Episode 2 of The Lincoln Lawyer's thrilling second season kicks off with Mickey's pensive visit to Siegel, seeking counsel amidst the Russell quagmire. As he grapples with the question of what his father would have done, Siegel gently admonishes him, urging him to forge his own path rather than dwell in the shadow of the past. Mickey, caught in a tight corner, hungers for any assistance that can steer him clear. Siegel, ever the savior, meticulously outlines the complexities of this hypothetical morass, offering a strategy that adheres to the strictest ethical boundaries.
En route to the office, Izzy shares her obsession with a crime podcast, fueling the tension with her intriguing tales of criminal intrigue. Suddenly, Lorna's call interrupts the moment, casting a pall over the journey. Glory Days, it seems, has fallen prey to solicitation charges and cocaine possession, and she's desperate for Mickey's representation. Adding to the chaos, Lorna alerts Mickey that Russell, his other client, is already awaiting him at the office—a surprise encounter that Mickey hadn't anticipated.
Fear for Lorna's safety lingers as Mickey ponders Russell's menacing presence, but relief floods in upon realizing Cisco's watchful presence. Swiftly altering their course, they race back to the office where Mickey confronts Russell's mundane request: handling a speeding ticket. Yet, beneath the surface lies a sinister reminder of Mickey's professional obligations, laced with veiled threats against his loved ones and career. Mickey's stern dismissal echoes through the room as Russell departs, leaving a trail of unease.
Determined to shield his team from further entanglements, Mickey instructs Lorna and Cisco to steer clear of the Jesús Menendez case, a decision met with puzzled glances and unanswered queries. Unfazed, he ventures forth to confront the challenges of Glory Days' case.
Glory Days' story unfolds like a twisted tale, revealing how she was lured into a trap by an undercover cop. Her encounter with a mysterious client, who paid upfront and offered a taste of cocaine, set the stage for her downfall. Little did she know that her subsequent meeting with the very cop who arrested her was a premeditated setup, one that ensured a felony charge for possession with intent to sell due to the excessive amount of cocaine planted on her. As Mickey delves deeper into the case, the stakes are raised, and the web of deceit tightens its grip.
Glory Days is convinced that her current predicament is a direct consequence of her pivotal role in securing Jesús' freedom. Mickey, with a calculated approach, broaches the subject of her inaugural client, Hector Moya, insinuating that she could trade information on him to alleviate her legal burden. He posits that Hector, either a drug dealer himself or intimately acquainted with one, could serve as a bargaining chip to secure her release. Initially, Glory Days stands firm in her refusal to betray anyone, but Mickey's grim portrayal of a potential lengthy imprisonment softens her stance. She ultimately relents, agreeing to provide details on Hector and engage in discussions with Briggs regarding the Jesús case – only to be baffled when Mickey casually reveals he's been taken off the case, leaving her with more questions than answers.
Meanwhile, Lorna eagerly seeks Cisco's input on their wedding guest list, only to detect a hint of reservation in his demeanor. Her heart skips a beat, fearing he might be having second thoughts. Cisco, however, assures her that his preoccupation stems from other matters and promises to deliver the list promptly. Their conversation briefly veers towards Lorna's academic pursuits, though she carefully avoids mentioning the Academic Dean she seeks to avoid. Cisco expresses his pride in her accomplishments before departing.
As Mickey heads to his next engagement, he takes a moment to inquire about Izzy's well-being. She shares her aspirations of launching a dance studio alongside Ray, a revelation that hints at a potential parting of ways with Mickey. Though visibly disappointed, he remains encouraging, recognizing the promising future that Izzy and Ray seem to be forging. The duo hasn't finalized their plans, yet the signs are promising. Izzy feels a sense of optimism, believing they're on the right track.
Later, Cisco's call to Mickey drops a bombshell: Hector Moya is not just any player but a major figure in the rival Tijuana cartel, with a trail of alleged murders to his name. His presence in L.A. spells trouble. Mickey swiftly pivots, requesting Hector's whereabouts and altering his itinerary. He makes a beeline for Maggie, striking a strategic alliance with her. Maggie, eager to reclaim her poached case, finds herself in a position where Mickey's offer holds the key to her redemption.
