Suits LA brings in well-known guest stars for its third episode, featuring The Office star Brian Baumgartner and actor Patton Oswalt. Both actors make an appearance in Ted’s (Stephen Amell) office, adding a layer of humor and entertainment to the episode.
The storyline feels similar to something from Entourage, but that may not be a bad thing. If Suits LA focused more on lighthearted and outrageous situations rather than trying to be a serious legal drama, it could become even more enjoyable.
There is no reason to complain, though! This episode fills in some missing details left unanswered by the pilot. Flashbacks reveal the depth of Ted’s friendship with Stuart (Josh McDermitt) and provide more information about Eddie’s (Carson A. Egan) death. In the present, Ted and Stuart’s relationship becomes even more complicated.
As they face off again, Stuart shares some surprising news—he has been given an important role in Ted’s personal affairs. These new details help clarify the relationships between the characters, although Ted himself remains a mystery. Suits LA is still figuring out what kind of show it wants to be, and fans are sticking around to see how it develops.
Also Read: ‘Suits LA’ Episode 2 Recap: Episode 2 Finds Its Footing With Tense Legal Battles
Erica’s Unbelievable Movie Knowledge and a Hilarious Dance
Erica (Lex Scott Davis) and Leah (Alice Lee) have a meeting with Ted’s client, Brian Baumgartner. The actor plays a version of himself, hoping to leave behind his well-known character, Kevin Malone from The Office. He makes it clear that he wants to be taken seriously and is determined to transition from comedy to dramatic roles. He even says, “I want to kill Kevin Malone,” emphasizing how much he wants to move on.
Brian’s idea for achieving success in serious roles is to talk to legendary actors like Robin Williams, Jamie Foxx, or Tom Hanks about their career transitions. Unfortunately, Robin Williams is no longer alive, and Jamie Foxx is out of Suits LA’s budget. That leaves Tom Hanks, but viewers should not get too excited—NBC can mention him because he is already part of the network, narrating The Americas, which airs before Suits LA.
Brian is not entirely thrilled about this strategy. It is similar to what Justin Timberlake did in 2010 when he tried to get an Oscar nomination for The Social Network. Since Suits LA does not have access to Tom Hanks, Leah suggests Alfonso Ribeiro as an example of an actor who has successfully reinvented himself.
This leads to Erica attempting the famous Carlton dance, a moment that will be difficult to forget. It is unclear why Lex Scott Davis had to do it, but hopefully, she found a way to move past it.
Patton Oswalt Joins the Fun
Leah looks through Ted’s client list and finds someone more suitable for Brian to talk to—Patton Oswalt. He is a versatile actor and fits within the show’s budget. However, things do not go as planned. Patton does not believe Brian can become a serious actor, leading to a heated argument between them.
They argue about whether Kevin Malone or Remy from Ratatouille is a more prestigious IMDb credit. The disagreement ends with Brian storming out and threatening to fire Erica if she does not get him what he wants next time.
Erica, however, is always thinking ahead. She had already told Patton to provoke Brian, knowing that a push in the right direction would help him take action. The plan works—Brian secures a lead role in an off-Broadway play. He just needed a reason to put himself out there, and Erica made sure he got it. This storyline proves that Suits LA can be fun when it chooses to be, rather than being weighed down by unnecessary drama.
A Murder Trial Turns Into a Divorce Battle
Ted and Kevin (Troy Winbush) have to break some tough news to Lester (Kevin Weisman). They inform him that his wife has been having an affair with his business partner. Lester reacts badly, becoming furious and smashing up his office.
Things do not improve when Ted tries to talk to Lester’s wife, Valerie (Kristen Hager). She refuses to speak about Lester or her relationship with Simon, her husband’s business partner. Her lawyer has advised her not to say anything unless he is present. That lawyer happens to be Stuart Lane, making things even more complicated.
