The Lincoln Lawyer season 2 on Netflix keeps the viewers in Mickey’s corner.
An indicator of success for a series is the depth of concern the viewers have for its main character. We were all cheering for the Lincoln Lawyer Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) in season 1 as he worked his way back into the legal profession after a bout with addiction. His steadfast fight to free his imprisoned innocent client Jesús Menendez was inspiring. The audience wanted to see Mickey succeed against the many obstacles he was facing including multiple incidents of corruption associated with the Trevor Elliott trial. And succeed, he did!
Season 2 delivers a newer, shinier version of Mickey. He is now on top, gracing the covers of a magazine and the L.A. Times newspaper. Winning a high-profile case in season 1 has afforded the Lincoln Lawyer a notable spot on the legal map. There are renovations to the office and new clients flooding the phones for office manager (and promising law school student) Lorna (Becki Newton).
In season 1, viewers want to see a comeback for Mickey. How far can he climb? Season 2 has the audience perhaps more concerned about how far Mickey might fall. But that is the key. The audience does care about Mickey. Despite some questionable choices and a client that we are not sure that we can trust, we truly want Mickey to succeed.
Investment in the characters
Mickey is by no means the only character in whom we are invested. The stories of Lorna, investigator Cisco, driver Izzy and ex-wife Maggie are also heavy on our hearts.
The emotions we feel for all the characters is surely a reflection of a great series. We are excited for Lorna’s return to law school and are impressed with her ability to juggle classes and the growing practice. Seeing Cisco (Angus Sampson) entangled with the Road Saints motorcycle club makes us uneasy. When Izzy (Jazz Raycole) considers new opportunities, we are nervous for her and what that might mean for the Haller & Associates family and her continued recovery.
Viewers will likely find themselves feeling bad for Maggie having been recently demoted to the Van Nuys office. Of course, the audience is unlikely to place any blame on Mickey’s role in that decision, but we still want good things for Maggie and her current predicament feels unfair.
Investment in relationships
Cisco and Lorna are in the midst of wedding plans. Tiny powerhouse Lorna and big, burly teddy bear Cisco make a great couple. There may be a few obstacles in their way, but we want to see this union made official. I think we will always be a little nervous for Izzy’s relationships after a close call with relapse with her ex girlfriend Ray last season. Viewers are extremely proud of Izzy for not getting pulled back into the drug scene. Izzy and Mickey both solidly have each other’s backs in that area. With that said, we would hate to see Izzy get burned.
The viewers may not be exactly sure what we want for Mickey and Maggie, but I am completely enamored with their flirtations. Even while dating other people, their good-natured teasing sometimes makes us blush. One thing we know for sure is that we are invested in their success with co-parenting. Maybe they will never be a couple again in the romantic sense, but we need them to be united in their care for their daughter.
Speaking of dating other people, we may not be sure where we stand with newcomer Lisa Trammell (Lana Parrilla). There are a few proverbial red flags in sight. But the main takeaway is our concern for Mickey’s well-being. The fact that we might even question if someone is “good enough” for Mickey speaks volumes about our investment in our leading man.
Investment in learning
The Lincoln Lawyer has a unique ability to make the drudgery of the legal process compelling. Smart is sexy, right? Look no further than the fascinating episode last season devoted to jury selection of all things!
Of course, I am sure there are plenty of legal experts who enjoy the series. But for those of us on the novice side of the aisle, it feels good to make that leap in understanding what is at stake during each part of the process. From arraignment to hearing to trial and so on, we feel empowered when it starts to make sense. And that knowledge makes the story even richer.
Kudos to the writers and showrunners for that balancing act. They find a way to sneak in enough education on the topics at hand to keep us invested in the dramatic twists and turns at play.
This review is based on The Lincoln Lawyer season 2 episodes 1 -5.
Part one of The Lincoln Lawyer (episodes 1 – 5) is now available on Netflix. The second half of the season (episodes 6 – 10) will arrive to the streaming service on August 3rd. Viewers can look forward to another compelling run that is energetically paced with a great soundtrack to match.
Be sure to tune in to our Lincoln Lawyer-themed podcast, the Lincoln Law Pod, for episodic recaps, cast interviews and insights from The Lincoln Lawyer showrunners.
ICYMI: The Lincoln Lawyer: Exclusive season 2 news from showrunners (somanyshows.com)
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