The Lincoln Lawyer, Netflix‘s hit legal drama based on Michael Connelly’s best-selling books, included a touching tribute card honoring the late Ken Kern in its fourth season.
When The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4, Episode 6 concludes, the finale fades to black, and after several writing and directing credits flash, a tribute card that reads “In Memory of Ken Kern” appears on screen before music begins.
Fans of the series will likely be wondering who is Ken Kern? And what was his connection to The Lincoln Lawyer? So Decider reached out to The Lincoln Lawyer reps at Netflix in hopes of getting more info.
Curious who Ken Ken was and why his tribute card was included at the end of The Lincoln Lawyer‘s emotional Season 4, Episode 6, “50/50”? Here’s what we know.
Who Is Ken Kern? The Lincoln Lawyer‘s Season 4, Episode 6 Tribute Card, Explained
While details about Ken Kern’s passing are unknown, a rep for the show did confirm to Decider that Kern was an accountant on The Lincoln Lawyer who died.
In-memoriam cards are heartfelt ways for shows to honor the work, careers, and legacies of late cast or crew members, and in recent months, other Netflix series — from Ransom Canyon to Emily in Paris — have utilized the small, albeit impactful gesture. It’s worth noting, however, that the decision to place Ken Kern’s tribute card at the end of Season 4, Episode 6 (rather than the Season 4 premiere or finale, as is commonly done) was especially thoughtful. Why? Well, The Lincoln Lawyer said goodbye to a crucial character in that episode.
The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4, Episode 6 spoilers ahead.
As Mickey was (Manuel Garcia-Rulfo) fighting for his innocence in The Lincoln Lawyer Season 4, Episode 6, someone incredibly close to him died unexpectedly: David “Legal” Siegel, played by Elliott Gould.
Fans of Michael Connelly’s books or The Lincoln Lawyer‘s first three seasons know that Legal was a crucial fixture in Mickey’s life. As the former partner of Mickey’s late father, the retired criminal defense attorney knew Mickey since he was young. And when Mickey’s dad passed, Legal became a father figure to him. Legal was alone, divorced, and had kids who barely spoke to him, so he truly saw Mickey as a son. He regularly offered words of wisdom, trial advice, support, and inspiration. And the two often met to talk strategy over delicious food that Legal’s doctor wouldn’t approve of.
In a heartbreaking end-of-episode scene, Lorna (Becki Newtown) told Mickey that Legal died of a heart attack. Mickey broke down sobbing on Maggie’s (Neve Campbell) shoulder and was quickly called back into the court room to make a crucial decision. In a last-minute twist, Mickey chose to remain in jail and waive his bail to keep his right to a speedy trial. In my opinion, the decision was also made, in part, because Mickey wasn’t ready to face the reality of a world without Legal and didn’t want to face his funeral.
Gould’s character brought warmth, heart, humor, and wisdom to the series, and Legal will be greatly missed. So the choice to honor Kern and his contributions to The Lincoln Lawyer at the end of such an affecting, show-altering episode was an especially powerful one.
Stay tuned for more Lincoln Lawyer Season 4 coverage from Decider.
