For those suffering from the inability to binge Bosch: Legacy, try The Lincoln Lawyer. One might argue that Mickey Haller is Harry Bosch as a criminal defense attorney. Given that both characters come from the mind of author Michael Connelly, any similarity is likely purely intentional. After all, they are half-brothers. Most of you will remember the 2011 The Lincoln Lawyer starring Matthew McConaughey, moderately successful earning $87 million on a $40 million budget. Now, on Netflix, you get ten-episodes based on the novel The Brass Verdict.
Was it a legitimate concern that series creator David E. Kelley would turn The Lincoln Lawyer into an Ally McBeal-type farce? Probably, especially since ex-Wife#1 (Maggie) works as an ADA and ex-wife#2 (Lorna) is his assistant. In addition, Lorna’s new boyfriend is Haller’s investigator. Still, Kelley and Co. keep the show a drama, though humor percolates up top from time to time. Of course, the Los Angeles setting provides plenty of opportunity for quirky characters, bizarre crimes, and lots of driving. Now, more up-to date, Haller owns at least three Lincolns, license plates NTGUILTY, DMISSED, and IWALKEM. When on his game, Mickey Haller is the best and he knows it. I give The Lincoln Lawyer 4.0 Gavels and it receives a 76% Rotten Tomatoes rating with an equal 7.6/10 IMDb score.
Plot
A surfing accident and subsequent addiction to Oxycontin sidelines Haller for 18 months. Upon the murder of a fellow defense attorney, Haller learns the decedent left his entire practice to him, including a high-profile double homicide case starting in ten days. Parallax CEO Trevor Elliott found his wife and lover shot to death in his home. Elliott covered in gunshot residue, the police make an immediate arrest. Elliott will agree to Haller’s representation but only on the condition that the case not be continued. Meanwhile, Maggie McPherson seeks to indict a human trafficker. Her lead investigator, Det. Lankford has a history with Haller. And, her boss is running for DA.
Actors
In Sicario: Day of the Soldado, Greyhound, Widows, and Goliath, why isn’t Manuel Garcia-Rulfo a household name? Haller eschews publicity; he is not a celebrity lawyer. Perhaps Garcia-Rulfo is not a celebrity actor? Neve Campbell (Scream, Wild Things) and Becki Newton fight for Haller’s attention as Maggie and Lorna, respectively. Former biker-gang member Cisco (Angus Sampson) plays Lorna’s boyfriend/investigator, always good for a surprise or two.
Final Thoughts
Similarities of Bosch and The Lincoln Lawyer include a dynamic view of LA from their residences and each have a daughter. Most disappointingly, plans include no crossover since they are on different streaming services. Drat! Characters galore, as in Bosch, expect minor players to pop up again later in the story in key twists.
“Some 10-episode shows seem stretched out, but ‘The Lincoln Lawyer‘ is fast-moving and packed with incident. Yet Mickey’s personal life is also well developed.” San Francisco Chronicle
“No objection here if Netflix wants to provide a well-acted throwback series complete with likable anti-heroes and colorful suspects.” Chicago Sun-Times
Connelly does a great job allowing his characters to grow. I expect this series to get better as the seasons progress. Now, work out a cross-over agreement with Amazon Prime.
