Discovery – The episode opens with Andrea “Andy” Fremann (Yaya DaCosta) gathering “discovery” for Lisa Trammell’s (Lana Parrilla) cast. When Izzy Letts (Jazz Raycole) arrives loaded down with boxes, Mickey Haller (Mark Garcia-Rulfo) says it is an old trick utilized by prosecutors. Izzy calls Lorna Crane (Becki Newton) to give her a heads-up on the discovery. Lorna is at a local café when she asks Margo Schafer (Joanne Baron) to read the menu for her because her glasses are at home. Margo reads the menu, indicating her optics aren’t lacking.

At Haller & Associates, Mickey tells Dennis “Cisco” Wojciechowski (Angus Sampson), Lorna, and Izzy that the swamp of files holds the key to why Trammel was arrested for murdering Mitchell Bondurant (Clint Carmichael). Lorna voices concern about his sexual relationship with Trammel. He claims to have distanced himself from her. She utilizes the whiteboard to lay out her theory when Cisco receives a text from “Kaz” (Douglas Bennett) informing him of his no longer needing a lift to check in with his parole officer. Collecting his thoughts, he announces Margo’s background is clean. Lorna admits to putting Margo’s eyesight to the test at the café. She suggests Margo needs glasses. Everyone agrees there is “motive and opportunity” but the “means” is missing. Izzy questions if the missing hammer from Trammel’s tool kit could be responsible for the circular pattern on Bondurant’s head.

Trammel Restaurant – Mickey joins Trammel in searching for the missing hammer. She contributes the messy shed to the recent police search before claiming it is accessible to her employees. She informs him of the true owner, an ex-partner named Jeff. He urges her to reach out to Jeff who will probably come up in court. He asks if there were any embarrassing moments in their relationship. She assures him that their split was driven by her ambition and his lackadaisical lifestyle. She voices concern about the turnout at her community dinner scheduled later tonight.

The Courthouse – Terrell Coleman (Shwayze) and Mickey discuss Angelica Coleman’s (Anais Less) felony vandalism charge. He voices concern about Angelica’s arrest happening on his watch and how it will impact his visitation rights. Mickey admits his last juvenile case was about 15 years ago. In the courtroom, Mickey is relieved to see Judge Sandy Lockett (Carolyn Mignini) on the bench until she threatens to hold him in contempt for being late. Deputy District Attorney Earnest Moore (Brain Dare) gives open statements directed at Angelica’s felony vandalizing charge. He explains in depth her actions that led to her arrest. Business owner, Karen Foster (Amy Davidson) is simply fed up with all the recent attacks on her store. If convicted, it will impact Angelica for a lifetime. Lockett denies Mickey’s request for a continuance before mocking him with a lollipop. He vows to find a strategy to nullify the felony charges.

Mickey And Andy’s Meeting – Andy offers Trammel a plea deal, voluntary manslaughter. Mickey reminds her that she previously swore there would be no plea deal. He tells her that he and his client prefer an involuntary plea offer. After assuring him that it won’t happen, she informs him of the deadline ending day after the tomorrow.

Haller & Associates – Mickey suggests Andy is trying to cover up damaging evidence that could end in a not-guilty plea. Reelection would be out of the question if the DA forced the defense attorney to plead guilty for a reduced sentence. Initially, she was excited about the opportunity to beat him on the world stage. He and his team have 23 hours to find the truth hidden in the inflatable discovery. Izzy claims Cisco is meeting the witness in the temporary restraining order case. Lorna reminds him that Hayley Haller (Krista Warner) will be with him tonight.

Mitchell Bondurant Jobsite – Cisco tells Bondurant’s project manager, Walter Kim (Keon Sim) that there is a problem with the permit. Kim says to take it up with the City Hall. Cisco confronts him about his restraining order against Trammel. Kim threatens to call security. Cisco threatens to file a complaint at Bondurant’s construction company for potential corruption. Kim demands to know what he wants. Cisco questions if Bondurant ever pulled strings with the City Inspector. Kim says Trammel was violent and as the only witness, it likely indicates some persuasion. He claims to have physical proof of her violence.

