Suits LA Episode 1 Recap: Ted’s Big Twist and the Battle for Entertainment Law

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As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve been eagerly anticipating the debut of “Suits LA,” the exciting spin-off from the beloved series “Suits.” This fresh legal drama premiered on February 23 and takes us to a new law office helmed by Ted Black, skillfully portrayed by Stephen Amell, who you might recognize from “Arrow.” The mastermind behind both shows is Aaron Korsh, the creator of “Suits,” and in the premiere episode titled “Seven Days a Week and Twice on Sundays,” we were introduced to the show’s new emphasis on entertainment law. The episode also set the stage for some engaging drama that promises to unfold throughout the first season. Catch “Suits LA” every Sunday at 9 p.m. on NBC, and if you miss it, don’t worry, episodes will be available for streaming on Peacock the very next day!

Episode 1 Leads with a Merger Gone Wrong

In the beginning of Episode 1, we see the principal character, Ted Black, pondering over whether to join forces with criminal lawyer Stuart Lane (Josh McDermitt). The two share a productive partnership, with Ted endorsing Stuart’s legal services. However, Ted proceeds with the merger, only to discover the following day that Stuart has departed from the firm, taking a significant number of Ted’s employees along with him.

In Episode 1, we see Ted hurriedly managing his firm’s staff and clients amidst chaos. While Ted works on damage control, the episode introduces key characters such as Erica Rollins (played by Lex Scott Davis) and Rick Dodsen (portrayed by Bryan Greenberg). Both Erica and Rick assist Ted in reacquiring clients, but they also vie for a top entertainment role. Erica is shrewd and resourceful, while Rick is charming and a reliable friend to Ted.

Stuart attempts to lure Erica by offering her a top entertainment role in exchange for confidential information, which she declines. Erica confides in a colleague, Leah Powers (Alice Lee), who gossips about it to Ted. Enraged, Ted scolds Erica, but later learns that it was all a trust test. Erica then hints that Rick might have been given the same offer, and when Ted discusses this with Rick, Rick admits he’s indeed planning to work with Stuart.

Ted offers Erica a partner role if she lends him more assistance. They pledge their loyalty to one another, implying they’ll work together every day of the week and then some, which is why the episode is titled as such. Additionally, Ted consults with two other lawyers who are expected to be significant figures this season. He converses with his former partner, Samantha (Rachelle Goulding), who works under Stuart, as well as Amanda Stevens (Maggie Grace), a potent pro bono lawyer within his office.

‘Suits LA’ Introduces a Celebrity Focus to the Law Genre

In the initial episode, it’s explained why the Suits series relocated from New York to Los Angeles. Primarily, this move facilitates the incorporation of intriguing guest stars, as shown in the debut with John Amos portraying himself (in one of his final roles before his passing in 2024). Additionally, the LA backdrop enables the show to mirror real life by featuring fictional celebrities.

In the initial installment, several personas are presented who will require legal assistance in the entertainment sector from Ted Black across the entire first season. Actress Victoria Justice portrays a made-up action heroine who opts for Ted Black’s law firm to represent her. Additionally, Ted converses with Lester Thompson (portrayed by Kevin Weisman), an actor implicated in the murder of his partner following the premiere of his new film. Initially appearing guilty, Ted initially refuses to handle Lester’s case, but ultimately reconsiders and decides to do so by the episode’s conclusion.

The primary reason for the setting of Suits in Los Angeles revolves around the character development of Ted Black. After a disastrous criminal law case, an explosion claimed the life of one of his witnesses, causing him to relocate from New York. He vowed never to practice criminal law again, but due to Stuart taking his clients, he found himself taking on Lester Thompson’s case. To assist with this matter, Ted enlists the help of a former acquaintance, Kevin (Troy Winbush), who resides in New York. This decision to take the case creates tension with his friend Rick, which will likely have consequences as we delve deeper into Ted’s past this season.

A Twist Reveals Why Ted Hates His Dad

The story opens with Eddie rousing Ted at the beginning of the day. Initially, it’s not clear if they share a family bond or friendship, but their interactions suggest some sort of connection. Through the course of the episode, Eddie consistently supports Ted during his tough moments.

In the episode, Ted’s father makes an appearance too. A flashback takes us to New York where he proposes a job offer from his law firm to Ted, which Ted refuses due to resentment towards his dad. Now, in the present day, Ted’s father is near death. Other characters in the story suggest that Ted’s animosity towards his father affects his professional life and they urge him to see his dad for some closure.

The episode meticulously maintains an air of mystery around the past events concerning Eddie and Ted’s father, while offering subtle clues. In a flashback, young Ted is seen sitting beside Eddie in front of a store, but both are the same age. It turns out that when Ted goes to see his ailing father, he confesses that he harbored deep hatred towards his father because his father detested Eddie, whom Ted refers to as his brother. This revelation suggests that Eddie has already passed away, and Ted chooses to abandon his dying father.

Towards the finale, Eddie hands Ted a letter from Rick that Ted had discarded earlier. Moved to tears, Ted displays this emotion before Eddie vanishes, hinting to viewers that Eddie was a spirit all along. Let’s hope Eddie makes a return in future installments for more heartfelt scenes. It’s exciting to see Carson A. Egan in his debut role as Eddie, and I can’t wait to witness more of his talent. The upcoming episode, titled “Old Man Hanrahan,” airs March 2 at 9 p.m. on NBC, with the following day’s streaming available on Peacock.

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2025-02-24 06:02