The Lincoln Lawyer has gained significant popularity on Netflix, providing an engrossing look at a high-profile defense attorney, Mickey Haller, as he attempts to resurrect his career following a life-altering accident. This series uniquely delves into the flaws of the American justice system, showcasing a morally complex protagonist grappling with weighty dilemmas. As one of the top courtroom dramas available for streaming, it has exceeded viewer expectations across its first three seasons.
Based on Michael Connelly’s acclaimed book series, The Lincoln Lawyer mirrors its literary counterpart’s structure, chronicling Haller’s legal battles in Los Angeles, where he represents notorious criminals while trying to balance his professional and personal life. The upcoming season 4 is set to adapt “The Law of Innocence,”recognized as one of Connelly’s most ambitious narratives to date.
Reason for Skipping the First Book: Previous Adaptation
The Original Film by Matthew McConaughey Sets a High Bar
The initial film adaptation of The Lincoln Lawyer premiered in 2011, directed by Brad Furman and featuring Matthew McConaughey in the lead role. This film closely follows the narrative of Connelly’s debut novel, where Haller defends a troubled son of a powerful media mogul.
Owing to the overwhelming success of the 2011 movie, the production team behind Netflix’s adaptation opted to bypass the first book. Instead, the series creatively reinterpreted elements from Connelly’s second book, “The Brass Verdict,” to serve as a more fitting introduction to Haller’s character.
Challenges of Adapting the Third Book Without Harry Bosch
Harry Bosch’s Involvement in a Different Series
One intriguing aspect of the Netflix revival of The Lincoln Lawyer is its right to utilize various stories from Michael Connelly’s bibliography, but it cannot incorporate the character of Harry Bosch, Haller’s half-brother. Bosch currently exists in Amazon’s successful adaptation, Bosch, which first aired in 2014.
The absence of Bosch has become increasingly relevant in The Lincoln Lawyer, yet the series has adeptly navigated the storytelling process to compensate for this void. However, adapting Connelly’s third novel, “The Reversal,” would have posed a significant challenge due to Bosch’s pivotal role in the storyline. Thus, Netflix strategically decided to skip this installment as well.