There is a new lawyer on television, and she aims to bring fun as Ally McBeal did. Kathy Bates stars in the new CBS Matlock reboot created by Jennie Snyder Urman, known for Jane the Virgin. The first episode shows that she is a charming old lady with more tricks than anyone expected.
The show starts with Bates’ character, Matty Matlock, trying to find money for her coffee. The audience quickly sees this is a trick so she can listen to a cocky lawyer behind her brag about how much he will save his client in a settlement talk.
Matty continues acting like an innocent grandma until she ends up in a meeting at the law firm of the cocky lawyer. She uses what she heard in the coffee shop to get a job as a junior associate.
It is hard to believe that this is a realistic way to get a job at Jacobson Moore, a corporate law firm in Manhattan. Still, Bates’ charm and Snyder’s clever writing make it easy to enjoy the story.
Once Matty has secured her job, she is assigned to work with Olympia (played by Skye P. Marshall) on a pro bono case. Their goal is to win a man named Raymond Harris (Rothaford Gray), who was wrongfully imprisoned for 26 years, a fair settlement from the city.
Olympia builds the case around the idea that there was widespread corruption in the NYPD when Raymond was arrested. The case seems strong until the NYPD makes a settlement offer right before the trial.
The offer drops from $2 million to $200,000. Olympia uses Matty to persuade Raymond and his daughter to go to trial instead of accepting the low offer. She worries that Jacobson Moore’s boss, Senior (Beau Bridges), will blame her if they take the deal.
Matty takes the blame for the decision but knows she needs to win Olympia’s trust. Unexpectedly, Matty gets assigned to help Olympia gain custody of her children for Thanksgiving weekend. The opposing side in this custody battle is Julian (Jason Ritter), Olympia’s ex-husband and Senior’s son.
Matty does not want to interfere in family matters, but she hopes to talk to Julian about possibly working on some pharmaceutical cases with him.
However, when Matty talks to Julian, he declines to give Olympia the kids for Thanksgiving. Before they can focus on this setback, a news article claims that the NYPD’s corruption in the 1990s was not as severe as many thought. This news explains the sudden drop in the settlement offer, and Olympia must rush to come up with a new defense for Raymond just hours before the trial starts.
While Olympia works on her opening statement and witness plan, Matty and her colleagues—Sarah (Leah Lewis), who is ambitious and direct, and Billy (David Del Rio), who is friendly—set out to find a prostitute. They believe this woman was attacked by the real murderer while Raymond was in police custody.
Matty shows how much can be learned by simply listening to people. The team had struggled to locate the prostitute for six months, but Matty manages to find the key information after a quick chat with an “old hoe” who first mentioned the victimized prostitute.
With new details—red hair and a drug problem—the group can track down a drug dealer connected to their potential witness. Matty pretends to be a family friend of the drug dealer to get him to talk. He remembers a name: Carlin (Nicole de Boer).
At this point, both Sarah and Billy must admit that Matty is an asset when it comes to gathering information. It is hard not to trust an old lady with a sweet Southern accent! However, drama and challenges are essential for a good television episode. Matty makes her first significant mistake when they finally meet Carlin.
They need to persuade her to testify to help save Raymond’s case, but Matty becomes soft when she sees how scared Carlin is about taking the stand and risking her past being exposed due to the case’s high profile. Matty tells Carlin that they cannot force her to testify.
The testimony will only happen with a signed affidavit from Carlin, and the former prostitute refuses to give it. In just a few hours, Matty saves the case and then immediately puts it in jeopardy.
Matty has to explain to Olympia what she has done, and she gets an earful about privilege and saving a suburban white lady while their Black client risks getting no settlement after losing 26 years in prison. This speech shows that Olympia is strong and capable, sending Matty to the crying terrace outside the office.
While she punishes herself for losing sight of their priorities, Sarah and Billy come to offer a pep talk. They are genuinely impressed by how much progress Matty made in such a short time.
Yes, she made a mistake, but they believe she can pull herself together and fix it. The team realizes that teamwork is essential, and it is a nice way to show how much they have bonded in a short time.
The team may be down, but they are not out. Matty returns to Carlin’s house and explains why she let her off the hook. Although Matty had put on a show during her earlier manipulations, her conversation with Carlin comes from a sincere place.
Matty lost her daughter to a drug overdose, and that memory haunted her when Carlin talked about her efforts to start anew.
Matty realizes she would do anything to help her daughter, and that leads her to want to help Carlin. However, this desire comes at the expense of her client, who faces severe consequences if Matty does not find a way to get Carlin to testify.
Spoiler alert: Carlin does not make it to the stand, but she gives Matty even better information. The manager of a Greek restaurant witnessed Carlin getting attacked and walked her to the police station afterward. Matty finds the manager, who was on the phone when Carlin escaped her attacker.
The city’s defense argues against allowing a witness who would only offer hearsay to testify, and Matty asks if it would change anything if the call the manager was on was recorded. The opposing lawyer falls for the trap and states that if the call were recorded, it would be acceptable evidence.
Boom, roasted! It turns out the manager was talking to 911, but the police station deleted the record of the call. Luckily, it was backed up on the city server and can be played in court.
