The Lincoln Lawyer amazed everyone when it climbed up to number 2 on Netflix's Top 10 list in two days. It also managed to remain in the Top 10 for six weeks, before logically giving way to the popular Stranger Things series. It comes as no surprise that the show is renewed for season 2, despite only airing in May.
The show didn't only impress the audience with an amazing cast, a brilliant storyline, and a downright sinful soundtrack. Strongly-built and flawed characters were definitely one of The Lincoln Lawyer's crowning glories, as well as the witty and interesting dialogues.
Mickey Knows
"You'd Make A Helluva Lawyer, Lorna." - Mickey Haller
What makes this quote so great is knowing that even if Lorna hasn't quite gotten to accept it yet, Mickey has always seen the potential in her to be a great lawyer. She lost her confidence due to the professor hitting on her, but maybe a comment like this one could help shift her confidence in the right direction.
It also speaks about Mickey's character. As lost in his own trouble as he is, he never fails to notice those around him and credit them for their hard work. It's a part of why this group works so great together - even if they do need to work on communication.
Bond With The Jury
"Opening Statements Are Special. It’s Your Time To Bond With The Jury, But Go On Too Long, You’ll Lose Them." – Mickey Haller
One aspect of this show that really makes it stand out from all the other legal dramas out there, is the insight Mickey offers into the inner workings of a lawyer. He talks about his strategies, and how to captivate the jury, which even some of the best courtroom dramas fail to do.
The more psychological part of the legal work is interesting and doesn't get enough attention. Things like how to pick a jury and how to successfully assemble a closing statement are all very interesting, and in this quote by Mickey, the audience gets to learn more about everything that matters when presenting a case in court.
Trust Breeds Trust
“You want me to trust you again? Then start by trusting me.” – Maggie McPherson
The legal drama in the show is interwoven with aspects of family and friendships. Mickey has two failed marriages from his past, and towards the end of the season, it becomes clear why. He gets so caught up in his work, that he forgets about everything else.
Though it is clear that the feelings between Mickey and Maggie are still very much present, there is a fundamental lack of trust and communication between them, which ultimately breaks them apart again. It makes this quote ring even more true - sometimes to get trust, giving it first is the thing to do.
Crazier
“I left a motorcycle club to work for you, and somehow my life has gotten even crazier.” – Cisco Wojciechowski
Viewers might remember Cisco from his role on Fargo, but his portrayal here was equally as good. When even a former motorcycle club member can recognize and point out how crazy Mickey's life is, it speaks levels about it.
The second thing that hasn't completely been uncovered yet, is that Mickey had a part in getting Cisco out of the club. He's seen doing pro bono cases for the members, and it soon becomes clear that he's paying for Cisco's freedom. So Cisco didn't just "leave" the club, but was bailed out by Mickey.
Twitter Mob
“There’s Two Juries, Mickey. The One In The Courthouse And The Twitter Mob Outside.” – Trevor Elliott
This quote isn't necessarily as deep, but it offers an interesting insight into today's society. Social media has been playing a larger role in everyone's lives lately, and Trevor has a good point. Even if he was found not guilty, the court of public opinion still has significant importance, especially since he makes money by being in the public eye.
This gets even more interesting, because Mickey is by all accounts a good lawyer, despite going off the rails in his personal life. And even so, his reputation was ruined when rumors came out. It literally took a crazy coincidence for him to get back on his feet, because that's how much people's voices and opinions matter.
Complicated Family Dynamic
“I’m The Dad You Call When You Need Someone’s Legs Broken.” – Cisco Wojciechowski
One of possibly the best aspects of the show is the messed-up, complicated family dynamic between the characters. Lorna and Mickey used to be married for a while, which makes Lorna Hayley's ex-stepmother. To emphasize how strange the situation is, Hayley finds out that Lorna and Cisco are getting married, and her first question - what does that make Cisco to her.
Giving justice to his former bike gang persona, Cisco jokingly replies that he's the dad she calls when she needs someone's legs broken. But this quote also manages to highlight how important Mickey is to Cisco and to what lengths he'd go to protect him.
It's The Women
“Like You Said, It’s The Women. They Get Everything Done.” – Cisco Wojciechowski
This is an interesting quote from the show because it includes so many good female characters, like Lorna and Maggie. Seemingly, Mickey's career would be nowhere if Lorna hadn't decided to take it into her own hands, even though they weren't together anymore. In the end, she's the one who convinces Mickey's witness to testify.
And when Maggie is blindsided by the DA in the end, making it impossible for her to put away a bad guy, she doesn't give up. She picks up the phone and makes a call to someone she knows is capable of doing it. Women get everything done. One way or the other.
Or Was It?
"That Wasn't Meant For You. But If You Heard Me, You Heard Me." - Lorna Crane
Lorna might be the most complex character on the show. She's loyal to a fault, fierce, and smarter than she lets on. There was also an opening about her past that will likely get followed up on in season 2. All that aside, Lorna is amazing simply because she doesn't give a damn.
This is just one of the occasions when Lorna speaks her truth without worrying if anyone might hear her. There is a certain hint of boldness that defines her character and being unapologetically herself. This shines through the words she expresses herself with, as well as her clothing choices - she's well on her way to becoming one of the most stylish fictional characters.
Gotta Believe
“Before You Can Win, You Gotta Act Like You Can Win, Which Means You Gotta Believe You Can Win.” - Mickey Haller
While there are some protagonists that are more supporting characters, but not Mickey Haller. He's the character the audience learned the most of and rooted for throughout the series. His nonchalant attitude is just one of the things that make him lovable.
Many people wish they could have Mickey's attitude because it gets people through life much easier. If uncertain about something, simply faking that belief can give someone the confidence that sets them apart from everyone else. So this is actually a good piece of advice, and Mickey certainly follows it every single day.
You're A Pickle
“It’s Like Trying To Turn A Pickle Back Into A Cucumber. You’re A Pickle Now.” – Izzy Letts
Mickey's addiction is a large part of the storyline of the show. Izzy is the person he confides in, mostly because she's been in the same shoes as him. And this is a very intriguing and smart thing that she shares with him. Very frequently on the show, Izzy acts as a sounding board for Mickey to work through some of his issues, and this is one of them.
There are some things that people go through in life that can change a person on a very important level. When that happens, it's better to accept it and admit it. In Mickey's (and Izzy's) case, this means accepting that he is, and will always be an addict. He just has to learn to live with it.