Obligations – The episode opens with Mickey Haller (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) and the Father of Jan Rilz (Peter Lawrence Singer) discussing Russell Lawson’s (David Clayton Rogers) case. Mickey knows the risks of turning over evidence of a crime.

In The Lincoln – Izzy Letts (Jazz Raycole) rambles about a “Night Stalker” podcast. Lorna (Becki Newton) calls Mickey to inform him of Gloria “Glory Days” Dayton (Fiona Rene) being in lockup facing solicitation and cocaine charges. She says Detective Raymond Griggs (Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine) is requesting an interview. Before ending the call, she tells him that Lawson is at his office.

Haller & Associates – Lawson asks Mickey if he is utilizing the former office of an assassinated attorney. He informs him of his stop sign citation before moving on to the topic of their last conversation. Holding Mickey’s family photo, he reminds him of his “legal obligation.” Fed up, Mickey orders him to leave the citation and get out. Dennis “Cisco” Wojciechowski (Angus Sampson) updates Mickey on Jesus Menendez’s (Saul Heuzo) case. Menendez’s former roommate refuses to budge on his knife accusation. Mickey advises against visiting the roommate.

County Lockup – Gloria claims after posting a personal escort ad online, a male client invited her to his fancy house in Vegas where they did coke and got intimate. She says the next client was working undercover at the Mondrian to trap escorts. Mickey is none too thrilled to learn the coke was in four, 1-gram baggies. He warns she is looking at a potential “intent to sell” charge. She accuses the LAPD of putting a target on her. He suggests turning on the client responsible for paying her in coke. He assures her that someone with access to that much coke is a dealer or has connections. She voices concern about being labeled a “rat” but her options are all used up. Mickey sends Cisco a text before departing.

Haller & Associates – As Cisco is leaving to check out a couple of leads on Glory’s case, Lorna broaches their impending wedding. Picking up on his procrastination, she chalks it up to “cold feet.” He changes the topic to her classes before expressing how proud he is of her effort.

In The Lincoln – Mickey gets stuck in traffic due to Mitchell Bondurant’s (Clint Carmichael) construction working in the area. Taking advantage of the downtime, he confirms a future appointment with Menendez. Izzy tells him about her and Ray’s (Shelby Lee Parks) dream to open a dance studio in Leimert Park. Cisco calls to tell him that Hector Moya is an alias of Hector Moreno who is affiliated with the Tijuana Cartel. Moreno has possible ties to the deaths of three rival members. He is sure the police would be willing to reduce or drop Gloria’s coke charges for Moreno’s address. Seconds later, Izzy is driving toward Van Nuys on 105.

Mickey asks Maggie McPherson (Neve Campbell) if she is interested in retrieving Moreno’s cast that she lost to Major Crimes. While intrigued, she is reminded of his history of string-attached conditions. If she hesitates, the mere mention of Ben Guzman as the presiding District Attorney urges her to take the case. When he informs her of the key witness being Gloria, she nearly regrets her decision.

Lisa’s Restaurant – Lisa Trammell’s (Lana Parrilla) tests a new mixed drink recipe on Mickey. After a history lesson on her family, she broaches the EPO that Bondurant served her with. She voices concern about the 300-feet rule with her living in the neighborhood and frequently visiting the nearby Farmer’s Market. He explains the requirements before departing.

Academic Dean’s Office – Dean Wheaton (Brian McGovern) is preparing to leave the office for home when Lorna requests a meeting. Believing his signature is all she needs, he asks her to come in. After reminding him of her being his former student, she accuses him of harassing her because she ignored his romantic gestures. He apologizes but assures her that he frequently targeted her because she was his brightest student.

Haller & Associates – Maggie accepts his recent proposal for Moreno’s case. After preparing a written declaration for Lawson’s citation, Mickey asks Cisco to stay put because he may need his assistance shortly. He tells Lorna that Lawson needs to retrieve his written declaration before the end of the day.

County Lockup – Mickey informs Griggs of Gloria’s agreement to disclose information on Moreno. Gloria works with a sketch artist to create a near-identical depiction of Lawson.

Haller & Associates – Cisco hands Lorna his guest list for their impending wedding. She is flabbergasted by the three family names on the list. After claiming to be a different person, he says she is everything he needs when an incoming text message from Teddy Vogel (Chris Browning) appears on his phone. He tells her that it is spam.

Cisco meets his old pal, Teddy a short time later. Owing Teddy a favor, he is forced to investigate Kaz (Dougls Bennett), a potential rat. Cisco claims his previous investigation turned up nothing of significance. He hesitantly agrees to monitor Kaz until something comes up.

Gloria’s Residence – Fresh out of jail, Gloria receives a threatening message from Lawson. As she prepares to go collect her takeout, he is standing at her door. A short distance away, Griggs gets a sense that she may be attacked but Gloria’s sketch of Lawson turns out to be of little use. Hiding behind a brush, Cisco believes he is about to see Hector Moya. He reports back to Mickey who must have known all along. Mickey set Lawson up by placing Gloria’s jail release where he would see it when he retrieved his written declaration for a stop sign citation.

Gloria’s Residence – Mickey expresses his gratitude for her assistance. He tries to encourage her to leave escorting behind. She tells him about her impending trip to Hawaii to see her mother. They agree time away from Los Angeles will do her good.

Mendez Residence – Mickey boasts of his brainy trap to catch Lawson read-handed. He tells Menendez that his case was dismissed with prejudice. They say their goodbyes before Mickey is back on the road. Distraught, Lisa calls to inform him of her arrest. He suggests she violated her restraining order but it is much worse. She is facing murder charges Mitchell Bondurant is found dead. The episode ends.

 

The Lincoln Lawyer Review

The episode focuses too much on Mickey, Maggie, and Lorna’s personal lives. More screen time needs to be devoted to bigger case explanations and investigation demonstrations. The scene in which Lorna confronts Wheaton about his treating her unfairly after she ignored his sexual advances is unnecessary. It plays no role in the story. In fact, it is nothing more than an agenda.

The series is no “Perry Mason” or “Matlock” by no means. Perry Mason’s personal life rarely received screen time. Ben Matlock was a different story but he was witty, charming, and funny. Unfortunately, Mickey is none of these things.

The script is lackluster, and amateurish. The episode deserves a 5. Get more Lincoln Lawyer recaps here. Support Reel Mockery by donating to our platform. Our onsite adverting builds brand awareness, click the link to learn more.