on compelling adversaries to bring their stories to life, and the same is true for Ted Black and his peers in *Suits LA*. To develop their characters more profoundly, the series needs strong antagonists ready to challenge them. While it’s likely that other characters will be introduced, Elizabeth Smith deserves another opportunity to shine.
Given her newfound understanding of Ted’s capabilities and his willingness to fight for his cases, Smith could evolve into an even more formidable opponent in subsequent storylines. As *Suits LA* continues to carve out its unique identity, establishing strong villains, whether through repetitive appearances or novel arcs, remains essential to its success.
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