What a lovely, empowering moment for Suits LA viewers! In episode 7, Good Times, the show did far more than mere token end-credits homage—it wrote an entire episode paying tribute to the memory of the wonderful John Amos.
Contrary to some early online reports, Amos did, in fact, have a cameo in the Suits LA premiere as himself and appeared in the cast as one of the celebrity clients of Ted Black. But in this seventh episode, months after the August 2024 death of Amos, the show leaned heavily in the direction of his real-life experience with a narrative, and a poignant tribute.
It was a tribute not just to a superstar entertainer but also an entire emotional framework for this week's show. From Ted Black and Rick Dodson's efforts to get John Amos a Hollywood Walk of Fame star, to characters looking back at Good Times reruns, the hour progressed as an authentic, story-contained tribute.
The tribute concluded with a screen dedication, yes, but its real power was in the script, the characters, and the implied respect that ghosted each scene.
John Amos's guest appearance in Suits LA
John Amos guest-starred one time as himself among lawyer Ted Black's client list of celebrities during the pilot for Suits LA, which aired on February 23, 2025. The guest appearance lent the show's concept its believability and reality check—existing as itself without breaking the viewer's flow. As fleeting as it was, it led to what became a posthumous homage afterward.
Episode 7 of Suits LA: A plot weaved with tribute
The seventh episode, which fittingly bore the title Good Times, devoted its entire story to Amos's legacy. When they hear the news of his death, characters Ted and Rick mobilize to get the deceased actor a Hollywood Walk of Fame star. It wasn't a subplot—it was the plot.
Their quest was emblematic of a greater discussion about honoring underappreciated cultural figures and advocating for the legacies they have left behind.
Some scenes in the episode also included characters viewing episodes of Good Times, discussing Amos's historical impact on the show and the values it taught. This provided a meta-element to the tribute, illustrating how showrunners and characters alike appreciate Amos's work.
The real-life death of John Amos
John Amos died in August, 2024, leaving behind a titanic presence on TV and film screens. He died mere months before the airing of Suits LA episode 7, and thus the show's tribute was both poignant and timely.
The writers of Suits LA grabbed the opportunity not only to write an obituary but also to highlight the actual impact Amos made on American society, i.e., how Black people and Black families were depicted on TV.
Why this tribute matters in the Suits universe
Although other occasional tributes are reserved for a final message, Suits LA incorporated its tribute to John Amos into the narrative of Episode 7. It is a deliberate and rare decision by the writers to blend storytelling with real-life tribute—offering viewers an unusual mix of fiction and tribute, rarely found in legal dramas.
It also demonstrates the Suits franchise's general commitment to character depth, sensitivity to culture, and respect for the pioneers of the industry. From the Walk of Fame sidebar to Good Times clips, it was an emotional story and farewell rolled into one. Rather than a passing allusion, it was an affectionate farewell to an actor who represented strength, justice, and integrity on and off-camera.
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Also read: Why did John Amos quit Good Times? Exploring the late actor's character in the CBS sitcom
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