Unveiling the Secrets: Insider Perspective on Crafting the Perfect Legal Drama

Summary

Successful legal dramas like The Lincoln Lawyer require moral ambiguity, says showrunner Ted Humphrey, with lawyers grappling with difficult choices and compromises.

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While it is important to maintain authenticity, dramatic storytelling often necessitates some creative liberties. Trials are lengthy processes that encompass more than just courtroom proceedings.

Lawyers are individuals who lead ordinary lives that are often filled with mundane tasks. For Mickey, the criminal defense lawyer, the constant pursuit of finding income is a core aspect of his day-to-day existence.

Ted Humphrey, writer-producer of The Lincoln Lawyer and The Good Wife, discusses what makes a captivating legal drama. The second season of The Lincoln Lawyer recently concluded on Netflix, concluding a 10-episode story arc that continued the adaptation of Michael Connelly's books. Despite The Good Wife ending in 2016, the CBS series has expanded into a franchise with The Good Fight and another spinoff featuring Carrie Preston as Elsbeth Tascioni.

In an interview with The New York Times, Humphrey reveals the secret behind successful legal dramas such as The Lincoln Lawyer. As a writer-producer for The Good Wife and showrunner of The Lincoln Lawyer, he emphasizes the importance of moral ambiguity. Additionally, he highlights authenticity and a focus on the everyday aspects of being a lawyer as two other crucial elements. See Humphrey's complete quote below:

One, the lawyer in this story must grapple with moral dilemmas in a gray area. When discussing "The Good Wife," Robert King, co-creator with Michelle King, would often mention the show's focus on Alicia Florrick's [portrayed by Julianna Margulies] personal development. As she returned to work later in life, viewers witnessed her maturation and the realization of the numerous moral compromises she had to face.

Two, authenticity is crucial. While it is necessary to take certain liberties to craft a compelling narrative, it is important to remember that trials often span a year, with much of the battle occurring through motions, witness preparation, and depositions rather than solely in the courtroom setting.

The Good Wife Had One Thing That Lincoln Lawyer Doesn't — Yet

Lawyers are individuals who hold occupations, and their daily lives are filled with trivial matters. In the case of Mickey, being a criminal defense lawyer entails a continual pursuit for financial stability.

The Good Wife exemplified the quintessential format of network television in a commendable manner. With an approximate count of 22 episodes per season, it allowed ample room for self-contained installments, where each episode delved into a singular case, while simultaneously progressing the interpersonal conflicts the characters confronted. This approach also facilitated the proliferation of recurring guests, leading to the emergence of beloved supporting characters, spanning from judges and defense attorneys to prosecutors.

The Lincoln Lawyer currently has only 10 episodes per season. These episodes primarily focus on solving one significant case, allowing little room for distractions. This approach has proven successful, as The Lincoln Lawyer season 3 already has a major case lined up. If Netflix renews the show, it is likely that they will continue with the one-case-per-season format.

However, if The Lincoln Lawyer remains a popular show on Netflix, it would be interesting to see if longer episodes are considered. For example, with 20 episodes, the series could dedicate the first 10 to individual cases while developing a larger storyline in the background. While streaming platforms tend to prefer shorter episode counts, the recent popularity of shows like Suits and the continued success of The Good Wife demonstrate an audience's desire for more immersive legal dramas.

Source: The New York Times