In Episode 3 of Matlock, titled “A Guy Named Greg,” Matty (Kathy Bates) finally gets her day in court, but this is something she is trying to avoid. After getting the passcode to Olympia’s (Skye P. Marshall) phone at the end of Episode 2, Matty and Alfie (Aaron D. Harris) need to break into her laptop.
They hope to find a connection to a case that Matty believes could have saved her daughter’s life. Matty thinks getting the information Alfie needs will be easy during the latest trial. She is representing a woman named Alex (Danielle Larracuente), who is suing her boss, Jeremy (Chad Coe), for wrongful termination. Jeremy sexually assaulted her at a party.
During jury selection, Matty pretends to be clumsy to get the judge to ban cell phones in the courtroom. This strategy works because her own phone rings loudly, and she struggles to turn it off. By causing a commotion, Matty hopes to get the chance to babysit the phones and personal belongings of the jurors.
This would give her unsupervised access to Olympia’s phone and computer, which is part of her plan to find the information she needs. Unfortunately, her clumsiness endears her to a tough jury that Olympia needs to win over. This is just the start of Matty’s bad luck in the episode.
The Meerkat Steals the Show in ‘Matlock’ Episode 3
Yael Grobglas, known for her role in Jane the Virgin, makes her first appearance in Episode 3 as Shae Banfield. She is a jury expert brought in to help Olympia tackle this difficult case. Olympia calls her “The Meerkat” because Shae has a talent for detecting lies and is skilled in jury selection and manipulation.
Shae’s presence raises Matty’s stress levels because she knows Shae can easily sense when Matty is lying. This is particularly worrying for Matty, as she is about to make the riskiest move of her plan.
As much as Matty wants to avoid Shae, it quickly becomes clear to Shae that Matty has a connection with the jury that Olympia does not have. Grobglas brings a powerful performance, making it clear she will steal the spotlight if given the chance. Her constant suspicion of Matty is spot on.
Everyone else has fallen for Matty’s tricks up to this point, and it is refreshing to have someone in the office who makes Matty nervous. Shae is aware of Matty’s schemes, but she also encourages Olympia to let Matty handle the second half of the case. Shae believes Matty is the only one who can communicate effectively with the jury, who are quickly shifting their opinions toward the opposition.
Now, Matty finally gets her chance in court. She manages to trick Jeremy into admitting that he was convicted of sexual assault before he supervised Alex. This revelation is crucial for the case. In her closing argument, Matty openly admits that she initially judged her client.
Matty explains that she comes from a different generation where women were expected to just accept harassment. She suggests that if Alex had dressed more conservatively and not gotten drunk at the office Christmas party, maybe Jeremy would not have assaulted her.
This statement, unfortunately, sounds like victim-blaming. However, Matty soon realizes her mistake and draws a comparison between Alex’s situation and her own past experiences with sexual harassment from the man named Greg. She concludes that Alex should not have her dreams shattered because her boss could not control his actions.
The jury comes back with a verdict in favor of Alex, showing that Shae was right to have Matty take over the trial. Despite this success, Shae still has doubts about Matty. Matty is aware that she has made a dangerous enemy, and she hopes Shae will return soon to continue challenging her.
‘Matlock’ Episode 3 Brings a Change in Olympia
Olympia is clearly unhappy about Matty taking control of the trial, especially since Matty has been acting clumsy to avoid the responsibility in the first place. Matters get worse when Matty inadvertently tells Alex that they should not have taken the case because their client is a mess.
Fortunately, Matty learns from her mistakes by the end of the episode, demonstrating her growth as a character. Rather than kicking Matty off the case, Olympia steps into a leadership role and tells Matty to focus and get her act together.
Olympia also questions Matty about her attitude, suggesting that it may relate to issues with Matty’s daughter. Olympia realizes Matty is raising her grandson, and she suspects there are problems in Matty’s family life.
In response, Matty lies and tells Olympia that Alfie’s parents died in a car accident. This lie is significant because Matty has already discussed her daughter’s drug problems with clients. She seems to be struggling to keep her stories straight, especially with Shae around.
The important part of the meeting between Olympia and Matty is Olympia’s motivational speech. She tells Matty, “Don’t just give them hell. Give them the damn heavens, limbo, and everything in between.” This inspiring advice helps Matty find the right mindset to present a strong argument in court.
After Olympia’s pep talk, Matty delivers a compelling argument that resonates with the jury. When the jury comes back, they ask if they can award Alex even more than the suggested amount. The jury’s final decision totals an astounding $9 million, which is a significant victory for the firm.
