Suits: LA Season 1 Episode 3 Review: He Knew

With Stuart’s help, Ted faces an inevitable moment he’s been actively avoiding on Suits: LA Season 1 Episode 3, “He Knew.”

Already in a sticky predicament with Stuart, Ted’s situation grows more dire once he learns his father named Stuart the executor of his will. These new developments take place simultaneously as he’s dragged deeper into the depths of despair with Lester’s ongoing murder case.

Meanwhile, Erica and Leah’s new power-duo status is tested when Ted’s client, Brian Baumgartner, requires a heavy task.

Saying Goodbye One Last Time

“He Knew” begins with a bang as it comes to light that Stuart has taken Lester’s wife as a client, scooping her out from under Ted’s wings. But that’s just the beginning.

Not only does Stuart steal his client, but Ted soon finds out that his father also made Stuart his executor. That means informing Ted of his low-life father’s decision to have himself buried next to Eddie, the child he willingly sacrificed to the mob to save himself.

This newfound knowledge ravages Ted, breaking through the facade he has built up, teetering on unprofessionalism as he uses his feelings toward Stuart in his back-and-forths while representing Lester. 

It’s an aspect that allows viewers to learn more about the backstory between Stuart and him and where precisely the two fell out. That said, it isn’t one of the more entertaining aspects of the episode.

The only beneficial aspect of this new expansion is the continued spotlight on Ted’s emotional side.

With a character that spends most of his time being stone-cold and constantly reacting with some rage, it’s essential to provide something of real depth to which an audience can attach itself. That’s just what Eddie’s death does for Ted. Without that driving force behind him, there isn’t much to root for in the character yet.

Innocent After All?

Even amid a clashing of metaphorical swords between Ted and Stuart, Ted doesn’t allow that to take his eye off the prize: Lester’s court-ordered innocence.

Lester’s wife, Val, is now seeking a divorce, and the two endure a series of heated negotiations to determine what she’ll get when it’s all said and done. But with no prenuptial agreement signed, words grow tense quickly before Ted reminds Lester nothing is worth his life.

With his back against the wall, Lester agrees to provide Val with half of what he’s acquired during their marriage. That is until discoveries are released to the media.

After multiple attempts to prove his guilt, the latest attempt features a leaked photo of Lester seemingly staring down his wife and best friend as they cozy up.

Let’s be honest: with his quick-to-anger attitude and his less-than-honest interactions up to this point, things don’t look good for him.

However, Val ultimately helps prove that Lester is telling the truth. The photo does show him lurking, but after remembering Lester is blind in his left eye, she realizes he has been honest all along.

While there’s no concrete evidence of his guilt so far, the lengths celebrities will go to keep their name clean is unimaginable. It feels like a bomb is waiting to drop rather than Lester being cleared of all charges.

Who Run the World? Girls

While Ted’s face is buried in legal drama with Lester’s murder case, it provides ample opportunity for Erica to continue fostering her newfound working relationship with Leah.

Consistency is key when attempting to achieve any goal. That’s why it’s so enjoyable to watch the interactions and bond between Erica and Leah grow.

Moving on from Dylan Pryor, Erica’s newest challenge is Brian Baumgartner, who is seeking help transitioning from comedic roles to more Oscar-worthy outings.

The twist? He wants inside knowledge about the business transition from esteemed actor Tom Hanks. As Erica continues to navigate the head of the entertainment world while knowing very little about film and television, Leah swoops into the rescue.

Her persistence, knowledge, love of film, and dedication to making Erica look great allow them to come out victorious. With Tom Hanks an unattainable feat, Leah combs through Ted’s list of clients and finds another suitor worthy of the job: Patton Oswalt.

Baumgartner and Oswalt are masterclass actors in any genre they wish to command, and that’s no different here.

Their scenes together are relatively short but memorable, as Oswalt’s offensive comments light the fire in Baumgartner to put his money where his mouth is after their encounter. Rather than waiting for roles to come to him, he’s taking the necessary steps to show he can do more than comedy by joining an off-Broadway play.

Baumgartner: Well, I don’t know if you’re gonna think it’s okay or not, but, frankly, I don’t care. I’m taking a lead dramatic role in an off-Broadway play.

Erica: Is this because of Patton Oswalt?

Baumgartner: Yeah, that pompous little son of a bitch. He told me that I don’t have the talent. Well, I’m gonna show him, and I’m gonna show you because if all you see is Kevin Malone, then you don’t know a goddamn thing.

Having real-life actors make guest appearances and taking on roles that counter their authentic selves is one of the best decisions the series could have made. It brings a sense of freshness to a series that feels like it’s been done before in Hollywood so many times already.

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Suits: LA is officially three episodes in, and so far, Lex Scott Davis and Alice Lee are the best things to come from it. It’s a consistent pattern that I hope doesn’t fade as the season continues.

Stray Thoughts:

• Erica’s late-night call to inform Leah of how well she’s been doing and how thankful she is that they took a chance on each other is precious. The character progression between the two is lovely to watch on screen.
• Erica’s attempt of the Carlton dance is such a light, heartfelt, and fun moment that I had to replay it a few times.
• It’ll be interesting to see which side Rick ends up on. While he may work for Stuart and Samantha now, his loyalties potentially still lie with Ted.

What did you think of this episode of Suits: LA? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

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Suits: LA airs Sundays at 9/8c on NBC.

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