In the newly released Season 4 of The Lincoln Lawyer. The tribute to Ken Kern in Episode 6 (“50/50”) is a rare moment where a major production. Pauses to honor someone from the administrative side of the industry.
Here is a detailed breakdown of his role and the significance of that tribute.
1. Who was Ken Kern?
While most viewers are used to seeing tributes for actors or directors, Ken Kern was a production accountant.
In the TV and film industry, the production accountant is one of the most critical “hidden” roles. They are responsible for:
- Managing Multi-Million Dollar Budgets: They track every cent spent during the long months of filming.
- Payroll: They ensure that everyone from the lead actors to the background extras and the technical crew gets paid on time.
- Cost Reporting: They work closely with producers to make sure the show doesn’t run out of money before the season is finished.
2. Why the Tribute was Significant
Ken Kern’s passing occurred during the timeframe surrounding the production of Season 4. The decision to include a title card—“In Memory of Ken Kern”—is significant for a few reasons:
- Recognition of the “Unsung Hero”: Production accountants are rarely the face of a show, but they are the ones who keep the “business” of show business running. This tribute was a public acknowledgment by the producers and Netflix of his essential contribution.
- The “Work Family” Culture: Shows like The Lincoln Lawyer have crews that work together for years. When a key staff member passes away, it deeply affects the morale of the entire set.
- Placement in the Season: Fans found the placement of the tribute particularly moving because it appeared at the end of an episode that dealt with the fictional death of David “Legal” Siegel. Ending a fictional tragedy with a real-life memorial made the credits feel much more weighted and somber.
3. Public Details
As is common with crew members who aren’t public figures, there isn’t a wealth of personal information available in the public domain. However, industry representatives confirmed his role following the surge of questions from viewers after the Season 4 premiere. This public curiosity is a testament to how much fans care about the people behind their favorite series.
The dedication ensures that as long as the show is streaming, Kern’s name will remain associated with the success of the series he helped manage.