The second season of Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer has certainly left viewers grappling with an intricate web of events, dominated by the character of Lisa Trammell, portrayed brilliantly by Lana Parrilla. Lisa, a restaurant owner, faces accusations of murdering a real estate titan, Mitchell Bondurant (played by Clint Carmichael). What seemed to be a clear-cut murder case soon turns into a battle of wits and revelations.
The Backdrop: A Murder Mystery
Mitchell Bondurant’s ambition to build in an area where Lisa’s restaurant stands becomes the crux of their disagreements. Lisa’s strong media stance against gentrification paints her as an angry business owner, making her a prime suspect in Bondurant’s murder. But was her fury enough to label her a murderer?
Mickey Haller, played by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, is convinced of Lisa’s innocence. As the season unfolds, it becomes evident that being passionate and having a temper doesn’t necessarily translate to being a killer. Evidence that could possibly absolve Lisa keeps surfacing. A seemingly planted glove with her blood, the physical mismatch between her and the victim, and the questionable logic behind murdering a CEO to stop a construction – all lead to the prevailing question: Did Lisa really murder Mitchell Bondurant?
Surprisingly, the answer is a resounding “no.” The narrative cleverly uncovers this in two phases. First, through extensive discussions by Mickey and his team hinting at a possible frame-up. And then, a pivotal courtroom scene where another suspect, Alex Grant (played by Michael A. Goorjian), is introduced. Grant’s reluctance to answer crucial questions turns the jury in Lisa’s favor.
Lisa’s Dark Secrets
Yet, all’s not as simple as it seems. Lisa may have been acquitted of Bondurant’s murder, but a deeper mystery lurks in her past. Mickey’s gut feeling that Lisa was withholding something proves accurate, especially when she staunchly refuses to sell her property to cover her $200,000 bail.
What could have possibly justified her attachment to her property to such an extent? The unexpected twist reveals a grim truth: Lisa had murdered her husband, Jeff (Adam J. Harrington), and buried him right in her backyard. An abusive relationship, an impending divorce, and Lisa’s domineering nature culminate in a fateful end for Jeff. Adding to the eerie revelations is Lisa’s choice of planting cilantro – an ingredient her husband despised – right over his grave.
The Continuing Mystery
Despite Lisa’s own sinister actions, The Lincoln Lawyer’s second season primarily revolves around her framing and potential innocence. By the close of Season 2, Alex Grant is hinted to have substantial reasons to kill Bondurant. And an attempt on Mickey’s life, seemingly by someone linked to Alex, leaves viewers yearning for more.
The season ends on a chilling note with Mickey recognizing a dead body in a morgue as Gloria Dayton AKA Glory Days (Fiona Rene), a former client. Her mysterious death and her best friend being a suspect sets the stage for the next season. As per series creator Ted Humphrey, the finale hints at the direction of the forthcoming season, aligning with a Mitchell Connelly novel.
Conclusion
Season 2 of The Lincoln Lawyer masterfully intertwines multiple narratives, leaving viewers at the edge of their seats. With brilliant performances, especially by Lana Parrilla and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, the series encapsulates the essence of crime, mystery, and the relentless pursuit of justice. As the season concludes, fans await with bated breath for the next installment. Until then, all episodes are available for streaming on Netflix.