Elysian Lisa’s Restaurant – Mickey informs Trammel of Andy’s plea offer. Henry Dahl (Matt Angel) is none too thrilled with the offer. Mickey orders Henry to not record the event or post anything on social media. He tells her that she is being charged with manslaughter which carries between five and six years with good behavior. He warns that if they don’t win the case, she will get life without the possibility of parole. He says they have until the day after tomorrow to uncover more evidence. Kim’s photo validates his claims for the temporary restraining order. Bondurant’s financial documents reveal he was investing lots of money in his projects. “The Terrazzo” project set him back $200 million last year. Mickey points out that the complex has been setting unfinished for three years. Bondurant has plenty of enemies that they need to talk to.

Mickey’s House – As Mickey sifts through the discovery, Hayley picks up on his frustration. She throws a Coke into a wall. Getting an idea, he asks if she considers the drawings on the wall art or vandalism. She suggests it would be the perfect backdrop for a selfie. The social media influencer could make millions if the photo goes viral. He calls Terrell to tell him about his idea.

Apartment Complex – Cisco finds Kaz extremely anxious. Revealing photos, he demands to know the name of the man he met earlier. He claims to have put himself in danger by defending him when Teddy Vogel (Chris Browning) questioned if he was a rat. A self-defense charge while in prison led to possible murder charges forceing him to be an FBI informant. He could either rat on the Road Saints or spend the rest of his life in prison. Cisco asks about the bags on his bed. With the promise of witness protection, he worked with the AFT to arrange a raid on the Saints’ next gun run. Cisco voices concern about how his being an informant will impact him. Kaz assures him that Teddy won’t point the finger at him.

Mickey’s Residence – Mickey discovers an email from Bondurant to The Terrazzo contractor Alex Grant (Michael A Goorjian). Bondurant threatened to report something if Grant refuses to issue him a full refund.

Juvenile Court – Lockett scolds Mickey once again for being late. After agreeing to pay a fine, he requests to speak with Foster and Moore. He tries to convince Moore to drop the charges. Moore offers “alternative sentencing” nothing less. Mickey broaches the subject of a “copyright application” for his client’s mural, “Black Wall.” Moore accuses the girl of vandalizing the wall. Mickey presents an Instagram post of former Lakers Robert Horry’s selfie in front of the wall. Foster denies the photo is “promotional.” He points out that the captain – Shop at the Lux like Lakers Legend Bob Horry – says otherwise. She is forced to drop the charges or face a copyright lawsuit. She agrees to pay Angelica 3% royalties.

Haller & Associates –  Cisco reveals Alex Grant’s contracting company, Argel Construction, which Bondurant previously threatened, is owned by Armenian Ada Kazarian. He says the origin of Grant is Armenian. Alex is Ada’s brother. Alex recently changed his surname to sever connections with his father, Sasha Kazarian who is serving time for an illegal operation on the West Coast. A powerful motivation for murder.

When Mickey tells Trammel, she is adamant about winning her freedom in court. Mickey calls Andy to discover the plea deal is off the table because they didn’t respond before the deadline. He suggests the move validates even more damaging evidence has popped up. The episode ends.

 

The Lincoln Lawyer Review

As the midseason finale approaches, I can appreciate the show’s ability to build suspense while managing to remain intriguing at the same time. Although it’s a much slower build than most viewers would like, I feel that it offers more authenticity. That said, the series isn’t without its faults The Road Saints would be the perfect example. I honestly thought this would be one of the more enjoyable aspects of the series for me, but maybe it’s the cast or the dialogue. I did find the witness protection aspect interesting, but the rest just isn’t hitting.

It is satisfying to watch the back-and-forth between Andrea and Mickey. I didn’t even mind the little juvenile distraction, despite it not being feeling very realistic. Neve Campbell’s absence was felt, and I could have done without the Hayley scene and all the “Cisco and Lorna” wedding crap, but not a terrible episode. I’d have to give it a 5.0 out of 10.

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