The Lincoln Lawyer

Let's face it, the new TV series The Lincoln Lawyer doesn't measure up to the film version, just as Manuel Garcia-Rulfo doesn't measure up to the original Mickey Haller played by the perfect McConaughey. But let's be honest, did anyone really expect it to be better? The series sticks to familiar patterns and doesn't try to break the mold, knowing that casting a likable lead is enough (as I mentioned, Garcia-Rulfo may not have the same acting talent as his colleague, but no one can deny his charisma... and that's enough for me). Add the sunny LA setting, and you have a solid, old-school light entertainment. The story might not be groundbreaking, but I enjoyed the subplot involving the two ex-wives, especially Becki Newton, who brought a kind of unflagging zest for life to her scenes. If there’s a second season, I’d be happy to watch it. It’s not earth-shattering, but as a light diversion, it works perfectly! 6.5/10 (12/06/2022)

With Haller falling under Netflix, the option of a "Connelly universe" where they would meet Amazon's Bosch fell through. That is actually the biggest downside (especially the unintentionally ridiculous "wannabe Harry's replacement"), which is not to say that the creators of The Lincoln Lawyer don't have room for improvement; they certainly do. While the casting of Mickey is pretty much on the spot, the cast around him isn't particularly memorable. The whole first season could have been done in eight (if not fewer) episodes instead of ten, and the genius loci of Los Angeles should have played a much bigger role than just "pretty pictures". The fact that it didn't have to be so criminally predictable is partly a matter of the source material, but the changes didn't help in this regard. But it is entertaining, and there is undeniably a lot to build on (and not only in the number and quality of the script). There is also Bosch, who has hit the nail on the head in everything, while the creators of The Lincoln Lawyer are (so far) tapping the nail on the head rather tentatively. But on its own, as "a bit of a crime drama and a bit of a legal drama", it was more than solid the first time. | S1: 4/5 | (23/05/2022)

Season 1: The Lincoln Lawyer is a great "loose sequel" to the namesake 2011 film, which was already the absolute pinnacle of the crime-courtroom drama genre, and it's the same here. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo in the lead role of the lawyer is brilliant, he’s a perfect fit and I could easily buy him being a real lawyer. The plot around him is engaging, fun to watch and at the same time sufficiently convoluted with lots of mini-lines around that main storyline, and not only does it manage to be engaging in the investigative stuff around it, but especially in the second half when the series gets to the courtroom, it is literally breathtaking in places (the jury selection scene is excellent!!). The suspense, a bit of supporting action and besides all the above mentioned, I enjoyed all the intrigue, deceit and fictional peeing from all sides, just a classic courtroom drama as it should be! Season 2: During the first two episodes I wondered for a while if the second season would be as good, engaging and legally polished as the first, but by the third episode I was sure it would. The new season is in the same entertaining and engaging vein, with the story being gradually revealed through the presentation of new evidence, fictional witness statements and Haller's amazing legal tricks over and over again. I loved the main murder case, the return of old characters and, most importantly, it all goes off in one breath, so I can't complain about anything and the second season is simply brilliant too. (12/05/2023)