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In an unprecedented turn of events, Judge Lionel Stone noted the rarity of a career prosecutor stepping into a defense role mid-case. Yet, Maggie McPherson’s presence beside Mickey Haller in The Lincoln Lawyer seems perfectly natural. For the first time in quite a while, viewers get a substantial glimpse into Maggie’s courtroom prowess. Facing off against Dana Berg, McPherson adopts the demeanor of a seasoned explainer, meticulously countering the prosecutor’s claims. Their familiarity with one another’s tactics, coupled with their shared interest in Mickey Haller, transforms their legal spar into a direct confrontation. Judge Stone eventually halts the escalating courtroom clash, but not before it becomes evident that these two could continue their legal tête-à-tête indefinitely.
The palpable shift in courtroom dynamics with Maggie at the defense table is undeniable. Her strategic foresight and unwavering determination position her as a formidable force in proving Mickey’s innocence. Even Dana Berg, despite her refusal to acknowledge it, senses the difference Maggie—dubbed “McFierce”—brings into the proceedings.
In a bittersweet subplot, David “Legal” Siegel, Haller’s venerable mentor, makes a poignant exit. His unexpected solo visit to Haller & Associates hinted at a farewell, and his detour with Lorna Crane to Langer’s Deli was a nostalgic nod to his past. Savoring a pastrami sandwich during an unscheduled day out from his assisted living facility, Siegel transitioned from his role as Mickey’s advisor to offering wisdom to Lorna. He reminded her that in the legal world, “home runs are rare.” Tragically, his return trip on public transit marked his final journey. Siegel, who often met clients on the bus in his early days, succumbed to a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy and the comforting thought of eternally open delis in the afterlife.
As Mickey’s murder case intensifies with new charges from Dana Berg—“first-degree murder with special circumstance for financial gain”—the urgency for the Haller team to unravel Alex Gazarian’s dealings with Biogreen increases. Cisco, typically not one for disguises, surprises by donning a yacht owner’s persona, complete with a ponytail and preppy attire, to lure out Jeanine Ferrigno, Gazarian’s clandestine partner and a key figure in Biogreen’s operations.
Trailing Jeanine from the marina, Cisco reverts to his usual look and discovers her residence at the iconic Chateau Marmont on Sunset, where Gazarian is also hiding. This revelation brings Cisco closer to subpoenaing Gazarian for Mickey’s trial, linking him to Biogreen and Sam Scales. However, his progress is abruptly halted when two goons accost him, a stark reminder of the dangers lurking beneath his investigative ventures. Perhaps his yuppie captain disguise was safer after all.
Losing Legal is an emotional blow, and Mickey breaks down outside the courtroom. He was already reeling, just like Lorna, and now his mentor and occasional father figure has died. But Mickey has an important choice to make. According to the judge, he can continue on his current bail agreement and waive his right to a speedy trial, or be remanded back into custody – per Berg’s new murder charges – which would leave the established trial date in place. Here it is again, that idea of perception. Mickey wants to be proven innocent in a court of law, but he knows that very court is also a media spectacle, and that Dana Berg will play games all the way to the end. Staying free on bail is part of that perception, too. But would there be any guarantee he’d ever get the fair trial he believes will exonerate him? From Hayley and Lorna, watching in the courtroom, to his new cocounsel Maggie, startled as she sits next to him at the table, everybody is shocked at the decision Mickey makes.
“I surrender myself to the court at this time…” You know who wasn’t shocked by this? Us. Mickey makes the hard play often. He takes risks that usually pay off, but just as often change shape as he makes his attempt. Being busted back to custody feels like Mickey’s way of telling Dana Berg and whoever’s after him, “I’m right here, do something about it.” With Maggie stepping in, he also has more support invested on the outside. Weirdly, giving up his freedom for a second time has kind of given Mickey more control. And don’t worry about missing Legal’s funeral. The veteran attorney probably would’ve probably missed his own funeral if it interfered with his winning a court case.
Briefs for Season 4 Episode 6 of The Lincoln Lawyer (“50/50”):
- “Digital forensics is literally my job”: If Grace keeps making herself indispensable around Haller & Associates, how long until she’s just straight up working there alongside – they haven’t officially said it yet, but – her girlfriend?
- Because Iz and Grace also make for quite the investigative team. In Episode 6, they meet with “Demon Fox” (Courtney Bandeko), whose ACAB activism involves filming police stops from her e-scooter. Police stops like the illegal one which ensnared Mickey. And was that a burner phone the cop tossed into his cruiser?
- Could McFierce being on Haller’s desk make their old romantic feelings work again? We’re not prepared to say Maggie and Mickey will get back together. But they care for another, the case is keeping them closer, Hayley’s well-being is always in the mix, and we already said Maggie’s doctor boyfriend seems like a nonstarter.
Johnny Loftus (@johnnyloftus.bsky.social) is a Chicago-based writer. A veteran of the alternative weekly trenches, his work has also appeared in Entertainment Weekly, Pitchfork, The All Music Guide, and The Village Voice.