Seven years ago, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo played Mickey Haller’s complete opposite on a critically praised TV show fromThe Lincoln Lawyer’s creator. Adapted from Michael Connelly’s book series,The Lincoln Lawyercharactersmaintain the spirit of their source material counterparts, largely thanks to series creator David E. Kelley.His vision for the show has maintained accuracy, with some occasional changes.
Following theend ofThe Lincoln Lawyerseason 3,Mickey will be in the most trouble he’s ever faced, having been framed for the murder of Sam Scales.The Lincoln Lawyerseason 4will focus on his friends trying to prove his innocence. However, when it comes to playing villains, Garcia-Rulfo is no stranger to it while collaborating with Kelley.
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo Played A Villainous Drug Lord In David Kelley’s Legal Show Goliath
He Was A Recurring Character In Season 2 Of The Legal Drama
In a completely opposing role from the kind-hearted yet tenacious Mickey Haller,Garcia-Rulfo previously portrayed villainous drug lord Gabriel Ortega inGoliath. The Prime Video series was co-created by Kelley and Jonathan Shapiro. It follows Billy Bob Thornton as Billy McBride, a former lawyer looking for redemption by representing a wrongful death case against his former law firm.
The show ended with season 4, every new season showcasing Billy take on a new case. In season 2, he defended a 16-year-old accused of a double murder he didn’t commit.A larger conspiracy unfolded, soon drawing in Gabriel, a powerful drug lord with childhood connections to Marisol Silva, a prominent Los Angeles mayoral candidate.
Gabriel is a far cry from Mickey: not only doeshis first appearance feature him cutting up a body, but he does whatever it takes to ensure the safety of his operation. His nefarious goals are a far cry fromMickey’s story inThe Lincoln Lawyer, where he represents the innocent. Gabriel is more imposing, killing for his criminal operations.
Manuel Garcia-Rulfo’s The Lincoln Lawyer & Goliath Roles Highlight His Great Acting Range
He’s Able To Convincingly Portray Both A Hero & A Villain
Garcia-Rulfo does a great job at playing Gabriel, emphasizing how imposing and antagonistic he can make a villain onscreen. His ability to convincingly play the drug lord is the complete opposite of Mickey’s virtuous nature, showing his range not just inKelley’s legal dramas, but also in the varied roles he’s able to bring to life.
His ability to portray evil through Gabriel onlymakes his role as Mickey inThe Lincoln Lawyerall the more impressive. Garcia-Rulfo’s talent doesn’t keep him defined to one type of character, something that makes him a perfect lead for the legal drama. With Mickey’s new situation so desperate, he can flex that talent further in season 4.
