Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Shines In A Close To Perfect Courtroom Drama

The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 is back with Mickey’s biggest case ever, and it’s a nearly perfect addition to the beloved legal drama. Mickey Haller and his team are back again with their most difficult case yet. Mickey has been framed for the murder of his former conman client, Sam Scales, who was found in the back of Mickey’s car.

Mickey can’t just get off on a technicality, though. To regain his reputation, business, and freedom, he must prove his innocence by finding the real killer. However, it won’t be easy, as he spends much of his time behind bars. Thankfully, he has the help and support of Lorna, Cisco, Izzy, and his family.

Although The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 had a rough start, it went on to become a compelling season that really shows the strength of actor Manuel Garcia-Rulfo.

The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 Struggles To Get Going, But Becomes Amazing

The first three episodes really drag, which feels jarring after such a dramatic ending to The Lincoln Lawyer season 3. The pacing and acting from everyone, except Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, feel off during this time. The slowness only has an emotional impact during Mickey’s jail scenes. Even Dana Berg doesn’t have the sharp bite one would expect from her nickname.

However, as soon as the speed picks up, everything changes for the better. The acting rises to its usual high level, and the storybuilds tension effectively, moving steadily toward the ending. Plus, every friend and family member of Mickey has a significant role in Mickey’s legal case, even if it’s just Hayley providing emotional support.

It’s refreshing to see Izzy and her girlfriend directly involved in the investigation in The Lincoln Lawyer season 4, even if that realistically feels out of her purview due to her lack of legal experience. It feels like a smart way to solve the Bosch issue.

Once the murder trial begins, we also get a clear understanding of why Dana is nicknamed “Death Row Dana.” Dana is capable of commanding the courtroom, manipulating the emotions and evidence to support her side. Additionally, she gets much more ruthless when it comes to withholding discovery and witnesses. She is the first prosecutor who feels like a strong rival to Mickey Haller.

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Gives The Performance Of A Lifetime

Manuel Garcia-Rulfo has always been an amazing Mickey Haller. However, The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 proves exactly why the casting was perfect. Up until this season, the actor has perfectly embodied Mickey’s undying warmth and optimism. His character is like a warm hug. However, this season tests Mickey, and we see him start to crack under the pressure.

The character’s mask slowly begins to slip from the start, reaching a midpoint where he appears absolutely broken. Garcia-Rulfo gives such a compelling performance that Mickey’s feelings of distress and fear are absolutely palpable. I actually teared up for him when he was thrown in solitary confinement.

Though awards panels largely overlook the show, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo absolutely deserves a Best Actor in a Drama Series nomination at the 2027 Emmys and Golden Globes for his performance in The Lincoln Lawyer season 4. Garcia-Rulfo delivered a performance of a lifetime, and I’d be shocked if he doesn’t get more work as a lead after his performance this season.

The Lincoln Lawyer Captures The Spirit Of Michael Connelly’s Book

Izzy Letts and Mickey Haller look worried in The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 episode 4

While I enjoy all of Michael Connelly’s The Lincoln Lawyer books, The Law of Innocence is my favorite. As such, I held Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 to a higher standard than past seasons in its adaptation of the source material. Luckily, the fourth season does a great job translating the story for the small screen.

They jumble the timeline a little bit and give more time and attention to some of the supporting characters in The Lincoln Lawyer, but those changes worked well. The writers added some new surprises that will shock readers. However, by and large, The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 captures the spirit of Michael Connelly’s story.

All the key events from the book, minus the COVID-19 pandemic, remain the same in the TV show. The person responsible for Sam Scales’s murder and their motive are consistent, except that they change the character’s name. The creative team even pulled the dialogue for many of the court scenes from the book word-for-word.

Ultimately, The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 might not be perfect, but it’s deeply entertaining with great performances and clear reverence for the book. It’s a great continuation of a beloved legal drama, and I can’t wait to see what showrunners Dailyn Rodriguez and Ted Humphrey do with The Lincoln Lawyer season 5.