Although rare is the reboot that recaptures the magic of the original, Hollywood seldom retreats from trying. One such attempt is the second spinoff to the popular legal drama "Suits". In the new version, "Suits LA", Aaron Korsh, creator of the original, brings the debonair world of lawyers to an entirely different side of America. The nuts and bolts that made "Suits" a hit on USA Network and Netflix remain, but the missing essence that could reignite the fan base is the lack of original storylines and characters.
"Suits LA" kicks off in New York City in 2010, where federal attorney Ted Black, portrayed by Stephen Amell, convinces a witness to testify against the mob in an impending trial. Following a violent disagreement, Ted exits the man’s residence which surprisingly explodes. Shaken awake in modern-day Los Angeles, Ted starts his morning at Black Lane, a law firm he founded with friend and criminal defense lawyer Stuart Lane (Josh McDermitt).
Black Lane, which is undergoing a merger, includes employees Erica Rollins (Lex Scott Davis) and Rick Dodsen (Bryan Greenberg). Competing for a prestigious entertainment promotion, they adopt distinct tactical approaches to close deals. Ted’s professional assistant Roslyn (Azita Ghanizada) and Erica’s associate Leah (Alice Lee) also form part of the team. When the merger does not go as planned, Ted, who dislikes criminal defense, ends up defending a client accused of murder.
However, the key problem with "Suits LA" is the poorly-constructed main characters. Unlike the original "Suits" that relied on the rapport between Gabriel Macht's Harvey Specter and the determined Mike Ross (Patrick J. Adams), "Suits LA" lacks chemistry.
Moreover, the plot heavily leans on Ted’s life happenings from 15 years ago and therefore, viewers are left piecing together the story. Despite a confusing and monotonous opening episode, the show tries to find its footing in the second. But, owing to its excessive dependence on the New York storyline and an influx of cameo appearances, the program fails to immerse its audience in the new universe of "Suits".
In comparison to its predecessor, “Suits LA” is unclear of its destination and characterization. The novelty of entertainment law fails to differentiate the show from other legal dramas. Ultimately, it alludes to the idea that some shows are better off left in their original context. "Suits LA" kicks off on February 23 on NBC, with new episodes debuting weekly on Sundays.