Olympia wins the case, and the jury awards Raymond $20 million. Not only is justice served, but Olympia can now show Senior that social justice cases can also bring money to the firm, which helps her avoid returning to the pharmaceutical work she despises. Furthermore, Matty secures a full-time job. However, there is a twist.
Throughout the episode, Matty shares a sad story about needing to work at Jacobson Moore because her deadbeat cheating husband died and left her with a lot of debt.
This explains why she came out of retirement, but it does not explain why she went to such lengths to work at this specific firm. Couldn’t she have simply reopened her own law office or found a less likely place to discriminate against her for being old?
Well, it turns out that almost everything Matty said about her life in the episode was a lie. Viewers see reminders of all her previous misstatements as her real life is revealed on screen. She is not poor. Her husband is definitely not dead, and the grandson she claims to be raising loves her dearly.
Her real name is Madeline Kingston, and she is a very wealthy retired lawyer. She chose to work at Jacobson Moore because she and her family discovered that either Olympia, Julian, or Senior hid documents in a pharmaceutical case a decade ago.
These documents could have taken opioids off the streets years earlier, possibly saving her daughter from overdosing. Matty is working at Jacobson Moore to investigate who did this and ensure they are held accountable.
Matty warned everyone not to underestimate an old lady just because she carries caramels in her purse and speaks sweetly. Now we see she is truly a mastermind. In just a few days, she has integrated herself into the firm. While Matty may not yet have Olympia’s full trust, she is well on her way.
If she continues to pull off miraculous saves, she will become one of the most trusted associates soon. This journey will be exciting for viewers as they follow along.
A Bit of Humor and Heart
The new Matlock offers a mix of humor and heart, much like its predecessor. Kathy Bates brings her signature charm to the role of Matty Matlock. The character is witty and wise, showing that age does not limit one’s ability to think quickly and act effectively. Bates makes the audience laugh while also showcasing the depth of her character’s emotions.
The writers have crafted moments that resonate with viewers, especially when Matty opens up about her past. These revelations give depth to her character and allow viewers to connect with her on a personal level. The show balances the lightheartedness of courtroom antics with serious topics, such as wrongful imprisonment and the fight for justice.
The supporting characters are also well-developed. Olympia, played by Skye P. Marshall, is a strong and determined lawyer. She faces challenges while also full her own personal life. Her struggles as a single mother seeking custody of her children add layers to her character. Viewers can empathize with her dedication to her job while trying to be there for her family.
Sarah and Billy, the other junior associates, bring their own unique personalities to the mix. Sarah’s ambition sometimes leads her to be blunt, while Billy’s more easygoing nature offers a contrast. Together, they create a dynamic that adds to the full chemistry of the team.
Real Issues in a Fun Package
One of the standout features of the new Matlock is how it tackles real issues within a lighthearted framework. The show does not shy away from serious subjects, such as police corruption and systemic injustices. However, it presents these themes in a way that keeps the audience engaged without feeling overwhelmed.
The episode’s scheme of wrongful imprisonment highlights the flaws in the legal system. By showcasing the struggles of individuals like Raymond, who have been wronged by the very system meant to protect them, the show raises awareness of these important issues. This blend of entertainment and social commentary creates a meaningful viewing experience.
Matty’s journey to uncover the truth behind her daughter’s overdose adds another layer of depth to the narrative. Her determination to seek justice for her family reflects the struggles many face in real life. This personal motivation drives her actions throughout the episode and helps to create a connection with viewers who may have experienced similar hardships.
The Future of the Series
As the series progresses, viewers can expect more twists and turns in Matty’s journey. Her clever tactics and unexpected connections will likely lead to thrilling courtroom battles. The relationships she builds with her colleagues will also continue to evolve, offering a mix of camaraderie and conflict.
With each new episode, the potential for character development is immense. Matty’s past will undoubtedly come back to play a significant role in her present and future. Viewers will be eager to see how she shows the challenges ahead while maintaining her charm and wit.
The supporting cast will also play an essential role in the series’ development. Olympia’s struggles as a working mother will likely resonate with many viewers, creating a relatable storyline. Sarah and Billy’s dynamics will continue to provide both comedic relief and emotional depth.
The new Matlock has successfully established itself as a fresh take on a classic character. Kathy Bates shines in the role, bringing a mix of humor, heart, and intelligence to the screen. The combination of clever writing, strong performances, and important themes creates a compelling series that viewers will want to keep watching.
Conclusion: Why You Should Tune In
If you are looking for a show that combines humor, drama, and real-life issues, the new Matlock is a great choice. Kathy Bates’ portrayal of Matty Matlock is both entertaining and inspiring. Her character’s journey from an innocent grandma to a clever lawyer showing the legal system keeps viewers engaged.
The series offers a perfect balance of lighthearted moments and serious themes, making it suitable for a wide range of audiences. Whether you are a fan of legal dramas, comedies, or character-driven stories, Matlock has something for everyone.
Make sure to catch the first episode of Matlock, available for streaming on Paramount+. New episodes will air on CBS every Thursday, starting October 17. Join Matty Matlock on her exciting journey as she takes on the legal world with charm and cunning.
