Spoilers are ahead for The Lincoln Lawyer season 3!
Season 3 of The Lincoln Lawyer plunges viewers into a complex web of deceit and corruption, keeping them guessing until the final moments about the true identity of Glory Days’ killer. Based on Michael Connelly’s novel The Gods of Guilt, this season picks up right after season 2, with Mickey Haller grappling with the decision to defend Julian La Cosse, accused of murdering Gloria Dayton, also known as Glory Days, a friend and former client. Convinced of Julian’s innocence, Mickey embarks on a journey to uncover the truth.
As Mickey and his team of Lincoln Lawyer characters delve deeper into the case, a vast conspiracy begins to emerge, implicating DEA agent James De Marco and a powerful drug cartel. Their pursuit of justice is met with resistance from prosecutor William Forsythe and former police detective Neil Bishop, now working as a DA investigator. The tension escalates after Julian is attacked in prison, culminating in a shocking and intense climax that finally resolves the season’s central mystery: who was really behind the death of Glory Days?
The Shocking Truth Behind Glory Days’ Demise
Glory Days Was A Victim Of A Larger, Sinister Plot
While suspicion initially falls on Julian La Cosse for the murder of Glory Days in The Lincoln Lawyer, the series quickly pivots to reveal a more sinister motive. Glory Days was likely silenced on orders from Agent De Marco because she was set to testify against him. Her testimony would have exposed De Marco’s corrupt actions, specifically his instruction to her to plant a gun in Hector Moya’s residence. However, the most disturbing revelation comes when Neil Bishop takes the stand. It is then disclosed that De Marco didn’t hire someone else; he personally murdered Glory Days. Bishop, who had been informing De Marco of Glory Days’ movements, alerted the agent when she arrived home, allowing De Marco to enter through the back.
The precise details of what transpired inside the house remain shrouded in mystery, as both individuals who could provide accounts are now deceased. The autopsy report suggests that Agent De Marco likely strangled Glory Days, resulting in a fractured hyoid bone. A neighbor reported hearing shouts, but it remains ambiguous whether these were from Glory Days’ earlier encounter with Julian or a struggle with De Marco. Regardless, Agent De Marco subsequently ignited a fire and left the scene, assuring Bishop that Glory Days was already dead before he set foot inside.
Neil Bishop’s Tragic Courtroom Suicide: Why?
Agent De Marco’s Shadow Drove Bishop To Despair
One of the most harrowing and heartbreaking moments in The Lincoln Lawyer season 3’s finale is Neil Bishop’s suicide in the courtroom. The fact that the DA investigator brought a second, concealed weapon onto the stand makes it chillingly clear that this was a premeditated act. His desperate decision stemmed from the overwhelming pressure and fear of Agent De Marco, a ruthless and dangerous man capable of murder, under whose control Bishop had fallen.
If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts, please seek help. Call or text 988 in the U.S. or visit 988Lifeline.org or FindAHelpline.com internationally for support. There is hope, and you are not alone.
Given Bishop’s apparent complicity in De Marco’s schemes throughout the season, he was likely privy to De Marco’s attempts to eliminate Mickey and silence the sex workers who could testify against him. Armed with this knowledge, Bishop understood that testifying against De Marco would place him in mortal danger, leading him to believe that suicide was his only escape.
Justice For James De Marco: Beyond The Courtroom
Hector Moya Delivers Vigilante Justice
As Bishop bravely reveals the truth on the stand, a DEA lawyer alerts De Marco via text, prompting the corrupt agent to flee. Despite Cisco’s valiant pursuit, De Marco manages to evade capture. However, this is not an escape from justice. Four months after the trial concludes, Izzy discovers an envelope containing a photograph of De Marco deceased, with a snake coiled around his neck. Instead of relying on the DEA or the District Attorney to apprehend De Marco, Hector Moya takes matters into his own hands, delivering a brutal form of vigilante justice.
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While the show refrains from explicitly stating Moya’s motivations, it’s heavily implied that revenge for De Marco’s setup and subsequent imprisonment is a primary factor. Furthermore, De Marco’s shift to working for a rival drug cartel, encroaching on Moya’s business, provides an additional layer of motive. Moya’s act of killing De Marco serves as both retribution and strategic business move.
Mickey’s Post-Trial Pursuit: Holding The DA Accountable
Financial Recompense As A Tool For Justice
Mickey Haller looking off to the side in The Lincoln Lawyer.
In the aftermath of Julian’s trial, Mickey is consumed by a profound depression and self-reproach. He grapples with the realization that the legal system failed Glory Days, Julian, and Eddie Rojas. With Agent De Marco at large, conventional legal justice seems unattainable. He even contemplates abandoning his career until Hayley’s simple yet powerful statement reignites his passion: “The system will never work if people don’t make it work.” Her faith in his purpose reminds him why he fights.
Inspired by Hayley’s words, Mickey resolves to make the system accountable by forcing the District Attorney’s office to confront the consequences of their incompetence and corruption. In a strategic move in The Lincoln Lawyer season 3 finale, he targets their finances, compelling them to compensate Julian for his wrongful incarceration. He then channels a portion of the settlement to Eddie’s grieving mother. While not the ideal justice he initially sought, this financial retribution offers a tangible way for Mickey to rectify some of the wrongs.
