The Netflix series The Lincoln Lawyer is set to return for a final season that will conclude the story of Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo). However, this upcoming season will be the first without its pivotal character. Throughout Netflix’s adaptation of The Lincoln Lawyer, which translates Michael Connelly’s book series into a TV format following the 2011 film starring Matthew McConaughey, Mickey’s world has been richly developed. From his ex-wives Maggie (Neve Campbell) and Lorna (Becki Newton) to his staff, Cisco (Angus Sampson) and Izzy (Jazz Raycole), Mickey’s environment has been vibrant and dynamic.
Season 4 introduced a new character, Mickey’s previously unknown half-sister Emi Finch (Cobie Smulders), who is stepping into the role previously held by Harry Bosch from Connelly’s works. There remains much more to explore in Mickey’s narrative. Unfortunately, one character that viewers have grown attached to on The Lincoln Lawyer will not be returning for the final season. Despite significant changes already occurring in The Lincoln Lawyer season 5, audiences will need to accept that it will be the first season since the show’s inception that does not include David “Legal” Siegel (Elliott Gould).
Legal, who has been part of the series since its first season, was never the main character but played a crucial role in defining the identity of The Lincoln Lawyer. His death marks a significant departure from Connelly’s source material, and experiencing The Lincoln Lawyer without him will be challenging.
Elliott Gould’s Legal Was A Key Character For The Lincoln Lawyer’s First Four Seasons
Image via NetflixAlthough he wasn’t Mickey’s father, Elliott Gould’s Legal Siegel served as a father figure within the series. As Mickey’s father’s former legal partner, Legal provided invaluable mentorship throughout the show, especially as Mickey navigated his own practice and took on high-stakes cases. By offering stability for Mickey, he became an essential resource for both professional challenges and personal matters, adding warmth to the familial dynamic that The Lincoln Lawyer established among its core characters.
The relationship between Mickey and Legal often developed through cases Mickey was handling, yet the genuine concern Legal had for Mickey was evident. Providing a unique perspective, Legal emotionally grounded Mickey in ways that no one else could. As a poignant reminder of Mickey’s past connections, Legal fulfilled a specific role during his time on the show, and his unexpected death will create a void for Mickey to confront as he progresses in his life.
The Lincoln Lawyer Season 5 Can Bring Back Legal, But The Show Shouldn’t
While Legal may not be featured in The Lincoln Lawyer in a conventional manner, there is potential for the Netflix series to reintroduce Gould’s character in an unexpected way. The revival of departed characters is more feasible than it once was, so despite Legal’s death on the show and Gould’s unfortunate passing potentially excluding him from future episodes, a flashback could serve a meaningful purpose in The Lincoln Lawyer season 5. Given the emotional weight of Legal’s death, a flashback wouldn’t be surprising to see.
Even though it is possible to include such scenes, a flashback does not seem like a natural progression for The Lincoln Lawyer. The final season is already set to delve into Mickey’s legacy and navigate the next chapter of his life as he addresses personal and professional matters. While Legal will undoubtedly occupy his thoughts, revisiting the character does not appear essential to the narrative. It feels more aligned with The Lincoln Lawyer’s storytelling style for Mickey to reflect on Legal rather than having the show present viewers with specific moments from their past.
- Release Date
- 2022 – 2027-00-00
- Network
- Netflix
- Directors
- David E. Kelley
- Writers
- David E. Kelley
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo
Mickey Haller
