Warning! Spoilers ahead for Suits LA episode 8, “Acapulco.”After weeks of anticipation, Harvey Specter finally makes an appearance in the present time in Suits LA, but his cameo also confirms the truth about his role in the show. “Acapulco” marks the first time that Gabriel Macht’s character resurfaces after the ending of Suits 6 years ago. For context, the USA Network show wrapped up with Harvey and Donna Paulsen getting married, and then subsequently deciding to move to Seattle and join Mike Ross and Rachel Zane’s smaller but more purpose-driven legal clinic. However, he gets involved with Ted Black’s current affairs in Suits LA.
Harvey’s appearance in Suits LA is primarily to establish a connection between it and the original show. It’s no secret that Suits‘ streaming resurgence in 2023 resulted in interest in seeing more from the legal franchise, particularly through a revival. However, since that isn’t possible, creator Aaron Korsh decided to expand the universe instead with the West Coast counterpart of Pearson Hardman. Macht’s first appearance as Harvey in Suits LA episode 4 was primarily through flashback sequences while Ted Black was in the middle of his Pellegrini. This changes in “Acapulco,” as Macht’s character visits his old friend in California.
Suits LA’s Marketing Repeatedly Teased Ted Black Reaching Out To Harvey For Help NOW
“Acapulco” Reveals How Harvey Got Involved In The Pellegrino Case
Up until Harvey’s present-time appearance in Suits LA, the spinoff has devoted all of his cameos to establishing his long-term friendship with Ted. Despite never being mentioned, let alone appearing in Suits, the offshoot has sold the idea that their relationship is too deep and strong for Harvey to come all the way to Los Angeles to help his friend in crisis. Marketing for Macht’s appearance, bar his actual scenes from the show, teased that Ted reaching out for assistance as he deals with issues in his firm. Considering the plot twist-ridden Suits LA premiere, this made sense.
Apparently, however, that isn’t the case in Suits LA episode 8 — at least in modern times. Ted did reach out to Harvey in the past for some information about Pellegrini, but he refused to because he didn’t want to get involved. He eventually turned around and gave his friend information about his case. In its current storytelling, however, Ted isn’t the one to call Harvey for help. Instead, New York’s former best closer takes it upon himself to fly to Los Angeles and recruit Suits LA‘s lead to deal with Pellegrini once and for all, as he is released from prison.
Harvey Initiating To Help Ted Is Much Better For Suits LA
Ted Teams Up Again With Harvey Unexpectedly
While marketing for Harvey’s role in Suits LA was misleading, this is actually a better way to approach his involvement. When the role of Ted Black was announced, he was billed as Harvey’s version on the West Coast. Unfortunately, Amell’s character has yet to prove his worth. As the lead, he is compelling, and his arc is interesting. However, Suits LA lives and dies with the success of Suits, so comparisons are inevitable. Ted is already seen as a weaker and less capable version of Harvey, and it doesn’t hurt that Suits LA starts with a string of problems for him.
Instead, Suits LA has Harvey take it upon himself to make sure that they won’t be in danger in light of Pellegrini getting out of jail.
Had Ted been the one to call up Harvey, the way Suits LA‘s marketing teased the cameo, it could have been seen as another sign of weakness for Amell’s character. While there’s no issue with him reaching out for help, the timing wouldn’t be right, as the spinoff has only started slowly building up the character. Instead, Suits LA has Harvey take it upon himself to make sure that they won’t be in danger in light of Pellegrini getting out of jail. It also reinforces the bond that the men have — something that Suits LA wants to emphasize.
What’s Next For Harvey & Ted’s Story In Suits LA
Suits Is Back In New York
Suits LA episode 8 ends with the pair catching up and even planning on going out. It’s unlikely that the show’s next outing will devote time to showing this part, although it would have been great to see them having drinks and just reminiscing about their earlier days. It’s more likely that Suits LA episode 9 will pick up with the pair either on their way or already in New York.
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For context, Macht is only confirmed to appear in a three-episode arc in the spinoff. “Acapulco” marks his second appearance in the show, which means that the next one will be his last. It’s curious how this whole Pellegrini case will wrap up, especually since Suits LA is also still slated to feature Louis Litt and Daniel Hardman following Harvey’s cameo.
Source: Gabriel Macht/Instagram
Suits LA
4/10
- Release Date
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February 23, 2025
- Writers
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Aaron Korsh
Cast
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josh mcdermitt
Stuart Lane