Mickey divulges to Maggie the precarious state of Glory Days' situation, emphasizing her possession of vital intel on the notorious Tijuana Cartel. In exchange for Glory Days' freedom, he implores Maggie to take the reins of Hector's case. Though reluctant to aid Glory Days, Maggie senses Mickey's desperation and reluctantly agrees, promising to make some inquiries and revert to him.
Later, a text message from Lisa beckons Mickey to indulge in some mocktail tastings for the restaurant, intertwined with a need to discuss the looming restraining order. She voices her concerns about potential encounters with Bondurant, given their shared work turf. Her neighborhood holds a special place in her heart, nurtured by her father post-divorce, and she guards it fiercely. Mickey reassures her, emphasizing compliance with the order's terms. Lisa further suspects Bondurant of bribing a witness to testify against her, prompting Mickey to pledge an investigation before departing.
Elsewhere, Lorna confronts the Academic Dean, Wheaton, with a resolute determination to confront him for his past transgressions. Years ago, when she was a fledgling law student, he harassed her after she declined his advances. Once a figure of admiration, his actions shattered her dreams, forcing her to abandon her studies. But today, she stands tall, reclaiming her power and obtaining the signature she sought before gracefully exiting.
The next dawn finds Mickey at his office, his arrival preceded by a note for Russell, urging Lorna to notify him to collect his written declaration. He tasks Cisco with remaining accessible for later assignments and informs Izzy of his intention to drive solo, heading out for a tennis match to clear his mind.
En route, a call from Briggs interrupts his solitude, expecting Mickey's presence during Glory Days' interrogation. Mickey surprises Briggs by revealing his withdrawal from the Jesús case, leaving the investigation in their hands. Briggs' curiosity piqued, he proceeds without Mickey, securing a statement and composite sketch from Glory Days regarding the tattooed man.
Back at the office, Cisco shares his modest wedding guest list with Lorna, who questions his commitment. With only three attendees, she suspects a lack of seriousness. Cisco clarifies that familial strife leaves him indifferent, his sole focus on spending eternity with Lorna. A text from Teddy prompts a hasty fib, disguising it as spam to Lorna's unsuspecting ears.
Secretly, Cisco meets with Teddy, who seeks updates on Kaz's situation, suspecting betrayal in exchange for a reduced sentence. Cisco fiercely defends Kaz, insisting on his innocence, but Teddy remains unconvinced, issuing an ultimatum: Cisco must keep tabs on Kaz until further notice.
As the dust settled after his intense tennis match, Mickey's path crossed with Briggs, whose curiosity was piqued by the abrupt abandonment of the Jesús case. Mickey, his lips sealed tight on the true reasons, reiterated his sole mission: safeguarding the well-being of Glory Days. The narrative then shifted to the liberated Glory Days, eager to return home for solace and rejuvenation, only to be ambushed by Russel, a vengeful predator bent on eliminating the last witness to his heinous crimes.
But fate intervened in the form of Cisco and the vigilant police, who had Glory Days under watch and swiftly apprehended Russel before he could carry out his sinister plan. Glory Days, now safe, pointed the accusing finger at the tattooed fiend who had also claimed Martha's life, finally unraveling the mystery for Briggs.
With the storm abated, Mickey sought out Glory Days to offer his heartfelt apology, finding solace in her unwavering support. She, with a heart full of gratitude for her part in the ordeal, revealed her plans to embark on a journey to Hawaii, reuniting with her beloved family.
Mickey's duties unfinished, he ventured into the county jail's grim confines to deliver a message to Russell: their professional ties were severed. Russell, furious at having fallen prey to Mickey's stratagem, found himself powerless as Mickey had played by the book, leaving no trace of impropriety for Russell to grasp. With a stern warning against further entanglements, Mickey strode away, leaving Russell to stew in his anger.
Mickey's final stop was a visit to Jesús, where he imparted the joyous news of his case's dismissal, freeing him from the specter of trial. Jesús and his wife, their hearts swelled with joy at the prospect of starting anew, embraced the news wholeheartedly, their impending parenthood a beacon of hope amidst the past's shadows.
As the day drew to a close, Siegel's intricate plan unfolded flawlessly, granting Mickey a moment of profound relief. Yet, this tranquility was fleeting, shattered by Lisa's distressing call—she had been apprehended for Bondurant's murder, casting a new shadow over Mickey's world.