This success leads to a celebratory moment between Olympia and Matty outside the courtroom. As they dance together, Matty optimistically remarks, “If I didn’t know any better, I’d say we’re becoming friends.” However, Olympia quickly shuts down this notion.
This interaction hints at Matty’s growing fondness and respect for her boss, even if Olympia does not see their relationship as a friendship. The dance is a sign that Olympia is starting to accept Matty into her professional circle.
Both the motivational speech from Olympia and the celebratory dance are essential moments that lead to a twist at the episode’s end. Earlier in the episode, Matty accidentally spills coffee on Olympia’s laptop when she is finally alone with it, leading everyone to believe that the laptop is ruined.
However, it turns out that the damaged laptop was a ruse, and Matty has successfully stolen Olympia’s actual work computer. Matty informs Alfie that Olympia was worried about something on the laptop not being backed up on the company cloud.
Alfie, being a computer genius, quickly finds a voice file hidden in a folder. The two are excited to open it, thinking it could lead to a breakthrough in their investigation. Instead, they discover a message from Olympia’s deceased father telling her, “Don’t just give them hell. Give them the damn heavens, limbo, and everything in between.”
Matty’s determination to keep the laptop wavers as she reflects on the voicemail. However, as she looks at the investigation corkboard, which features photos of Olympia, Julian (Jason Ritter), and Senior (Beau Bridges), she remembers her true motivation for all this work.
She says to Alfie, “We’re not friends.” This statement shows that they will keep the laptop and continue their search, but it also reveals a significant flaw in Matty’s plan. Although things seem to be going well, Matty has not anticipated becoming emotionally attached to the people at the firm.
Even if she denies it at the moment, she cares about Olympia and is withholding this voicemail from her father. Matty realizes that she is hurting someone she respects for her own agenda.
While the corkboard serves as a reminder of Matty’s priorities, it also creates an interesting dilemma. If Matty becomes more involved with Olympia or other lawyers in the firm, what could happen? Matty is progressing with her plan, but the situation is becoming messier.
It is clear that no one will escape the consequences of this investigation, regardless of what it reveals. Will Matty be able to fulfill the promise she made to her daughter, or will things become too complicated for her to hold anyone accountable?
Matty’s Clumsy Strategy and the Trial of the Century
Matty’s strategy in the courtroom revolves around her clumsiness, which serves both as a cover and a tactic. During the jury selection process, her antics do more than simply allow her access to the phones; they also create a distraction that pulls attention away from the serious nature of the trial.
By playing the role of the fumbling grandmother, Matty aims to lower the guard of the courtroom, making it easier for her to manipulate the situation in her favor. However, this approach is double-edged. While it may provide her temporary access to the resources she needs, it also risks undermining her credibility as a lawyer.
The trial of Alex versus Jeremy is a critical case. It represents not only a significant legal battle but also a moral one. Matty’s client, Alex, is a victim of sexual assault, and the stakes are high.
The outcome of this trial will have lasting implications for Alex’s life and the lives of others in similar situations. Matty’s challenge is to balance her sneaky tactics with the need for authenticity and respect for the gravity of the situation.
As the trial unfolds, Matty’s clumsiness takes center stage. When her phone rings in the courtroom, it creates a chaotic scene that leads to a ban on phones. While this may seem like a small victory for Matty, it also brings unforeseen consequences. The jury’s perception of her is shaped not only by her ability to present the case but also by their impressions
of her behavior. Initially, they may find her antics amusing, but as the trial progresses, their attitudes could shift. A jury’s perception of a lawyer can dramatically influence the outcome of a case. Matty’s goal is to regain control of the narrative and steer the jury’s feelings in favor of her client.
As Matty’s strategy unfolds, her relationship with the jury becomes more complex. The initial laughter and light-heartedness brought on by her clumsy persona begin to wear thin, especially as the gravity of the case becomes apparent. Jurors may start to wonder if she takes the situation seriously.
This concern pushes Matty to modify her approach, moving away from the antics that won her initial favor and leaning into the earnestness needed for the case.
The Emotional Weight of the Case
While the courtroom drama unfolds, the emotional weight of the case looms heavily over Matty. She struggles not only with her professional duties but also with personal demons. Matty’s past experiences with harassment deeply resonate with Alex’s situation.
This connection brings an added layer of complexity to her role in the trial. The internal conflict Matty experiences is palpable as she reflects on her own experiences while advocating for Alex.
