Warning: This post contains mild spoilers for Suits LA season 1, episode 2

Suits LA episode 2 is more muted than the premiere episode, though it continues to establish a larger narrative for the season overall. After the reveal that Ted Black's brother is no longer alive, attention shifts to what really happened in New York, and how Ted's brother Eddie died. However, Ted is still dealing with the fallout from his partner's betrayal, and working hard to keep his firm afloat.

The episode picks up where Suits LA episode 1 left off, with the reorganized Black & Associates office scrambling to keep the situation contained. Ted's friend and business partner, Stuart Lane, cut him out of the merger with another large LA-based firm, but that won't stop Ted from putting up a fight. Backed by Erica Rollins, a promising young lawyer who has been promoted to Head of Entertainment, Ted needs to get his firm in order, and that means getting both the Entertainment and Criminal divisions under wraps.

Suits LA Is Still Finding Its Feet In Episode 2

After an explosive first episode, the energy is a lot lower in episode 2. As Ted deals with the fallout, several plot points need to be established. Unfortunately, with Stuart Lane and Rick Dodson both out of the main office, there's a distance between the characters. It's unclear where the story will go from here, but there will hopefully be more opportunities for Ted and Stuart to bump heads, while Rick and Erica continue to put their skills to the test in a more competitive manner.

After an explosive first episode, with multiple huge twists, the energy is a lot lower in episode 2.

As far as episode 2 is concerned, it definitely dropped off from the first episode. Fortunately, some other characters are stepping up to fill vacancies in Black's firm and tensions rise as Ted puts his focus on the criminal side he has been avoiding since New York. All things considered, it's not a bad episode, but it needs to step up. After the premiere went all in, Suits LA then took the foot off the gas, which is not good for momentum.

One nice detail that brings the show further in alignment with its predecessor is the familiar theme song which debuts in episode 2. Suits LA is breaking new ground and expanding on an incredibly popular series, but there is still work to do. The cast has chemistry, and each actor delivers a compelling performance. However, there still needs to be more interaction and engagement between them to really make the show sing.

Suits LA Is Setting Up A Lot Of Fun Threads, But It Needs Clear Focus

It's clear that Ted is the center of attention on the show. Suits began with a laser focus on Harvey and Mike, but it got stronger when it began to lean on the ing cast more, including Louis Litt, Donna Paulsen, and Rachel Zane. These characters helped to flesh out the story and make the show more engaging. So far, it's clear Suits LA will have the same strength as it leans more on the cast surrounding Ted.

If the rest of Suits LA season 1 can find a way to pay more attention to the wider cast, things should improve.

Right now, though, Suits LA is facing a huge challenge as it attempts to set up a show that can match the excitement and intensity of Suits. The characters still need to be fleshed out. Separating at this critical moment feels risky, but with other characters appearing and brief glimpses of the core cast together, there is a chance it could pay off. Still, the show needs to find a way to focus and put more attention on the characters that drive the story.

So far, that is Ted, with his mysterious backstory consuming the plot, but others like Stuart, Erica, and Rick all need a chance to shine. If the rest of Suits LA season 1 can find a way to pay more attention to the wider cast, things should improve. Despite the drop-off between episodes 1 and 2, and with plenty of episodes remaining in the season, there is time to make Suits LA stand out.

Episodes of Suits LA air weekly on Sundays at 9pm ET on NBC.