I should have enjoyed this second season of The Lincoln Lawyer more than I did. It's Michael Connelly, after all. It's my kind of story and genre. Casting a native of Mexico as Mickey was refreshing, and, of course, authentic to Connelly's character. Manuel Garcia-Rulfo's portrayal demonstrated talent and offered the audience an enjoyable performance, especially in the first season, which weaved in aspects from Connelly's novel, The Brass Verdict in the adaptation. Christopher Gorham's Trevor Elliot was faultless.
Season two was plagued with several awkward moments/scenes and diluted performances. This was not exclusive to Garcia Rulfo. The romantic interludes, for instance, were superfluous, clumsy, and again, the acting appeared to be the culprit. But so many quality actors (including Neve Campbell, BTW) not performing well, forced me to admit that it was the writing (sorry Mr. Connelly et al.), and possibly some flaws in direction, both the story's outline as well as the actual scripted lines. When Campbell's character left for San Diego the morning after their latest tryst, Mickey's character is supposed to be clueless and forlorn. The scene was forced. Then the story cuts to happy go lucky Mickey in the classic Lincoln ragtop (top down, of course) taking in LA's streets with gaiety. Also incongruous was a lovely shot of snowcapped mountains. Unfortunately, it was supposed to be summertime in LA. One performer, Yaya DaCosta, whom I usually respect and enjoy, grossly over played the character. Perhaps this was in the production and direction, but I found her courtroom melodrama distracting.
Highlights: Becky Newton, Jazz Roycole, Elliot Gould, and Angus Sampson supported the production reliably with truly enjoyable performances. It's always a joy to see Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine in any production. I'd enjoy more of him in this surrogate Bosch role. True to Connelly's books, greater Los Angeles as its own character provides continuity that is more than just a backdrop or setting. And Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is a good casting choice as Mickey. I hope season three (should there be one) gives him better material. The series need not be direct adaptations of Connelly books (nor should it be). But drawing from their style, tenor, and integrity would serve the series well.
Season two was plagued with several awkward moments/scenes and diluted performances. This was not exclusive to Garcia Rulfo. The romantic interludes, for instance, were superfluous, clumsy, and again, the acting appeared to be the culprit. But so many quality actors (including Neve Campbell, BTW) not performing well, forced me to admit that it was the writing (sorry Mr. Connelly et al.), and possibly some flaws in direction, both the story's outline as well as the actual scripted lines. When Campbell's character left for San Diego the morning after their latest tryst, Mickey's character is supposed to be clueless and forlorn. The scene was forced. Then the story cuts to happy go lucky Mickey in the classic Lincoln ragtop (top down, of course) taking in LA's streets with gaiety. Also incongruous was a lovely shot of snowcapped mountains. Unfortunately, it was supposed to be summertime in LA. One performer, Yaya DaCosta, whom I usually respect and enjoy, grossly over played the character. Perhaps this was in the production and direction, but I found her courtroom melodrama distracting.
Highlights: Becky Newton, Jazz Roycole, Elliot Gould, and Angus Sampson supported the production reliably with truly enjoyable performances. It's always a joy to see Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine in any production. I'd enjoy more of him in this surrogate Bosch role. True to Connelly's books, greater Los Angeles as its own character provides continuity that is more than just a backdrop or setting. And Manuel Garcia-Rulfo is a good casting choice as Mickey. I hope season three (should there be one) gives him better material. The series need not be direct adaptations of Connelly books (nor should it be). But drawing from their style, tenor, and integrity would serve the series well.