Warning: Spoilers ahead for Suits LA season 1, episode 5, "You're On Your Own." The recent episode of Suits LA has brought clarity to the show's central dynamic by confirming the friendship between Ted Black and Kevin as the new iteration of Harvey and Mike from the original Suits series.
In episode 5, titled "You’re On Your Own," the character Ted Black, portrayed by Stephen Amell, has been established as the counterpart to Gabriel Macht’s iconic Harvey Specter. While viewers speculated on who could step into the role of Mike, it became increasingly evident that the chemistry resides with Kevin, played by Troy Winbush.
Prior to this revelation, viewers might have suspected Stuart Lane, Ted's partner and co-founder at their firm, could fit the role of Mike due to his close affiliation with Ted. However, Stuart's character took a dark turn when he betrayed Ted midway through the first episode. Similarly, Rick, who was thought to be Ted’s protégé, also chose to side with Stuart, undermining Ted’s trust.
The series introduces Kevin as a strong supporting character, whose role as a private investigator offers assistance that Ted is unable to provide himself. Unlike the traditional trope often seen in procedural dramas, Kevin’s background and established friendship with Ted adds depth to their partnership. They share a bond that has been built over years, with Kevin being the one person Ted trusts completely amidst the backdrop of betrayal from others.
Set against a narrative backdrop that includes flashbacks to New York in 2010, viewers learn that Kevin was involved in the case that propelled Ted Black’s prosecutor career into chaos. This shared history solidifies their camaraderie, showcasing how their experiences have intertwined their lives significantly. As the plot unfolds, Kevin’s understanding of Ted’s instincts becomes paramount. For example, he quickly deduces the reasons behind a defendant's absence in court.
Notably, episode 5 particularly emphasizes Kevin's importance to Ted. Their dynamic serves as the heart of the series, filled with humor and moments of genuine camaraderie that echo the original series' essence. Their conversations exhibit the easy banter and mutual support akin to that of Harvey and Mike, making their friendship feel fresh yet nostalgic.
In contrast, the interactions between Ted and Stuart have felt stagnant. Initially, many had anticipated the friction between Ted and Stuart would drive the narrative; however, their difficult relationship lacks the engaging quality viewers hoped for. Even though Stuart aims to position himself similarly to Louis Litt – a character known for being both an ally and antagonist – the depth of their connection is quite superficial, with the majority of their scenes marred by conflict rather than substantial interaction.
As Ted and Stuart's relationship virtually collapses into predictable confrontations, the focus shifts completely to the friendship between Ted and Kevin. They not only represent the new “Harvey and Mike” pairing; they are also more interesting to watch. The episode reinforces that their relationship, sprinkled with wit and warmth, rises above Ted’s unresolved conflicts with Stuart.
As Suits LA continues to delve into the intricacies of its characters, the unmistakable chemistry between Ted and Kevin brings a refreshing yet familiar dynamic to audiences. With Gabriel Macht’s reprisal of Harvey Specter and the core themes of loyalty and trust intact, the new series builds on the legacy of the original while forging its unique path. The exploration of complex relationships against a backdrop of betrayal and camaraderie keeps viewers engaged as they root for Ted and Kevin, ready to see how their journey unfolds.
Ultimately, the friendship between Ted and Kevin not only lays the foundation for the series but also reinforces the connective tissue vital to storytelling in shows like Suits. As fans are drawn deeper into the world of Suits LA, the narrative pushes boundaries in character development, offering a fresh take on familiar archetypes without losing what made its predecessor beloved.
Suits LA has proven to be more than just a spin-off; it is a series that embraces its history while paving new roads. With the foundation laid in episode 5, viewers eagerly await how Ted and Kevin's partnership will evolve against the chaos of the legal world they navigate together.
