The Lincoln Lawyer

I've been dropping hints in my reviews of each episode, but let me say it loud and clear. I never thought Netflix could pull off a series based on Michael Connelly's books in a satisfying way. And yet, here we are. I guess anything is possible; sometimes it rains frogs or fish. The creators won me over by more or less sticking to the source material without going overboard on political correctness. As I've mentioned a bunch of times, I'm all for strong female characters, and the casting of both ex-wives hit the mark for me. My only hang-up was Detective Raymond Griggs; I was hoping for a connection with Bosch (2014), but I get that Maddie might outshine her cousin. Minor hiccup aside, I enjoyed every aspect of the first season and can't wait for what's next. / Lesson learned: Stay true to your principles. (22.11.2022)

Right from the beginning of the pilot episode, it was clear to me that the creators based it on the book "The Brass Verdict" and since I have read Michael Connelly before, I knew immediately who was the killer, who was guilty, and who was innocent, so the element of surprise was gone for good. Fortunately, I don't care at all because I like Connelly's stories, so I will definitely enjoy it... that is, unless the creators ruin it. I understand that certain changes were necessary, so for example, Mickey hiring a driver is fine by me, but I'm annoyed by the changes that are completely unnecessary. Surfing accident? WTF?! If someone hasn't read the book and hasn't seen the film The Lincoln Lawyer (2011), they might swallow it, but why make up such nonsense? I don't get it. And another thing; where is Harry Bosch? I'm confused. / Lesson learned: That surf would definitely piss off Renée Ballard. (20.11.2022)

Alright, so last time I was complaining about these bizarre departures from the original book plot, which, let's face it, happened just because the creators felt like it. But this time, I'm putting those worries aside because I genuinely dug the second episode. The cast of characters is growing on me, the creators are handling things well, and even though I saw the ending coming from the start of the first episode, I have to give it to them—the plot's got me hooked, and I'm having a blast. Can't believe this is a Netflix show. / Lesson learned: It pays off to get along with your ex-wives. (20.11.2022)

I'll give credit where it's due—this is some well-executed stuff. The third episode hit me pretty much the same way as the last one; I enjoyed delving into the web of connections and hidden truths, happy that the series keeps its vibe intact. Surprisingly, I'm even feeling a bit of tension that I didn't think I would. It's true; after three episodes, no major letdowns despite my being allergic to deviations from his book original as a fan of Michael Connelly. / Lesson: The quieter the client, the more talkative is their defense attorney. (20.11.2022)

It's fantastic – this time, no disappointments. Even the fourth episode loosely followed the book's source material, and the creators didn't veer off into their own independent story, which is a pleasant surprise. Yet, that doesn't stop me from feeling a bit wary because Netflix has a track record of prioritizing propaganda over a well-written narrative. All I can do is quietly hope that this case will be a pleasant surprise, and I won't regret the time invested. So far, everything seems on the right track. / Lesson learned: The best way to get rid of a mole is a rag soaked in gasoline (For the uninformed - not to set it on fire, but to drive it away with the smell). (21.11.2022)

The creators must be doing something right. Seriously, I'm enjoying it so much that I don't even mind Netflix's political correctness. / Lesson learned: It's strange how much poker has in common with justice. 4*+ (21.11.2022)

I hate the fact that the creators played this cheap, Russian card. I'm not making judgments about the first season yet, but everything will now depend on whether Connelly's original idea stays in the game or if they will play it safe and go for a politically acceptable note, which shouldn't even be here. I'm currently in a state of frustrated anticipation. / Lesson learned: When everything around you is too good, something is probably coming for you. 4*-! (21.11.2022)

The seventh episode shifted part of the story to the courtroom, and I don't mind it at all since I enjoy the playful dances of the prosecution and defense. Besides the seemingly obligatory nod to a Russian oligarch, whom I'd suspect to be Serbian based on the name, the creators, from my viewpoint, once again delivered a lively episode with a decent atmosphere. It occasionally stirred a slight feeling of disgust in me, fitting for a court case involving a double murder. / Lesson learned: Never fall asleep in a dumpster. (22.11.2022)

This episode focused primarily on the ongoing courtroom drama, with the kind of loopholes that lawyers are famous for. Even in the eighth episode, the narrative kept a solid pace, and the creators made sure there were meaningful developments rather than just filler. I genuinely hope it stays that way. However, this time, there was an ominous creak because the final events involving Izzy struck me as pretty foolish. It's what happens when "genius" Netflix socialist ideas get grafted onto a solid story rooted in a quality source. I wanted to go all out, but four stars will have to do. / Lesson learned: If it ain't broke, don't fix it. (22.11.2022)

Yep, it's still got that spark. Even in the ninth episode, the second-to-last of the first season, there's no easing into the calm before the storm, which is something I've come to expect. It's not like they're prepping for some grand finale; the plot chugs along at its usual pace. While some things get a bit clearer, others linger in the shadows, and I'm digging it. Sure, the deviations from the original are more pronounced, but it's still well within my tolerance zone. I gotta say, my satisfaction stuck around longer than I expected. Unless the creators drop the ball in the finale, I might just be a surprised but content viewer. / Lesson learned: If all surprises were pleasant, would they even be surprises? (22.11.2022)

