What Is the Story About?
Netflix series ‘The Lincoln Lawyer’ centres on Michael ‘Mickey’ Haller, a down-and-out defense attorney in LA. Mickey’s not had any case for a year and a half, owing to debilitating personal circumstances. When a lawyer friend is shot dead, Mickey inherits his entire practice, including the high profile case of a video game tech genius, accused of murdering his wife and her lover. Mickey is grateful for a second shot at his defense attorney career, but the case opens up a can of worms that may even cost him his life.
Performances?
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo takes some time to settle into the role of the cocky and confident defense attorney, Mickey Haller. But once he does, he’s terrific in it. His understated performance single-handedly carries the series on its shoulders. Neve Campbell is great in whatever role she picks up; and she brings the same efficiency to her role of public prosecutor Maggie McPherson, also Mickey’s first wife.
Becki Newton, as Lorna, Mickey’s assistant, and also second wife; Angus Sampson as Cisco; Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine as Detective Griggs; Jazz Raycole as Izzie; Christopher Gorham as Trevor Elliott, the tech genius, are all worthy, dependable additions to the well-cast show.
Analysis
The Lincoln Lawyer is based on Michael Connelly’s bestselling series of books. Its creators are David E. Kelly (L.A. Law, Ally McBeal, Big Little Lies), and Ted Humphrey (The Good Wife), two of the best minds in the business, especially in the legal procedural/courtroom drama genre. Given the pedigree of the people behind the series, it is a foregone conclusion that some of that glitter of expertise will have rubbed off on The Lincoln Lawyer. The series is thus engaging, entertaining and manages to keep the viewer’s attention from wavering.
The Lincoln Lawyer starts slow and jittery, not quite able to get into its groove. However, a couple of episodes in, it gains in assuredness and credence. The story moves ahead at a fast clip, its narrative fluid, its touch, light. Full marks to the lead, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo for much of the above. He eases into character with effortless skill, lending a cool, understated charm to the proceedings.
The series has its share of flaws – glaring loopholes, niggling loose ends, an odd repetitiveness in the storytelling. Yet, the amenable characters, and timely twists and turns cover up whatever foibles raise their head time and again.
The story drags a bit mid series. The Philipino human trafficker subplot bogs down the pace of the narrative and serves as an exasperating distraction to the primary plot. Add to it the fact that you never find yourself invested in the goings-on in Soto and his girlfriend’s life. Yet, the subplot is an important element to take Mickey and Maggie’s story forward, hence a necessary evil. The missing jury member subplot is another messy bit in the overall narrative, which doesn’t quite land the way the writers may have envisioned it.
The series regains its mojo in the final two episodes. The final twist, especially, helps to end the season with a flourish. And the final shot ensures viewers have a lot to look forward to in the new season, if there is one.
To sum it up, The Lincoln Lawyer gives strong Bosch vibes – it could be the country cousin of the Prime Video series. Or maybe a step sibling! For those who don’t know, both Mickey Haller and Harry Bosch are Micheal Connelly creations, and half brothers in the Connelly universe. Both are sired by the same father, Michael Haller Senior.
All said and done, The Lincoln Lawyer is quite watchable and a largely entertaining series.
Music and Other Departments?
David Buckley’s upbeat background score complements the storytelling perfectly. The cinematography is average, the editing, efficient
Highlights?
The well-cast characters
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo’s performance
The overall quality of storytelling
Drawbacks?
Has its share of messy bits
Draggy in places
Unimpressive subplots
Did I Enjoy It?
Yes, mostly
Will You Recommend It?
Yes, for fans of legal procedurals and crime dramas.
The Lincoln Lawyer Series Review by Binged Bureau
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