Suits LA Episode 8 Review: Addressing The Redundant Side Plot While Highlighting The Real Story

Suits LA is quickly heading towards an impactful season finale, with episode 8 strategically positioning itself to build suspense for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion. Although tensions between competing law firms have cooled, Ted Black’s past from New York looms ominously, suggesting unfinished business. Thankfully, he does not have to confront his old demons alone.

Following the heart-wrenching events of the previous episode, episode 8 dives into more tragedies, as the team at Black & Associates stands united against forthcoming challenges. This episode notably features numerous flashbacks, highlighting poignant moments shared between Ted and his brother, as well as a cherished friend from New York. However, the primary focus remains on setting the stage for the final two episodes of the season.

Suits LA: A Dynamic Season Finale Approaches

Ted Black's flashback moment
Ted Black with Troy Winbush
Ted Black in discussion with another attorney
Ted Black and Elizabeth Smith
Elizabeth Smith on Suits LA

Throughout its inaugural season, Suits LA has experienced a mix of highs and lows as it worked to establish a unique identity and capture the audience’s attention. As the finale approaches, it appears the show is finally gaining momentum. With Ted’s firm firmly back on track and the significance of the flashbacks crystallizing, Suits LA seems to be in its strongest position yet.

Episode 8 is pivotal, effectively repositioning prior episodes as mere time-fillers. It raises concerns about the prolonged delay in diving deeply into the main narrative. The show has spent substantial time on side plots, often overshadowing the primary storyline. Still, as the flashbacks culminate leading up to the finale, episode 8 asserts itself as a critical turning point.

In exciting news, the anticipated return of Gabriel Macht in multiple episodes is finally materializing. Overall, Suits LA appears poised for what could be its most compelling episodes. However, whether this resurgence is too late to retain the audience’s interest, given the inconsequential nature of earlier episodes, remains to be evaluated.

Suits LA: Time is of the Essence

Harvey Specter on the phone
Ted Black's reflection on Suits LA
Harvey Specter in Suits Season 8
Stephen Amell as Ted Black
Ted Black in his office

As Suits LA charts its own course, it faces the formidable task of distancing itself from the original, critically acclaimed series. Comparisons abound, particularly for lead actors like Stephen Amell, whose performance is often juxtaposed against that of Gabriel Macht. This scrutiny extends to supporting characters as viewers measure their identity within this fresh iteration of the franchise. Unfortunately, the series has struggled to divert focus from these parallels.

For Suits LA to solidify its place as a distinct continuation of the franchise, it must emphasize its unique qualities rather than echo the past. Ted Black often feels like a derivative of Harvey Specter, while other characters such as Stuart Lane and Roslyn lack the vibrancy of established favorites like Louis Litt and Donna Paulsen, respectively.

Thus far, the series has presented glimpses of burgeoning relationships among characters like Ted and Amanda Stevens, Rick Dodson and Erica Rollins, and Leah Powers and Roslyn. These dynamics should take center stage and evolve independently of comparisons to the original series. Despite its hurdles, Suits LA shows great promise; episode 8 and the approaching finale could decisively determine the future and direction of this spin-off.

New episodes of Suits LA air each Sunday at 9 PM ET on NBC.

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