The Lincoln Lawyer” Season 3 Premiere Delivers Intriguing Start with “Culebra”

“The Lincoln Lawyer” Season 3 has begun streaming on Netflix, with the first episode titled “Culebra” offering a captivating blend of flashbacks and present-day complexities. The series, based on Michael Connelly’s book “The Gods of Guilt,” continues to unravel the dramatic life of the protagonist, Mickey Haller.

The episode opens with a flashback set 15 years earlier, where audiences find Mickey Haller, portrayed by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, enjoying a serene start to his day as he surfs in Malibu. It presents a poignant depiction of a time when Mickey’s life was seemingly less complicated, featuring his marriage to Maggie, played by Neve Campbell, and driving a red Volkswagen.

The narration quickly transitions to Mickey’s legal career, showcasing his skillful courtroom tactics through a case involving his client Barnett Woodsen. Mickey manages to have evidence dismissed based on a technicality concerning an unlawful search, a move that invites the ire of Detective Bishop. The detective warns Mickey that his manipulative courtroom strategies could lead to dangerous consequences.

Fast forward to the present, and seasoned viewers encounter a more seasoned Mickey, who is embroiled in a case that strikes close to home. His friend and past client, Glory Days, played by Fiona Rene, has been murdered, with Mickey’s new client, Julian La Cosse, accused of the crime. The gravity of the situation and the personal connection to the victim makes Mickey’s position uniquely difficult.

Ted Humphrey, the co-showrunner and executive producer, illustrates Mickey’s predicament, stating, “That creates a dilemma for him… Normally, he wouldn’t want to represent a person accused of murdering somebody he cared about.” Dailyn Rodriguez, another executive producer, hints at a broader intrigue, referring to “a bigger conspiracy behind it.”

Throughout “Culebra,” the narrative interweaves themes of morality and justice as Mickey seeks to vindicate Julian, while unraveling potential conspiracy elements connected to a cartel boss, Hector Moya. The plot thickens with twists involving personal safety concerns as Mickey questions who might really be responsible.

The clever juxtaposition of Mickey’s past dealings and current challenges serves to deepen his character arc, from his mention of a rattlesnake left in his house, to the poignant exchanges with his legal team. A critical plot development features Julian’s hospitalization, causing a delay in his arraignment, which exacerbates the underlying tension in the storyline.

The series continues to blend legal drama with personal stakes, ensuring that audiences remain intrigued by the unfolding of its complex narrative. As “The Lincoln Lawyer” Season 3 invites viewers to delve deeper into its plot, all ten episodes are currently available on Netflix, promising a season filled with suspense and revelations.