Episode 9 of The Lincoln Lawyer commences with Mickey's intricate preparation to counter Golantz's cross-examination of Trevor Elliott. With Trevor already on the verge of defeat, his strategy seems like a feeble attempt to regain footing in the fight, a mere invitation for Golantz's devastating blow. Mickey's entire case hangs precariously in the balance, its fate hinging on this crucial moment.
Meanwhile, Maggie and Lankford are engaged in a tense interrogation with Alvin Aquino, scrutinizing his involvement in the murder of David Loresca, the crucial witness against Soto. Aquino's maniacal laughter reveals his shock upon realizing his phone has been tapped. However, his story appears to align with the facts, as Father Cruz's signature on the delivery receipt confirms. This leaves Lankford and Maggie with just 10 hours to secure a conviction.
Back in the courtroom, Golantz presents an offer to settle, but Trevor refuses, determined to fight on. He takes the stand, revealing his love for Lara and the challenges in their marriage, including his knowledge of her affair and his own infidelity. However, during Golantz's relentless cross-examination, Trevor's shaky testimony begins to unravel. Golantz points out the inconsistencies in Trevor's alibi, highlighting the seven meetings he had and the fact that he failed to clear his calendar before embarking on the surprise trip to his wife's house. Even more damning, Golantz reveals that the gun used in Trevor's game, Nocturna, is identical to the one that killed Lara and Jan.
The situation looks grim for Trevor, and soon, it's time for closing statements. Golantz's argument relies heavily on "common sense and logic," painting Trevor as a jealous husband desperate to control Lara. In contrast, Mickey employs a more mathematical approach, arguing that only seven minutes were needed to kill Lara and cover up the crime scene. In a masterful stroke, Mickey shifts the blame onto Anton, pointing him out as the true killer.
As the jury deliberated on their final decision, Mickey convened with Cisco, who imparted some startling revelations. Not only was Trevor's roommate Pavel Kosevich's son, but there was also Ben Hoffman, the CTO of Pavel's company. It transpired that Pavel held a deep-seated hatred for Trevor, rendering any financial support from his father improbable. This effectively dismantled the narrative of a Russian mafia involvement. So, if not the Russians, then who had been shadowing Mickey?
When the jury returned, Trevor Elliott emerged unscathed, declared not guilty. Meanwhile, Mickey ventured to confront Eli Wyms, confessing that he had been used as a pawn in someone else's game. He presented an Affidavit, a sworn testament of truth, suggesting that Eli could utilize it to sue Jerry's law practice. The potential compensation could aid Eli in regaining his footing. As Eli pointed out Mickey's role in shielding Jerry's shady deeds, a revelation dawned on both of them.
Elsewhere, Maggie's operation was in full swing. Tanya, armed with a wire, made her way to visit Soto. There, he confessed to killing David, claiming it was to safeguard their family and "their unborn child." However, soon after, Soto realized Tanya's ruse and ripped her shirt apart, exposing the wire. As she struggled for breath, the LAPD swooped in, rescuing her from the rooftop.
Mickey's encounter with Trevor revealed a startling truth. It was Lara, not Trevor, who had penned the masterful code that made Nocturna a blockbuster game. Back then, Lara had toiled for Chaos Games, a rival company, watching Trevor ascend to the pinnacle for a decade. Sonia's statement served as the tipping point. In reality, the argument had stemmed from Lara's exposure of Trevor to investors, leading him to "deal with her."
Remember that footage of Trevor fiddling with his phone? It was actually him controlling a drone, used to dispose of bloody clothes in the ocean, covering his tracks. Nonetheless, Trevor admitted he was clueless about Jerry's murderer and remained indifferent.
As Mickey made his way home, a call from Anthony Reyes, a member of the LAPD Valley traffic division, interrupted his thoughts. It was Izzy, arrested for DUI. When Mickey arrived at the designated meeting spot, it was deserted. Suddenly, McSweeney appeared and struck Mickey with a forceful blow, sending him crashing to the ground with a resounding thud.