Who would've thought? Netflix's brain trust hung in there till the end, proving my skepticism wrong, and I gotta say, I'm pretty pleased with how the final episode of the first season turned out. The plot kept its groove, the events made sense despite being slightly different from the source material, and it's clear the creators put in the effort. They even explained Mickey Haller's surfing accident by changing the case order. This also means that they dropped some hints about what's brewing in the second season, though I'm getting this nagging feeling it's gonna take a different road than the book version. / Lesson learned: Certainty is a rare commodity. (22.11.2022)

I've given the second season four stars, though I must start with some negatives. It felt like the creators leaned more into current and trendy themes compared to the first season, and I wasn't entirely thrilled with the writers' insistence on forging new paths at all costs in what was originally a very solid story. But that's the end of my criticism. Despite a slightly rocky start with the first couple of episodes, the whole affair picked up nicely for me and I found myself thoroughly enjoying it. While I did feel the previous season was a tad better, this one held its own just fine. The open-ended conclusion is a clear nod to "The Gods of Guilt," a book I happened to start reading just the other day, so I'm genuinely eager for the series' continuation. / Lesson learned: Some surprises can be lethal. (08.12.2023)

I was pleasantly surprised by the first season, so naturally, I was eager for the continuation. However, the first episode of the second series fell short of my expectations. As a longtime fan of Michael Connelly, I found myself unsure of what I was actually watching for quite some time. It was only when the name Lisa Trammell came up that I realized it might be related to "The Fifth Witness," but beyond that, there weren't many other connections. Then, just as I started to piece things together, the creators smoothly transitioned into the first book featuring Mickey Haller, creating a bit of a mishmash. Overall, the episode felt like a jumble of elements, with a little bit of everything but not much significant happening. / Lesson learned: When a junky starts lecturing you about trust, you have a problem. (27.11.2023)

I can't help but compare the series to the books it was based on. Michael Connelly's writing is so captivating that I can't tear myself away from it, a feat the screenwriter hasn't quite replicated. It's not ideal when the viewer sees through a transparent trick right away, yet the creators seem convinced it's intricate enough to need an explanation. / Lesson learned: Curiosity might land you in jail sooner than you think. (28.11.2023)

The third episode stood out to me the most thus far, perhaps because the creators seemed to really capture the essence of The Fifth Witness this time. I appreciate the storyline finally delving into the courtroom, limiting the writers' opportunities to make up nonsense. Nevertheless, Netflix once again decided to insert some pressing social issues into the plot, regardless of how ridiculous it would seem. But I don't want to just complain because I was ultimately satisfied with the third episode. (30.11.2023)

I still find myself puzzled by the need to alter Connelly's trademark suspenseful style, but alas. Despite the obstacles the creators have placed in their own path, I must admit I've been reasonably entertained since the third episode. My only gripe lies with the typical Netflix-style insertions that forcefully inject current societal issues into the narrative. (02.12.2023)

The fifth episode stands out as the best of this season so far. Rather than delving into topics like sexual harassment at school or artistic graffiti on private property, the creators chose to focus on an ongoing case, which they handled quite effectively. However, they slightly ruined it for me with the subplot involving Kaz. While I understood the truce with the bikers, I found myself questioning why the federal agents were also unfazed. I would have expected them to see red, stopping at nothing. Despite this minor quibble, I'll rate it a stronger four stars. / Lesson learned: It's better to have brass knuckles in your pocket than to find yourself face down on the ground. 4*+ (03.12.2023)

Well, the latest episode didn't quite hit the same mark as the previous one. Understandably, there couldn't be much progress in the legal case, but my main gripe was with how the creators handled the hirer of goons. The author of the source material approached it in a much more intriguing and, frankly, believable manner in his book. I don't want to give away too much and spoil the surprise, so I'll just leave it at that. / Lesson learned: It's never a good idea to block a hit or kick with your liver. (04.12.2023)

Yeah, Hieronymus Bosch belongs to the crime scene, while Mickey Haller owns the courtroom. I've always enjoyed episodes that shed light on the inevitable flaws within legal system; they tend to captivate me more than those weighed down by political correctness, trendy topics, and emotional manipulation. What struck me most was how the plot becomes less convincing when the creators stray too far from the source material. You can really tell the difference between content presented by someone who has been involved in the field for decades versus a screenwriter brainstorming ways to "improve" the narrative. / Lesson learned: Don't spare the hammer. 4*+ (05.12.2023)

The second season had an awkward start, but by the third episode, things really started to pick up steam. This momentum carried through to the eighth episode, which I thoroughly enjoyed. However, like the other episodes, it left me with a bit of an unpleasant aftertaste. I long for a film or series where genuine storytelling takes precedence over misguided political correctness. / Lesson learned: If someone doesn't like parties, make the party a surprise! (06.12.2023)