Stephen Amell, the leading man of the recently canceled series 'Suits LA,' has publicly embraced accountability for the show's premature end. He suggests that despite various underlying production challenges and creative differences, it was his ultimate responsibility as the protagonist to deliver a performance that could have salvaged the series. Amell's candid reflection offers a rare glimpse into the pressures faced by lead actors and the complex dynamics between creative vision and network expectations in the television industry.
Amell's Candid Admission: Acknowledging 'Suits LA's' Failure
Stephen Amell, star of the short-lived series 'Suits LA,' recently opened up about the show's cancellation, candidly admitting his personal responsibility during an appearance on the 'Inside of You with Michael Rosenbaum' podcast. Amell expressed that he views any project concluding not on one's own terms as a failure, attributing the show's lack of success to its inherent weaknesses. He confessed to noticing various issues during the early stages of production but ultimately believes the blame rests with him for not being able to overcome these obstacles through his performance.
Amell elaborated that as the lead actor, he carries the burden of a show's success or failure. He stated that if a series thrives, the lead receives a disproportionate amount of credit, and therefore, it is only fair to accept responsibility when it falters. He acknowledged that his portrayal of Ted Black did not possess the magnetic or charismatic qualities necessary to mask the show's flaws and keep it going. This self-critical assessment highlights the immense pressure on central figures in television productions to not only perform their roles but also to elevate the entire project.
Creative Clashes and Unmet Expectations
Amell's reflections extended beyond his own performance, hinting at deeper creative conflicts that plagued 'Suits LA.' He recalled an experience watching the pilot of 'Arrow,' his previous successful venture, feeling a strong sense of confidence in its potential. In stark contrast, after viewing the 'Suits LA' pilot, he and series creator Aaron Korsh harbored doubts about its viability, suggesting an early misalignment of expectations.
The actor further alluded to a struggle between Korsh's creative vision and NBC's network directives. While refraining from speculating on specific details due to his distance from those discussions, Amell observed a clear divergence in what the creator intended and what the network desired. This creative tension, he implied, likely contributed to the show's inability to find its footing and resonate with audiences, ultimately leading to its cancellation before a full season could even air. The network, through its President of Programming Strategy, Jeff Bader, later confirmed the show's cancellation was due to its failure to resonate and show potential for future growth.