Suits: LA Season 1 Episode 9 Review: Bat Signal

Ted and Harvey reconnect after a decade to make their final move against Pelligrini on Suits: LA Season 1 Episode 9, “Bat Signal.”

After spending the whole season jumping back and forth between timelines, Ted’s quest to put Pelligrini away for good catches up to the present.

After 15 years, Pelligrini is getting out of prison, but he can’t allow him to return to everyday life.

Meanwhile, new developments occur in Bowie’s case, causing a sense of dread for Stuart.

One Step Closer

With Pelligrini released from prison, Ted, Kevin, and Harvey team up to formulate a plan to put him back behind bars.

The three work as a trio to formulate a plan, tricking one of Pelligrini’s top men, Santoro, into turning on him. However, that’s not what makes their manipulation the sweetest.

The cherry on top of their plan is their ability to orchestrate everything, so not only does Pelligrini get what’s coming to him, but so does the person who took Eddie’s life, Santoro.

Santoro reveals that he accidentally blew Eddie up, intending to take Ted out instead. This new information provides one of the final missing pieces to the puzzle of Eddie’s death.

We know Santoro and Pelligrini murdered him, how it was done, and why, but there’s still one lingering question: why was Eddie there? It’s obvious Ted was supposed to be in his place, and on Suits: LA Season 1 Episode 3, “He Knew,” he calls his father out for sacrificing Eddie.

Now, all we have left to learn is the exact scenario that landed Eddie in Ted’s place and how their father played a part.

“Bat Signal” serves as one of the more entertaining episodes of the season for multiple reasons. One is the absolute diabolically comedic chemistry shared between Ted, Kevin, and Harvey.

Despite the serious nature of Harvey’s cameo, Suits: LA doesn’t allow that to damper the comedy that naturally erupts when he’s in the presence of Ted and Kevin.

Fun Character Development

As I previously mentioned, “Bat Signal” is undoubtedly one of the season’s best episodes for various reasons. Of course, Harvey Specter’s return is a primary factor for the high rating, but how they utilize his return is what makes it so special.

The audience has borne witness all season long as Ted deals with the grief of Eddie’s death and the part he played. As it turns out, though, he isn’t the only one holding on to that grief.

As it turns out, Harvey plays a much larger role than previously thought. Through his testimony on the stand in 2010, we discover he is why Pelligrini was sentenced to 25 years with parole after 15 years instead of life without parole.

While Harvey’s main job in his return is to help bring justice to Eddie’s death, his presence also provides tiny tidbits about the life of a beloved character for many.

Picking up after almost a decade in the timeline from when the original Suits aired its series finale, Harvey now has a child! While we don’t know much other than the fact, it is confirmed to be his and Donna’s kid.

The series provides a subtle nod hinting at their marriage and connection still being present, as Ted makes a joke about wearing Donna’s sweatpants.

A Drastic Turn

While Stuart’s case with Bowie initially revolves around a whistleblower, things take a drastic turn on “Bat Signal” when his client is arrested and the ADA brings murder charges against him.

However, unlike previous cases where Stuart had no inclination to drop his guilty clients, this time, he’s fighting tooth and nail not to let emotions overtake him and cut Bowie free. While he doesn’t mind defending criminals, it’s taken to another level when it’s believed he played a part in the whistleblower’s death.

From an audience perspective, it would be shocking if Bowie were innocent. That said, if his list of previous hits and alibis pans out, there could be a good possibility someone is trying to frame him.

No matter the outcome, it’s nice to see Josh McDermitt given material that allows him to tap into his abilities and showcase more elements of his acting range. Frankly, it’s boring to keep seeing Stuart in these whining fits and constantly fighting with Ted, Rick, or Samantha.

Stray Thoughts:

• While it’s not a critical point of the episode, I can’t get over the reveal that Erica and Rick have a sex tape. I need more development with these two stat!
• I was hoping for some spare crumbs regarding Amanda and Ted’s situationship, but I guess we’ll have to wait until next week.
• The Daniel Hardman cameo was a great touch on a more nostalgic-centric episode for Suits fans.

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

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