Manuel Garcia-Rulfo reprises his role as the adept attorney Mickey Haller in the third season of “The Lincoln Lawyer” on Netflix. This series, adapted from Michael Connelly’s novels, was brought to television by David E. Kelley and developed by Ted Humphrey. Mickey Haller, a defense attorney in Los Angeles, is known for his work from a chauffeur-driven Lincoln Navigator. The upcoming season’s case is based on “The Gods of Guilt,” the fifth book in the series.
Season 3 also sees the return of Mickey’s team, which includes a lawyer in training and office manager Lorna (Becki Newton), m muscle Cisco (Angus Sampson), and his driver Izzy (Jazz Raycole). Also back for Season 3 are Mickey’s frenemy and fellow lawyer Andrea (Yaya DaCosta), his mentor David (Elliot Gould), ex-wife Maggie (Neve Campbell), and daughter Hayley (Krista Warner). New cast additions include rouge ex-cop Neil Bishop (Holt McCallany) and Julian’s significant other David (Wolé Parks).
When we last encountered Mickey Haller, he was in consultation with a new client, Julian La Cosse (portrayed by Devon Graye), who operates as an electronic pimp involved in website management and facilitating liaisons. La Cosse stands accused of the murder of Giselle Dallinger (portrayed by Fiona Rene). Naturally, Julian claims he is innocent and throws Mickey a curve ball with the revelation that Giselle told him to call Mickey if he ever needed help. Skeptical at first, Mickey soon learns that Giselle is also his old friend Gloria, who is known as Glory Days.
With the number of twists in the show’s junior season, I want to keep my review as a spoiler as possible. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo continues to excel as our lead, showing in and out of the courtroom. The show’s strength is in the actor’s humanizing of Mickey, whether in the courtroom or indulging as a foodie.
The supporting cast who make up his law office is also good, with nearly everyone having a subplot but never overshadowing the case. I also commend the writers for not giving Haller plot armor. Mickey falters a few times this season, and we see his legal mind work its way out of the dilemma. The plot is complex but tight, and then it works with a fury. I was engaged throughout the season, but the final moments of episode 6 are when things become gripping. Furthermore, some personal aspects of the story serve as a side plot, including a new romance for Mr. Haller.
Season 3 of “The Lincoln Lawyer” is another winner, and Mickey is always looking for personal redemption and a legal victory. If I had one gripe about the show, I have to wait so long for Season 4. While this season does end on a cliffhanger, fans of the book series will immediately rejoice as they know where things are going.
Final Grade: B+
Season 3 of “The Lincoln Lawyer” premieres tomorrow on Netflix.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.