Suits LA episode 4 should be great, but it just feels like more of the same as the plot meanders following an explosive premiere episode. Suits LA is struggling to find its place. Four episodes in, it hasn't managed to deliver anything gripping yet despite its best efforts to establish multiple narrative threads.

Ted and Erica work closely together to help a producer who is set to go on trial for murder. At the competing firm led by Ted's ex and his former best friend, a celebrity has gotten themselves into some hot water. The whole episode plays with a central idea to create cohesion, but this episode is sillier, less important, and simply dull when compared to the rest of the season so far.

Suits LA Doesn't Make A Compelling Case For Ted Black As A Character

Stephen Amell is by no means a bad actor. He has delivered in several high-profile roles and shown strengths in playing heroes and leading men. There are aspects of his performances that may appear a little monotone, but when channeled and applied correctly, this can be a strength. The issue is, Ted Black should be a more nuanced character and an engaging, charming lead in Suits LA. Ted is positioned as the replacement for Gabriel Macht's Harvey Specter, but he lacks the same charm and authority Macht brought to the role.

Scenes that are meant to make him worthy of empathy feel hollow and scenes where he is engaging jovially with colleagues end in serious tones, making the entire character fall flat.

This is particularly detrimental for Suits LA because Ted is meant to be leading the narrative. Instead, Ted is one of the least exciting people in the story and constantly distracts from other, more intriguing characters. Amell has played the charming, charismatic lead, but the way Ted Black is presented is simply unappealing. Scenes that are meant to make him worthy of empathy feel hollow and scenes where he is engaging jovially with colleagues end in serious tones, making the entire character fall flat.

Meanwhile, Rick Dodson and Erica Rollins steal the show every time they appear onscreen. Their wit, charm, and ability to transition into more harsh or serious moments provide them with versatility and fun in a way that Ted simply lacks. It's baffling why Ted has been designed in this way, as a one-note character who is almost always in a bad mood, and even when he is speaking kindly or positively, he does so in a way that makes him appear grumpy and flat.

The Big Mystery In Suits LA Isn't All That Mysterious

The show follows a couple of narrative threads, with characters having individual stories to chase, but the big mystery in Ted's life is no big secret. By episode 2, it's clear Ted is somehow responsible for getting his brother killed and he decides to move to LA and start over. Sure, the how remains a mystery, but that's a far less exciting or engaging pitch than actually working towards a mystery that remains hidden for much of the season's run.

Episode 4 is unfortunately a disappointing outing for Ted Black, and one that fails to take the story into any new or exciting places, despite what could have potentially been one of its strongest episodes.

Ted's secret so far feels unworthy of uncovering further. The shape of the facts is plain to see and it doesn't appear like there is much more of a story in it. Why this narrative gets the spotlight is a bigger mystery than the one Suits LA is trying to desperately hook us with. Ted worked as a prosecutor in New York, putting away bad guys. Then the mafia took a dislike to him. Now he lives in LA, and his brother was killed. The dots are simple to connect.

And yet, the whole show keeps on building towards a big reveal around this, which could end up being great and unexpected, but will likely just be some expansion on what has already been revealed. Episode 4 is unfortunately a disappointing outing for Ted Black, and one that fails to take the story to any new or exciting places, despite what could have potentially been one of its strongest episodes. Once again, Suits LA relies heavily on its ing cast to make the show halfway entertaining.

New episodes of Suits LA air each Sunday at 9pm ET on NBC.