Matty (Kathy Bates) is making bold choices on Matlock, and they are leading to big problems. She ignored the investigation into Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) last week, and now she is focused on helping Olympia win the partner race. Instead of spending more time with Julian (Jason Ritter), Matty has chosen to support Olympia’s success.
Matty’s Plan Becomes Risky
Matty’s efforts take a complicated turn when Mrs. Belvin (Patricia Belcher) accidentally takes a recording pen from Julian’s office. She does this while trying to get a card signed for a colleague’s widow. Matty immediately realizes that she must act fast. She gets a duplicate pen and switches it with the original to prevent anyone from linking it back to her family.
She carefully arranges the situation so that the new pen traces back to Julian. This setup makes it look like he bugged Olympia’s office to help himself win the partner position. Olympia sees this as a betrayal and pushes for Julian’s financials to be investigated before finalizing their divorce.
Matty firmly believes that the forensic investigation of Julian’s bank accounts will reveal that he hid the Wellbrexa documents. She sees this as a perfect opportunity to expose him. However, her actions create tension with Sarah (Leah Lewis), which could lead to serious consequences in the future.
Matty Stands Up for the Elderly in Court
This week’s episode of Matlock focuses on two major cases. At first, Matty, Sarah, and Billy (David Del Rio) work together to defend an assisted living facility. A wrongful death lawsuit has been filed against them because one of their residents passed away in his sleep.
Matty and Sarah pretend to be grandmother and granddaughter to gather information. During this process, Sarah reveals that she is adopted and grew up in a white family. She does not usually express deep emotions, but this experience makes her feel vulnerable. She becomes sensitive when people question her heritage.
As the investigation continues, Autry (Hal Williams), a key witness from an earlier case, arrives at the firm. He asks Matty for help. Autry provides important information that helps the assisted living case, and Olympia decides to allow YouThree to defend Autry against the tenant board that is trying to evict him.
Autry’s assistance helps Matty prove that the resident was not a victim of neglect. Instead, his girlfriend, Lucille Morris (Joanna Cassidy), helped him end his life in an assisted suicide. This discovery clears the assisted living facility of any wrongdoing.
Meanwhile, Billy uncovers the truth about Autry’s situation. His neighbor set him up because they wanted to buy his apartment. They went to extreme lengths to force him out. Billy successfully defends Autry, allowing him to keep his home. This victory is Billy’s first trial win. However, the way Matty handled the situation creates a new set of problems.
Matty’s Decision Causes a Major Conflict
When Olympia gives YouThree permission to take Autry’s case, they must decide who will handle it. It will be either Billy or Sarah’s first time in court alone. Matty is responsible for choosing between them.
At first, Matty leans toward Billy because Autry seems uncomfortable with Sarah’s direct attitude. However, Matty changes her mind after witnessing a touching moment between Sarah and a dementia patient at the assisted living facility.
Matty starts to panic when the elderly woman becomes agitated, but Sarah quickly takes control. She sings to the woman and gently walks her back to her room. This moment reveals a deeper side of Sarah’s past.
Sarah explains that her adopted grandmother had dementia. They shared a close bond before her diagnosis, but things changed when Sarah visited during college. Her grandmother no longer recognized her. She became upset and referred to Sarah as “that Chinese girl.” Eventually, Sarah stopped introducing herself as her granddaughter.
Matty recognizes the trust Sarah has placed in her by sharing this painful experience. She also realizes that Sarah is compassionate and capable of handling Autry’s case. Matty is certain Sarah will do an excellent job in court.
However, the next day, Matty needs to switch the recording pens. When Billy catches her searching through his desk, she panics. To cover her actions, she assigns Billy to Autry’s case instead of Sarah.
This decision is a betrayal. Sarah had just opened up about a personal part of her life, and Matty takes advantage of that trust. It is a rushed decision, but it comes at a high cost.
Sarah feels insulted and betrayed. She had earned Matty’s trust, yet Matty still removed her from the case to protect herself. This betrayal turns Sarah into an enemy that Matty cannot afford to have.
Sarah’s Anger Could Change Everything
By the end of the episode, Sarah is furious. She is not just upset about losing the case—this is personal. Sarah has always achieved her goals, and she will not let this betrayal go easily.
She threatens Matty, and it is clear that she means every word. This is not her usual competitive attitude. This time, Matty has made a mistake that could change everything.
The split within YouThree is difficult to watch. They started as a strong team, but things have gone downhill since Olympia chose Matty as her favorite. With this new conflict, it is hard to imagine them working together again.
Matty hopes that the investigation into Julian’s financials will help her prove that he hid the Wellbrexa documents. But if it does not, everything she has done will have been for nothing.
Matty’s Choices Could Cost Her Everything
Matty has already faced criticism for defending Olympia so passionately. This week, her reputation takes another hit.
She has backstabbed Sarah, and this could be the worst mistake she has made so far. Matty is focused on helping Olympia, but it is affecting her judgment. Her need to protect Olympia has made her lose sight of her priorities.
Matty’s decision to switch the pens felt like her old, confident self. However, the consequences are much greater this time. The damage she has caused to her relationships is significant.
Her friendship with Olympia has made her lose her edge. She is no longer as sharp and strategic as before, and that is a dangerous position to be in. With only a third of the season left Matty must be careful. If she continues on this path, she could lose everything she has been fighting for.
Final Thoughts
Matty’s actions have set off a chain reaction that could change everything. She has betrayed Sarah, and now she must deal with the consequences. Sarah is not someone who backs down easily, and she is ready for revenge.
The relationships within YouThree are falling apart. Their strong bond is now broken, and it may be impossible to repair.
Meanwhile, Matty still does not have solid proof against Julian. If Olympia’s investigation does not uncover the evidence she needs, Matty’s risky choices will have been for nothing.
She has put everything on the line, but she may have made too many mistakes. With the season moving forward, Matty will have to face the impact of her decisions. Matlock continues on Thursdays at 9 PM on CBS. Episodes are available to stream the next day on Paramount+.
