As The Lincoln Lawyer continues to expand its presence on Netflix, fans of the Michael Connelly universe are excited—but also cautious. While the series has carved its own identity through charismatic lead Mickey Haller and fast-paced courtroom drama, it’s now inching closer to a pivotal crossroad: how to integrate the broader Connelly-verse without repeating Bosch’s most criticized missteps.
At the heart of this conversation is Jack McEvoy, the tenacious crime reporter who appears in several of Connelly’s novels, including The Poet and The Scarecrow. He’s one of the most compelling figures in the author’s universe—a character brimming with journalistic grit, personal flaws, and a dark, morally complex arc. But despite his potential, Bosch never fully explored Jack’s role, leaving fans longing for deeper crossover storytelling.
Now that The Lincoln Lawyer is gaining momentum, the opportunity to bring McEvoy into the fold is not just tempting—it’s crucial.
What Bosch Got Wrong
Amazon’s Bosch series, led by Titus Welliver, was widely praised for its grounded storytelling and noir tone. However, one of its recurring criticisms was how narrowly it focused on Harry Bosch while sidelining other prominent Connelly characters. McEvoy, Rachel Walling, and even Mickey Haller himself were either completely absent or referenced in passing due to complex rights issues and show structure.
As a result, the Connelly Universe felt fragmented across different platforms, making it difficult for fans to see how all these richly developed characters interacted within the same world.
A Second Chance with The Lincoln Lawyer
Netflix’s The Lincoln Lawyer, starring Manuel Garcia-Rulfo as Mickey Haller, is in a unique position. With Connelly more closely involved and the show already introducing nods to the broader universe (including references to Bosch), there’s real potential to correct past oversights.
Jack McEvoy could be the bridge that connects the legal and investigative sides of Connelly’s world. His dogged pursuit of truth and deep ties to the LAPD make him a natural foil—or reluctant ally—to Haller. More importantly, his stories dive into the underbelly of digital crime and modern-day corruption, themes that would feel right at home in The Lincoln Lawyer‘s sleek and modern format.
Why Jack McEvoy Matters
Jack isn’t just another character—he represents a different lens through which justice is explored. While Mickey argues cases and navigates the gray areas of the law, Jack shines a light on the systems that often go unchecked. Pairing the two could create a dynamic, tension-filled arc that blends courtroom drama with investigative thrills.
Moreover, McEvoy’s presence would allow the series to dive deeper into journalistic ethics, misinformation, and the personal cost of chasing the truth—topics increasingly relevant today.
The Time Is Now
With The Lincoln Lawyer already renewed for a new season and Netflix viewers hungry for expanded storytelling, the moment to bring Jack McEvoy into the spotlight has never been better. Doing so would not only please longtime Connelly fans but also give the show a fresh narrative edge.
But one thing is clear: The Lincoln Lawyer must handle this carefully. If the show sidelines Jack the way Bosch did—or uses him merely as a throwaway Easter egg—it risks repeating history and missing out on storytelling gold.
To truly succeed, The Lincoln Lawyer must learn from its predecessor’s mistakes and give Jack McEvoy the compelling arc he deserves.