Initial reviews for the highly anticipated spin-off series, Suits LA, have started to trickle out, and the buzz surrounding this new legal drama doesn't paint the prettiest picture. Despite the fond memories tied to its predecessor, Suits, which surged back to popularity after being picked up by Netflix, critics are largely unimpressed with this West Coast reimagining.
Created by Aaron Korsh, the mind behind the original hit, Suits LA set its focus on entertainment law and initially drew excitement from fans eager to see how the franchise could evolve. Early reports hold the show at a staggering 36% on Rotten Tomatoes, indicating widespread disappointment.
The narrative centers around Ted Black, played by Stephen Amell, formerly known as the federal prosecutor who took down mobsters. Early critiques suggest Black tries too hard to embody Harvey Specter, the suave figure from the original series. According to The Guardian, Suits LA is flat and joyless. The original 'Suits' distinguished itself with its quick dialogue, pert sense of humor and thrilling, wall-to-wall horniness, none of which are present here.
While he attempts to fill those shoes, many have found Amell’s performance lacking. Critics noted his character, at times, feels like he is merely mimicking the charm of Gabriel Macht’s Harvey Specter rather than creating something new and compelling. Amell’s delivery has drawn comparisons to Macht, with critics elaborately describing his portrayal as feeling almost like impersonation. Suits LA feels like an impersonation, states the Hollywood Reporter.
More troubling for the spin-off is its apparent struggle with pacing. Many reviewers have commented on its frenetic storyline, with Screen Rant pointing out, Suits LA tries to do so much in so little time. Early episodes suffer from overstuffing, leading to disjointed narratives and underdeveloped characters. Critics argue this leaves little room for the audience to gain any emotional connection to Ted Black and those around him.
An overarching concern among critics is the apparent lack of wit and humor—the heart of the original's success. According to several reviews, the sharp dialogue and banter were predominately absent from the spin-off. Where Suits excelled at transforming mundane conversations between team members and characters back-and-forths filled with sexy, smart interactions, Suits LA feels more like the younger sibling, grasping for the punchiness of the original but falling flat instead.
When considering the reviews, the opening sequences of the show drew special ire from some critics, who felt its reliance on the already familiar music and motifs gave off more of a nostalgic echo than fresh interpretation. Many fans had expected something innovative when it came to the show's premise of adding entertainment law to the mix, but it seems like the execution left much to be desired. The Pittsburgh Tribune pointedly stated it fails to distinguish itself from the titles dominating network television and streaming services alike, implying it is merely another forgettable entry amid the many offerings languishing on TV.
Reviewers echoed the sentiment of this confusion and lack of clear thematic direction, with one saying the show holds the potential to devolve without decisive moves to carve out its identity. While critics noted the initial episodes do exhibit slight improvements and show promise for character development, there remains the larger issue of credibility when it vows to become its entity.
For the audiences hoping the spin-off might deliver new intrigue from the Hollywood setting against which the legal challenges are depicted, the initial reception bodes poorly. Reviewers argue the show's biggest challenges stem from trying to appease both new viewers and dedicated fans of the original series.
By its third episode, it remains clear Suits LA has not yet found its footing. This has left fans to wonder whether Korsh can course-correct his series. If Suits provided the right blend of law, drama, sophistication paired with engaging dialogue, it seems Suits LA needs to navigate some unforgiving territory before it can claim any sort of comparable success.