Cobie Smulders set for The Lincoln Lawyer season 4—but don’t miss her 93% RT crime gem first

Cobie Smulders is now a part of The Lincoln Lawyer season 4 cast, adding more star power to the hit legal drama on Netflix. With the series already known for its sharp writing and compelling characters, Smulders’ addition is set to enhance the quality. While most audiences recognize her from blockbuster Marvel movies or as the fast-talking Robin Scherbatsky from How I Met Your Mother, there is a performance in her portfolio that deserves renewed attention.

Before venturing into the legal drama, Cobie Smulders starred in one of the most underappreciated detective series of recent years: Stumptown. It premiered in 2019 on ABC and was based on the graphic novels of the same name, winning critics over with its blend of noir elements, emotional weight, and character-focused narratives.

Roughly a year ago, it was described as a gritty one-season wonder. And at its center was a career-best turn from Smulders, which showcased her ability to shoulder a drama as effortlessly as she could smirk and flirt in a bar booth.

With Stumptown’s 93% Rotten Tomatoes score and a dedicated fanbase still lamenting its untimely cancellation, now is an ideal moment to find — or rediscover — the series that showcased Cobie Smulders’ versatility well beyond sitcoms and superhero brief appearances.

In Stumptown, Cobie Smulders shines as a damaged but determined PI

In Stumptown, Cobie Smulders plays Dex Parios, a character far removed from the upbeat personas she is known for. Dex is a former Marine struggling with PTSD, accompanied by a multitude of emotional and financial burdens after returning from Afghanistan. While living in Portland and trying to care for her younger brother, she becomes a private investigator, not out of passion but necessity. Though her clients are a mess, her methods unorthodox, and her techniques unpolished, she possesses sharp instincts.

Smulders brings Dex to life instead of merely portraying her character. Her performance in Stumptown encapsulates the disorder and fragility of a woman striving to cope with life amidst the chaos. It is different from her previous performances, which is precisely what makes it compelling. Now, she takes the spotlight as a complex protagonist dealing with deep-seated issues and career challenges, no longer relegated to the background as a supporting character.

A stellar show that ended too soon

Stumptown had a loyal following and was well-received, but it was astonishingly canceled after one season. This was not because of ratings or reception — the show had been renewed for a second season. However, the COVID-19 pandemic caused significant production delays, forcing ABC to pull the plug unexpectedly, leaving viewers with unfulfilled character arcs and unresolved cliffhangers.

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However, the single season of Stumptown is one of the most underrated crime dramas in recent years. The show featured a Portland setting with a slick yet moody noir atmosphere and a striking cast that included Michael Ealy and Jake Johnson — it definitely deserved more attention. Regardless of the time it had, the series offered a mesmerizing depiction of a woman reshaping her life amid turmoil, complemented by Cobie Smulders’ unforgettable lead performance.

While waiting for The Lincoln Lawyer’s next installment, one should not miss out on the part that showcased her talent to its full extent. Although Stumptown was short-lived, its influence, along with her portrayal, remains powerful.

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