Filming for the second episode of Season 4 of “The Lincoln Lawyer” is underway, with lead character Mickey Haller, portrayed by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, seated at a meticulously crafted defense table in a Los Angeles courtroom set. Among the court audience is Legal Siegel, a retired attorney played by Elliot Gould, who serves as a father figure for Mickey.
During a filming break, new cast member Constance Zimmer, who takes on the role of prosecutor Dana Berg, adjusts to her character’s striking bangs, which reflect her strict persona. “I care about being authentic,” Zimmer emphasizes. She dresses in gold aviator glasses and a conservative camel blazer to embody an attorney refined by decades of experience.
As production progresses, it showcases the typical ebb and flow of set life, punctuated by crew calls and lighthearted moments. When Garcia-Rulfo misspeaks, he humorously expresses his frustration with an exclamation in Spanish, “Ay, ¡Dios mío!”
The upcoming season, premiering Thursday on Netflix, picks up immediately after a thrilling cliffhanger from Season 3 where Mickey, pulled over for a minor infraction, finds himself arrested for the murder of conman Sam Scales, whose body is discovered in the trunk of his car. This season centers on Mickey’s desperate quest for self-defense while incarcerated, aimed at clearing his name and preserving his reputation.
Garcia-Rulfo has gained significant recognition, landing the lead role in Netflix’s legal drama after starring in the blockbuster “Jurassic World: Rebirth” last summer. As the series progresses into its fourth season, he showcases a mastery of the intricate legal language required for his character while also developing a love for local eateries around the downtown studio, including Moo’s Barbecue and Leo’s Tacos.
Co-showrunner Dailyn Rodriguez notes that this season will be emotionally charged as Mickey grapples with immense stakes while navigating strained relationships with his two ex-wives and his daughter, who struggles with the implications of his arrest. Lorna, Mickey’s legal associate and ex-wife, portrayed by Becki Newton, must ensure their firm stays operational amid the chaos. Meanwhile, the complications deepened by his daughter, Hayley’s, fears of losing her father enhance the dramatic tension.
Filming predominantly occurs at L.A. Center Studios, where the atmosphere mirrors Los Angeles’s vibrant culture, famously known for the series’ authenticity. Mickey Haller, originally working out of his car trunk, now enjoys a well-appointed office, a far cry from his humble beginnings, complete with sets that replicate various locations throughout Southern California.
Garcia-Rulfo expressed incredulity at landing his role initially, noting the rapid pace of television production and the expectations surrounding legal terminology. He highlighted Mickey’s evolution, indicating that this season will present deeper personal challenges for the character as he confronts his past mistakes alongside larger legal obstacles.
With a renewed commitment to authentic representation, the series portrays the diversity of Los Angeles through its casting and storytelling, reflecting the real-life multicultural tapestry of the city. Rodriguez is set to make her directorial debut this season, and anticipation builds as the finale will be helmed by Jennifer Lynch.
Despite the challenges posed by recent wildfires affecting parts of Los Angeles, which disrupted pre-production, the team is energized by the opportunity to provide employment and support for the local community. As they celebrate the resilience of the city and its people, the show has already secured a fifth season, promising viewers more compelling storylines ahead.