Lester and Valerie are getting a divorce, meaning Ted and Stuart will be facing each other in the negotiations. It seems like legal specialties do not matter in this show since they both act as divorce attorneys, even though that is not their expertise.
Ted and Stuart’s Complicated Past
Ted and Stuart did not always dislike each other. Flashbacks show that they were once close friends. Stuart started his career in corporate law, but everything changed when Ted convinced him to defend a key witness in a mob-related case. Ted managed to persuade Stuart by buying him an expensive pastrami sandwich. Stuart was an excellent corporate lawyer, and he became a skilled defense attorney because Ted asked him to.
During the flashbacks, Stuart takes on the case, arguing that the witness should serve time in Hawaii. He expects Ted to counter with Miami, but Ted refuses to negotiate. Stuart then reveals that the witness knows something shocking—Ted’s father was connected to the very mobster that Ted was trying to bring down.
If this information came out, Ted’s career in the Justice Department would be ruined. Stuart tries to protect Ted’s reputation by pretending to be the one who is secretly working for the mob. He sees Ted as a brother, but Ted does not appreciate the gesture.
Divorce Negotiations Get Heated
At the mediation, Ted forgets his client’s best interests and uses the session as an opportunity to insult Stuart. Lester finally reminds Ted to focus, and they reach a settlement. Valerie gets half of the assets in exchange for supporting Lester during his murder trial. Ted still cannot resist commenting on her betrayal, though his words are really aimed at Stuart. Then, Ted storms out in frustration.
A compromising photo forces everyone back to the negotiation table. The image suggests that Lester might have known about the affair all along. Ted gives Lester a pep talk, and he returns with a more understanding attitude. Lester proves that he was unaware of the affair because he was not wearing his glasses in the photo.
Despite everything, he chooses to give Valerie what she wants, even arranging a major film role for her as a sign that he still believes in her. She agrees to support him in court, strengthening both his marriage and his chances in the trial.
Meanwhile, Rick (Bryan Greenberg) gets promoted to Head of Entertainment at his firm. His first task is to fire three lawyers, but he finds a way to pass the test without actually firing anyone.
His excitement fades when he learns that Ted’s father died. Seeing his mentor struggle with grief reminds Rick of his past decisions. Erica refuses to comfort him, but their conversation hints that there is still chemistry between them.
A Farewell at the Graveyard
Ted’s father’s burial is a significant moment. The final set of flashbacks reveals that Eddie was killed before Ted left New York, not during their childhood. Stuart was present in Eddie’s final days, proving how close they all were.
In the present, Stuart’s psychiatrist wife encourages him to confront his emotions about his history with Ted. Stuart listens and takes action. He arranges for Ted to be sent to the burial. Ted refuses at first, but a vision of Eddie at his kitchen table convinces him to go.
When he arrives, he finds Stuart already there, paying his respects. In a moving moment, Ghost Eddie stands with Stuart as the casket is lowered. Ted remains isolated, but perhaps this experience will push him to reflect on his choices.
Ted’s Struggles and Suits LA’s Potential Moving Forward
Suits LA Episode 3 brings humor, tension, and emotional depth, showing that the show can balance drama and entertainment. The guest appearances of Brian Baumgartner and Patton Oswalt add lighthearted moments, proving that the series shines when it embraces its fun side.
At the same time, the growing conflict between Ted and Stuart adds complexity to the story. The flashbacks reveal key moments from their past, making their current rivalry even more intense.
Ted’s personal struggles continue, especially after learning about his father’s death. His anger issues, unresolved grief, and isolation make him a flawed but interesting character. Meanwhile, the show’s legal cases remain unconventional, blending personal conflicts with courtroom drama.
If Suits LA leans into its strengths—sharp character dynamics and unexpected humor—it could develop into something unique. The episode ends with Ted standing alone, but whether he will grow from his experiences remains to be seen.
Suits LA airs Sundays at 9 PM on NBC, with episodes available on Peacock the next day.
