David E. Kelley: "The Lincoln Lawyer"

 The thing that makes Michael Connelly special is his interest in "the real world." 

Before switching to fiction, Connelly was s journalist; his novels continue to show his fascination with choices that actual people make within an actual flawed system. For example, in one of the "Bosch" novels, a major clue involves the misuse of municipal property. A night stalker is tampering with various street lights--to make his "project" easier. In another novel, there is a brief interlude that is centered on victims and names. Some cops are using a victim's real name, whereas others are using a racist nickname--"Burrito Girl" (or something like this). The detail seems ripped from the headlines--and it makes a world of difference. People reveal themselves through (allegedly) small choices.

"The Lincoln Lawyer" series nicely blends Connelly's knowledge with David E. Kelley's knowledge. Like Connelly, David E. Kelley did challenging work before he turned to the world of entertainment. Kelley was--briefly--a lawyer.

My favorite moments in "The Lincoln Lawyer" involve professional tricks--perhaps they emerged from Connelly's years of interviewing, and perhaps they emerged from Kelley's own real-world experience. For example, there is a fun digression involving jury selection. Mickey knows that his antagonist will spy on his notes--so he deliberately "messes up" his own coding practice. He creates a false trail. Surely, something like this has happened in America, in a courtroom.

Additionally, Kelley inserts a discussion of bias. A young former intern of Haller's offers testimony about language: "Mr. Haller threatened a client with death--and the threat just seemed real." The ensuing character assassination feels plausible; the intern was once fired because of funding issues, and Haller (who clearly has narcissistic moments) failed to write a letter of reference. Kelley isn't reinventing the wheel here--but his interest in damaged egos, and vendettas, is infectious.

Lastly, the use of superhero monikers--"Death Row Dana," "Maggie McFierce," "Lincoln Lawyer," David "Legal" Siegel--adds texture to this particular fictional world.

I have one hour left in the new season--a standout storyline for the series.