The concluding episode dives into the past, exposing the tangled web that binds Bishop and De Marco. Bishop, cornered by De Marco after a past homicide, has been under his thumb ever since. Back in court, Bishop finally breaks down and reveals his involvement in Gloria’s death—he tracked her for De Marco, who followed shortly after Julian’s departure, hiding from cameras and leaving Gloria dead an hour later.
His testimony unravels the sinister forces at play, hinting at De Marco’s ties with a powerful cartel. The moment turns darker when Bishop, overwhelmed by guilt and fearing for his life, pulls out a hidden gun and ends his suffering right there in court.
Meanwhile, Cisco’s pursuit of De Marco hits a roadblock, but Hector, a cartel rival, exacts his vengeance. De Marco is found dead, his neck adorned with a venomous reminder. With the case effectively dismissed, Mickey relieves Julian with the news. But the episode’s shock doesn’t end there—Mickey’s daughter Hayley apologizes for doubting him, then stuns him by announcing her desire to become a prosecutor.
This finale pulls out all the stops, unraveling just enough to close the main case while planting new seeds of mystery. Bishop’s confession is riveting, exposing the vulnerable side of a man caught in moral decay. His suicide in court feels like the grim punctuation to a story fraught with manipulation and betrayal. The episode skillfully peels back layers of the case, revealing a massive cartel conspiracy that De Marco’s death, fittingly, cannot fully bury.
Mickey’s journey here is both triumph and trial. While the case closes, his reaction to Hayley’s career revelation adds an emotional dimension, bringing home the toll his work takes on his loved ones.
The final scene, however, is the real cliffhanger—Mickey’s arrest and the ominous discovery of a body in his trunk promise a volatile new chapter. If a fourth season happens, it will undoubtedly see Mickey fighting from a far darker position, with Lorna and Cisco likely stepping into new roles to clear his name.
This episode wraps up loose ends neatly while amplifying intrigue, setting us up for another suspense-filled journey.
Conclusion:
Season 3 of The Lincoln Lawyer leaves us with mixed feelings. On one hand, the show still delivers the courtroom intensity and twisty legal drama that we love. Mickey Haller, portrayed by Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, keeps us engaged with his confident, gritty style as he tackles challenging cases from the seat of his Lincoln.
We get plenty of high-stakes legal moments, and the charm that drew us in before remains intact. There’s no shortage of courtroom surprises, making it a binge-worthy ride for legal drama enthusiasts.
However, the season falls short in one significant area: Mickey’s recovery journey. In past seasons, his struggle with sobriety added an authentic, nuanced layer that made him relatable. This time, that depth is largely missing, with only fleeting references to his recovery journey. Even the connection with Izzy, who also shares a path in sobriety, is left unexplored, feeling like a missed opportunity to add complexity.
While Season 3 keeps the legal thrills alive, it misses the emotional resonance of Mickey’s growth. I’d give it a solid 3 out of 5—entertaining, but lacking the depth that could make it truly memorable.
