Why the Upcoming L.A. Spinoff of Suits Should Avoid This One Thing

SuitsL.A. can take inspiration from the original Suits series, but there is one thing it should avoid copying. The Pearson spinoff of Suits was not successful and got canceled after one season. Despite this setback, Aaron Korsh and NBCUniversal are working on a new Suits show set in Los Angeles, capitalizing on the original series' popularity on Netflix. The legal drama, which aired from 2011 to 2019 for nine seasons, has been a hit on the streaming platform, surpassing shows like Wednesday and Stranger Things. It continues to attract new viewers even years after its conclusion.

The upcoming Suits series faces the challenge of capturing the essence of its predecessor. While certain elements were consistent in every Suits episode, providing a pool of tropes for SuitsL.A. to draw from if it wishes to evoke the original show, there are limits to how much it can emulate. The L.A. spinoff, set in an entertainment law firm and featuring Stephen Amell, Erica Rollins, and Josh McDermitt, will need to establish its own identity. To achieve this, SuitsL.A. should steer clear of one significant aspect of the original Suits storyline.

Suits L.A. Shouldn’t Copy Suits’ Photographic Memory Gimmick

Mike Ross walking down the office in Suits season 1 - Suits L.A. Shouldn’t Copy Suits’ Photographic Memory Gimmick

Suits' nine seasons were filled with captivating characters and intriguing case features. It's easy to forget that the show initially started as just another procedural with a unique twist. Similar to characters like Adrian Monk in Monk and Shawn Spencer in Psych, Suits introduced Mike Ross with a photographic memory gimmick. This gimmick not only explained how he excelled at his job without a degree but also helped him navigate through challenges and secure victories in almost every episode he appeared in.

Mike’s photographic memory was always a convenient plot device in the original series of Suits. It often served as a quick solution to resolve conflicts in the nick of time. However, this is not a gimmick that should be duplicated in the spinoff, SuitsL.A.

Mike’s Photographic Memory Was Never The Best Thing About Suits

Harvey and Mike at a party in Suits in tuxedos - Mike’s Photographic Memory Was Never The Best Thing About Suits

In the 2000s and early 2010s, TV shows with Sherlock Holmes-inspired characters and a unique gimmick were a hit. From Monk and Psych to House and The Mentalist, viewers loved watching protagonists with special skills solve cases each week. Whether they were doctors, detectives, or lawyers, this format worked well for many shows. However, unlike most other shows of its time, Suits didn't rely on a gimmick to define itself.

Suits L.A. should not pass Mike's photographic memory to another character, and it should avoid using gimmicks altogether.

The enduring popularity of Suits can be attributed to well-developed characters and engaging weekly cases. The show excelled in various aspects, such as the dynamic between Harvey Spector and Mike Ross. While Mike's photographic memory added some entertaining moments, it was not necessary for his character to excel at his job.

Suits L.A.’s Main Characters Shouldn’t Have Any Gimmicks

It appears that Suits may have underestimated itself by initially focusing on Mike’s photographic memory, perhaps in an attempt to follow the trend set by other popular procedural shows at the time. However, Suits quickly evolved beyond this initial premise. While Mike’s unique ability was always a part of the show, it became much more than just a gimmick. A version of Suits where Mike was simply very intelligent without an unrealistic photographic memory could have still been successful. Therefore, the upcoming Suits L.A. spinoff should avoid introducing new gimmicks for its new protagonists.

Custom image of Stephen Amell as Oliver Queen from Arrow and Gabriel Macht as Harvey Spectre from Suits. - Suits L.A.’s Main Characters Shouldn’t Have Any Gimmicks

Custom Image by Dani Kessel Odom

SuitsL.A. should not transfer Mike's photographic memory to another character, and it would be best to avoid any gimmicks altogether. The official descriptions of SuitsL.A.'s characters do not hint at the inclusion of such special abilities, which is a positive development. Ted Black, portrayed by Stephen Amell, is depicted as a formidable lawyer aiming to establish a legal empire in California; Stuart Lane, played by Josh McDermitt, is anticipated to be a self-centered attorney; and Erica Rollins, portrayed by Lex Scott Davis, is described as a savvy and strong-willed up-and-coming star working for Ted Black.

Suits L.A. can take inspiration from Suits by focusing on the personalities and careers of its characters instead of relying on special skills or gimmicks. This approach can set it apart from the original show and offer a more realistic legal drama experience.

Custom image of Harvey Specter and Mike Ross in Suits - What Suits L.A. Should Copy From Suits

SuitsL.A. should aim to incorporate the fast-paced episodes, compelling cases of the week, and the chemistry between the main characters that made the original show successful. While it shouldn't just copy the previous series, it should stay true to what made the legal procedural so great. It's crucial for SuitsL.A. to have a strong set of protagonists that viewers can easily connect with, especially considering the inevitable comparisons with the original show.

Suits L.A. is expected to premiere in late 2024 or early 2025.

The success of Suits on Netflix long after its original run ended sets a high standard for Suits L.A. The spinoff will face elevated expectations, especially with fans hoping for a Suits revival. Whether familiar characters will make an appearance in Suits L.A. is uncertain, but it should not be a make-or-break factor for the new series. Suits L.A. has the potential to honor the legacy of Suits while carving out its own unique identity.

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Editor's P/S:

The article discusses the upcoming Suits L.A. spin-off and its potential to succeed despite the failure of the Pearson spin-off. The author argues that Suits L.A. should avoid copying the photographic memory gimmick that was a key element of the original series' protagonist, Mike Ross. They contend that while gimmicks were popular in TV shows at the time, Suits evolved beyond this initial premise and focused on well-developed characters and engaging cases. The author believes that Suits L.A. should follow this approach and avoid introducing new gimmicks for its protagonists.

Overall, the article provides a thoughtful analysis of the challenges and opportunities facing Suits L.A. and offers valuable insights into the elements that contributed to the success of the original series. By avoiding the pitfalls that led to the demise of the Pearson spin-off and embracing the strengths of the original, Suits L.A. has the potential to capture the essence of its predecessor while establishing its own unique identity.