The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 ending, explained (and how Cobie Smulders sets up season 5)

Mickey Haller returns in The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 with his most personal case yet. Picking up after the season 3 cliffhanger, which found Mickey getting arrested for the murder of his former client Sam Scales, Mickey's in deep trouble as the cards appear to be stacked against him. He clings to his innocence, but it's a matter of proving it in court against ruthless defense attorney Dana Berg (Constance Zimmer).

Eventually, Mickey turns to his ex-wife Maggie (Neve Campbell), who joins his other ex-wife Lorna (Becki Newton) and the team to work on Mickey's case. With Dana breathing down their necks and determined to keep Mickey behind bars, they work overtime to track down Sam's connections to Alex Gazarian and illustrate exactly how Mickey was framed for the murder.

But are they successful in their mission to clear Mickey of the charges and clear his name? Based on the book The Law of Innocence by Michael Connelly, The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 takes many twists and turns that we might not have expected for the usually fearless Mickey Haller. Having already been renewed for season 5 by Netflix, the season 4 finale also features a cameo from Cobie Smulders that sets up the next season. Let's dive into all the details!

Warning: Spoilers ahead from The Lincoln Lawyer season 4.

Does Mickey prove his innocence and who really killed Sam Scales?

Yes, Mickey does end up being cleared of the charges by the end of The Lincoln Lawyer season 4, but it's a hard fought win that doesn't conclude how anyone could have anticipated. After dodging plenty of solid attempts from Dana Berg to sink his case, the Haller team forged ahead to pursue their claim that Gazarian killed Sam and framed Mickey for his murder, which is exactly what happened.

However, their pursuit of serving Gazarian with a subpoena ends with his unexpected death at the hands of his own men. They're left to rely on his girlfriend Jeanine Ferrigno (Emmanuelle Chriqui) and the information she possesses about the situation. But the problem that comes into play is that Mickey's case comes into the crosshairs of an ongoing FBI investigation.

As Mickey soon learns, FBI Agent Dawn Ruth (Sasha Alexander) is actively investigating a case involving Sam and other biofuel scammers across the country. Having Jeanine testify for Mickey would ruin their investigation. Being so, the DA offers Mickey a deal, which he turns down and renegotiates: Dana makes a statement clearing his name and the DA will investigate the LAPD.

In order to reach this point, Mickey and the team had to bluff and make Ruth believe they were going to put Jeanine on the stand. Grace stood in as Jeanine as Lorna tricked Ruth from outside FBI headquarters. This leads to Mickey's trial concluding in the judge's chambers with a deal of exoneration rather than winning a not guilty verdict in trial. Still, a win is a win.

Who does Cobie Smulders play in The Lincoln Lawyer?

The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 doesn't simply conclude with Mickey getting his name cleared and putting his murder trial in the past. While he and Maggie appear to be on the brink of rekindling their flame after getting closer during the trial, Maggie returns to San Diego with Hayley determined to make her new life work. But another woman quickly enters Mickey's life.

As he walks around the grocery store, he notices a woman, who's played by Cobie Smulders, eyeing him and slightly following him around the produce section. Mickey doesn't speak with the woman in the grocery store, but she approaches him in the parking lot by his car. Before they can begin their conversation, the woman pulls him to the ground as gunfire shoots out in their direction.

Ruth appears with a full team, finally apprehending the men (likely the same ones who killed Gazarian and attacked Cisco) who were still targeting Mickey. Finally, with that whole situation wrapped up, the woman can reveal what she wants from Mickey. The season ends with her telling Mickey that she's his sister. Apparently, Mickey Haller has a secret sister from his father's side!

When Smulders' casting was announced last summer, Deadline claimed she was playing a character named Allison, though the character doesn't provide her name in the season finale. Given that the Netflix show has been following the order of Connelly's books since adapting book 2 with season 1, though skipping book 3 to adapt books 4, 5, and 6 with seasons 2, 3, and 4, book 7 will be next.

Netflix has already confirmed that season 5 will adapt Resurrection Walk. The book finds Mickey teaming up with his half-brother Harry Bosch, which could be who Smulders plays in season 5 if the series has opted to change details of the story and character. As we await further details about season 5, we can expect Smulders to appear in a series regular role as Mickey's sister.

Watch The Lincoln Lawyer only on Netflix.