The Body In Mickey’s Trunk: Setting Up Season 4
“The Law Of Innocence” Beckons
Sam Scales talks to Lorna in The Lincoln Lawyer season 2
Mirroring The Lincoln Lawyer season 2’s conclusion, the season 3 finale strategically lays the groundwork for season 4. When a police officer opens Mickey Haller’s trunk, a deceased body is discovered, instantly recognizable to viewers. Sam Scales, a con artist and Mickey’s client burdened with significant debt to the law firm, is the unfortunate victim. Earlier in season 3, Mickey made a public, albeit hyperbolic, threat to Sam, stating he’d be dead if he didn’t settle his dues – a statement that now ominously foreshadows Mickey’s predicament.
Considering the confluence of means, motive, and opportunity, Mickey is highly likely to be charged with Sam Scales’ murder.
Considering the means, motive, and opportunity, Mickey is highly likely to be charged with Sam Scales’ murder. Consequently, he will transition from defender to defendant, compelled to fight for his own innocence in court – the central narrative of Michael Connelly’s novel The Law of Innocence. Fortunately, he will not face this daunting challenge alone, as Lorna has now officially become a licensed attorney.
The Impact Of Eddie’s Death In Season 3
A Catalyst For Character Evolution
The Lincoln Lawyer season 3 introduces Eddie Rojas, a character strategically designed to forge a deep connection with Mickey and his family, making him a potent narrative device. The storyline invests in building audience affection for Eddie, only to abruptly and tragically remove him. Returning from the prison, a speeding vehicle deliberately crashes into Mickey and Eddie’s car. The vehicle rolls over multiple times, making Mickey’s survival with minor injuries a near miracle. Sadly, Eddie is not so fortunate.
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This character arc forces viewers to share in the devastation experienced by Mickey and Hayley after losing someone dear. Hayley’s blame directed at her father, though misplaced, becomes understandable in her grief. Furthermore, Eddie’s death, coupled with Glory Days’ murder, intensifies Mickey’s resolve to solve the case, explaining his increasingly risky and ethically questionable actions, such as blackmailing Neil Bishop and forging Julian’s signature. Mickey, who typically navigated ethical boundaries to find legal loopholes, becomes more reckless in his pursuit of justice following Eddie’s tragic demise.
Izzy’s Career Crossroads: Dancing Towards A New Path
Realigning Aspirations For Personal Well-being
Despite Izzy’s ambition to forge a professional dance career, her studio venture falls short of expectations. Her fledgling business struggles to compete with a well-established gym boasting superior marketing, resources, and a larger client base. Ultimately, Izzy makes the pragmatic decision to mitigate her losses by renting the studio to a dance-focused TV production. This signals a shift towards a more administrative role, leveraging her studio for purposes beyond dance classes.
Regarding her own dance aspirations, Izzy auditions for a dancer position on the TV show but ultimately declines the offer. Her decision is deeply intertwined with her commitment to sobriety. Witnessing a fellow dancer injured and resorting to prescription painkillers triggers a crucial realization: a single misstep in her dance career could trigger a relapse into addiction. Fortunately, Mickey presents her with a stable office manager position, providing the financial security and structure she needs to maintain her sobriety and well-being.
The Core Message Of The Lincoln Lawyer Season 3 Finale
A Stark Commentary On Systemic Corruption
The entirety of The Lincoln Lawyer season 3 serves as an exploration of corruption and misconduct permeating the police force, the DA’s office, and governmental structures, establishing it as a standout among compelling legal dramas willing to critically examine these systems. The season finale underscores the message that individuals who passively condone corruption are as culpable as those actively perpetrating unethical acts.
The DA’s office and the DEA prioritize institutional reputation over the pursuit of genuine justice. However, the concluding moments of The Lincoln Lawyer season 3 offer a glimmer of hope. Mickey’s unwavering commitment to securing justice for Julian De Cosse, Glory Days, and Eddie Rojas demonstrates the existence of principled individuals who are willing to challenge wrongdoing and champion change. Furthermore, Andy’s courageous decision to share crucial evidence with opposing counsel highlights that not everyone within a compromised system is willing to silently perpetuate injustice.
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The Lincoln Lawyer
TV-MA
Drama
8/10
Release Date May 13, 2022
Network Netflix
Directors David E. Kelley
Writers David E. Kelley
Cast
See All
Headshot Of Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Manuel Garcia-Rulfo
Mickey Haller
Headshot Of Becki Newton Becki Newton
Lorna Crane
Character(s) Mickey Haller, Lorna Crane, Dennis Cisco Wojciechowski, Izzy Letts, Maggie McPherson, Hayley Haller, Lisa Trammell, Detective Raymond Griggs, Andrea Freemann, Judge Teresa Medina, Teddy Vogul, Henry Dahl, Legal Siegel, Tanya Cruz, Judge Mary Holder, Carol Dubois, Angelo Soto, Bailiff, Janelle Simmons, Eli Wyms, Juror No. 7, Jesús Menendez, Rene, Gary Furlong, Jo Giorgetti, Terrell Coleman, Alvin Aquino, Russell Lawson, Gloria Glory Days Dayton, Kaz, Mitchell Bondurant, Detective Howard O’Brien, Jeff Trammell
Seasons 3
Streaming Service(s) Netflix
Main Genre Drama
Creator(s) David E. Kelley
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