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.
For their second single, the group presented a ballad entitled “Feels Like The First Time.” Once again, Greene handles the lyrics, while Neville Hodge is responsible for production duties. Greene begins the song with robust energy, proclaiming his love for the lady. Greene’s group members provide stellar work on the background vocals, and the songs eschew nineties R&B without going into crass vulgarity.
The ballad was composed by Michael Masser and lyricist Gerry Goffin, and it was first recorded by Dionne Warwick in 1981. Eight years later, Natalie Cole covered the song, shortening the title. It became the fourth single from her twelfth album, “Good to Be Back.”
Braxton’s vocal talent is perfect on the standards “Christmas Time Is Here,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and “The Christmas Song.” However, like any good R&B Christmas album, it is the soulful yuletide bops where Braxton truly shines. The album’s first single, “Snowflakes of Love,” is instrumental of Earl Klugh’s “Now We’re One”. Braxton’s lush vocals encapsulate the warmth and joy of romantic love amidst a wintery backdrop.