SUITS LA 1.1

The first episode of SUITS L.A. on NBC sets up numerous dramatic events to carry the series through its first season. After tirelessly working to establish his law firm, Ted Black gets duped by his friend Stewart, who steals the majority of his company after they sign a merger deal to combine their law firms. While Ted scrambles to save his firm and keep his business afloat now that he has lost most of his employees and clients, he finds who working for him is loyal and no longer has his back.

After fifteen years in L.A., Ted has established his firm as the most outstanding law firm in the city, working to provide his clients with world-class legal representation in the entertainment industry. He and his friend Stewart moved to the city together and supported each other on their way to the top. While Ted has been building his firm, Stewart has been doing the same, working as a defense attorney. Now, they’re seeking to merge their businesses to create a one-stop shop for anyone seeking the best law firm in the city, regardless of the expertise they need.

Unfortunately for Ted, Stewart is not as trustworthy as he thought and, despite their history, has been working to backstab him. As soon as Ted signs the deal, Stewart swipes most of his employees, bringing them into his company while leaving Ted behind. The only people who remain are Ted’s top associates, who are now working with him to save the company. They begin by identifying their most important clients and working to bring them back, so they still have a base to work with.

Stewart, however, isn’t done with his tricks and calls Ted’s remaining associates, asking them to be a mole in the firm for him and, after feeding him information, come to his firm as partners. One of the people offered this deal turns Stewart down, while another—the one Ted liked the most—has no desire to be a mole but leaves Ted’s firm all the same.

All the while, as this professional drama unfolds in a matter of hours, Ted has to deal with his father being put into hospice and being days away from death. Though Ted has an extremely poor relationship with his father, he can’t bring himself to not go and visit one last time before he passes. So, Ted booked a flight to New York City and flew across the country. On the way, he realizes a plan to get back at Stewart involves snatching one of his newer clients – whom Ted recommended to him – who is appearing in court over a murder charge. While Stewart doesn’t believe this man is innocent, Ted does and decides the first way he’ll get revenge on Stewart is by stealing this client.

When Ted lands in New York, he visits one of his old friends and asks him for help on this case before visiting his father in the hospital. The whole time he is there, his dad is unresponsive, and Ted explains why he has been angry with his dad for decades. It boils down to the way his dad treated Ted’s brother, Eddie, who had Down syndrome. In the end, Ted’s father allowed Eddie to die, something Ted hasn’t and won’t forgive him for.

Although the first episode of SUITS L.A. is a whirlwind of action, it lays a solid foundation for the series to follow. Rather than being procedural, as most legal dramas are, the show is set up to be more serialized, following long story arcs and being okay with ending episodes without immediate closure. Though Ted is a flawed protagonist, he’s still easy to root for, both because he is a brilliant lawyer and because he’s fighting for what’s right.

SUITS L.A. strongly emphasizes Christian principles such as human dignity, the importance of family, and justice. Ted is a strong advocate for justice and always fights for what is right inside and outside the courtroom. However, he does have his flaws, such as sometimes being a jerk largely because of his immense pride and ego. Furthermore, the show features moderate foul language, promotes drinking alcohol and does not condemn the use of drugs. Thus, MOVIEGUIDE® advises extreme caution for older teens and adults.