Season three of The Lincoln Lawyer is characterized by multiple time jumps and flashbacks that can create confusion regarding the timeline and the passage of time. This Netflix series, adapted from Michael Connelly’s novels, shines a light on the life of Mickey Haller, a private defense attorney navigating high-profile criminal cases alongside his team.
The third installment specifically draws from the book The Gods of Guilt, where Mickey defends Julian La Cosse, who is accused of murdering his previous client, Glory Days.
Building on the events of its second season finale, which set the stage for this storyline, season three frequently shifts through time rather than unfolding events in a straightforward manner. This narrative style may challenge viewers trying to keep track of events, duration, and actions occurring during these time skips. Yet, every aspect plays a pivotal role in the unfolding of the season’s climax.
In The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3: Understanding the Timeline
The central focus of season 3 is Julian La Cosse’s trial and eventual sentencing, commencing as Mickey takes on the case and concluding with a verdict of wrongful imprisonment.
In the second episode, it is revealed that Julian will be detained until the trial, given the special circumstances of his charges. While Mickey estimates Julian’s imprisonment at about eight months, the actual time spent is slightly longer.
There is a six-month gap between episodes two and three, during which Izzy mentions that the trial is still three months away. Furthermore, Lorna states she will have to wait an additional three months for her bar exam results.
At the onset of episode six, Mickey confirms that the trial is just two months away. By this point, Lorna is receiving her bar exam results, and the commencement of Julian’s trial looms. Ultimately, counting all durations involved, Julian spends nine months behind bars before his trial.
In the series finale, the timeline jumps forward by four months after the nine months, totaling a 13-month span post the dismissal of Julian’s charges. The series has previously showcased periods of time in a condensed fashion. Legal dramas often require these narrative gaps, as court proceedings typically unfold at a sluggish pace. It’s notable that most time skips occur off-screen, distinguishing this series from others.
What Happens Between Episodes 2 and 3 in The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3?
The first significant time jump within season three occurs between episodes two and three, marking a six-month interval filled with notable developments. The most prominent change is the burgeoning casual romantic relationship between Mickey and Andy.
To illustrate their evolving dynamic during this interval, Mickey later shares with Lorna how Andy previously distanced herself whenever he attempted to deepen their relationship.
Lorna likely completes her law degree during these six months, evidenced by her bar exam undertaking in the third episode. Additionally, Eddie’s character demonstrates substantial growth; initially anxious when he first began collaborating with Mickey, he appears visibly more content by the third episode, embracing new experiences and engaging with the rest of the team. This progression indicates Eddie’s increasing comfort within the team.
Flashback: Mickey Haller’s Initial Court Case Against Neil Bishop
In the opening flashback of season three, episode one, Mickey is seen enjoying a surf session before a court date. While Maggie visits him, they make plans for a date night. Their interactions reveal a warm bond, indicating the seriousness of their relationship only escalated after his departure from the public defender’s office.
In a subsequent flashback, Mickey confronts Neil Bishop, a detective at that time, about improperly executing a search warrant in a suspect’s residence. He finds incriminating evidence in a vehicle, having breached the law in the process.
By showcasing that Neil’s claim of finding the evidence in the garage is false, Mickey effectively establishes Bishop’s antagonism towards him, revealing the detective’s willingness to compromise justice for personal objectives.
Although Bishop initially operated under the pretenses of promoting justice, this leads down a slippery path—from accepting hush money to misleading courtroom statements and infringing on search protocols. Noteworthy is that he remained in his detective role for at least five years after this misconduct.
This premise is evidenced by his encounter with Agent De Marco at a double homicide case a decade prior to the events of season three. Bishop’s arc underscores a justice system willing to overlook misconduct among officers, echoing Legal Siegal’s assertion regarding the dangers posed by corrupt police officers.
Flashback: Mickey Haller’s Meeting with Glory Days
Previously a witness in the Jesus Menendez trial, Glory Days fled before her testimony. This backdrop is explored further in the flashback shown in episode two of season three.
Although this flashback doesn’t significantly advance the plot, it offers rich character development for both Mickey and Glory. During their first encounter, Mickey exhibits empathy towards Glory, potentially stemming from his own battles with addiction. Simultaneously, he reminds her of her vulnerable status, making it clear that her current condition may prevent others from believing her.
He extends an offer to help her detox, allowing her mental health to improve for her to eventually testify. This flashback reveals a more nuanced side to both characters: Glory appears more vulnerable than typical hardened portrayals, while Mickey sheds his usual façade of toughness.
Flashback: Agent De Marco’s Encounter with Neil Bishop
The season three finale features a flashback illustrating the first meeting between Neil Bishop and Agent De Marco. De Marco exploits Bishop’s weaknesses to coerce him into abandoning his investigation into a double homicide.
This scene ultimately unfolds the background for Bishop’s involvement in the tragic death of an innocent woman. Its purpose also extends to clarifying Bishop’s morally ambiguous actions leading up to the season’s closing events, as his animosity towards Mickey is rooted in both personal vendetta and past blackmail.
About The Lincoln Lawyer
The Lincoln Lawyer is an American legal drama TV series crafted by David E. Kelley and brought to life by Ted Humphrey, inspired by the literary works of Michael Connelly.
Starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as the titular Mickey Haller, the story follows the defense attorney as he operates out of a Lincoln Navigator instead of a traditional office in Los Angeles. The cast also features Neve Campbell, Becki Newton, Jazz Raycole, Angus Sampson, and Christopher Gorham.
The inaugural season draws from Connelly’s 2008 novel The Brass Verdict, which serves as a sequel to The Lincoln Lawyer. The series made its debut on Netflix on May 13, 2022.
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