Matty must confront her biases and prejudices. When she initially judges Alex for her attire and behavior at the Christmas party, she is reminded of the pervasive victim-blaming mentality that often plagues society.
The realization of her error prompts a shift in her perspective. She understands that blaming the victim only perpetuates the cycle of abuse and makes her more determined to fight for Alex’s justice.
The Dynamic Between Matty and Shae
As Matty faces the complexities of the trial, the presence of Shae (Yael Grobglas) adds tension to the storyline. Shae’s expertise in jury selection and manipulation puts Matty on high alert. Every time Matty tries to implement her schemes, she knows that Shae is watching closely, ready to call her out if she slips up. This constant scrutiny raises the stakes for Matty, compelling her to be more cautious and strategic.
Shae is not just a threat; she also represents a potential ally. As the trial progresses, it becomes evident that Shae acknowledges Matty’s unique ability to connect with the jury.
While she remains suspicious of Matty’s intentions, she recognizes that Matty may be the key to winning the case. This dynamic creates an interesting tension between them. Shae’s expertise and insight push Matty to improve her approach while also revealing her vulnerabilities.
Matty finds herself in a dual battle: one against the external forces of the courtroom and the other against her internal struggles. The pressure builds as she realizes that she cannot afford to fail, not just for herself but for Alex, who is depending on her to fight for justice.
The Turning Point: Matty’s Realization
As the trial reaches its climax, a pivotal moment occurs during Matty’s closing argument. She has the opportunity to address the jury directly, to speak from the heart about what this case means to her and to Alex. In this moment, the tension within her builds, and she understands that she must rise above her previous missteps.
Matty’s realization that she has judged Alex harshly based on outdated views becomes a defining moment in her journey. She acknowledges that her own past experiences with harassment inform her understanding of the case, and she chooses to share this with the jury.
Matty expresses that no one should ever have to endure the trauma that Alex faced, and the jury needs to recognize that the blame should lie solely with the perpetrator, not the victim.
This heartfelt appeal resonates deeply with the jury. Matty’s transformation from a fumbling lawyer to a passionate advocate embodies the evolution of her character throughout the episode. She becomes not only an attorney but also a voice for those who have suffered in silence. Her willingness to confront her biases and her commitment to justice become central themes of the episode.
The Verdict: A Moment of Triumph and Reflection
The jury’s verdict is delivered, and they side with Alex, awarding her an astonishing $9 million. This moment is a triumph not just for Matty and Alex but also for the message of empowerment and justice it sends to the audience. The victory serves as a reminder that, despite the challenges faced in the courtroom, the truth can prevail when people unite for a common cause.
As the news of the verdict sinks in, Matty and Olympia share a celebratory moment outside the courtroom. Their dance symbolizes not only their professional relationship but also the growing bond between them.
Matty’s earlier comment about their friendship may have been shut down by Olympia, but the dance indicates that they are beginning to understand and respect each other.
However, the episode leaves viewers with a poignant twist. Despite the victory, Matty is still grappling with her choices and the impact they have on her relationships with others in the firm. The voicemail from Olympia’s father looms large in her mind, serving as a constant reminder of the personal stakes involved in her actions.
Matty’s Internal Conflict
The internal conflict that Matty faces is significant. While she is elated by the trial’s outcome, she also feels the weight of her decisions. By withholding important information from Olympia, Matty questions her integrity and the morality of her actions. She begins to realize that her plans to distance herself from others may not be as simple as she thought.
Matty’s character arc throughout the episode highlights the importance of connection and empathy in the pursuit of justice. She starts as a character who relies on manipulation and deception but ultimately learns that true strength lies in vulnerability and honesty. This evolution is not only crucial for her growth as a lawyer but also as a person.
The Future of Matty and Olympia
As the episode concludes, it becomes clear that the relationship between Matty and Olympia is evolving. Despite Olympia’s initial reluctance to view Matty as a friend, the bond they share is undeniable. Matty’s respect for Olympia grows, and she starts to see her boss not just as a mentor but as someone she can confide in.
The closing scenes set the stage for future interactions between Matty and Olympia. Viewers are left wondering how Matty will show her complicated feelings toward her colleagues while continuing her investigation. The complexities of their relationship will undoubtedly be shown in future episodes, especially as Matty deals with the consequences of her actions.
The Bigger Picture: Themes of Justice and Personal Growth
This episode of Matlock goes deep into themes of justice, personal growth, and the impact of relationships on one’s professional life. Matty’s journey highlights the struggle between personal beliefs and professional duties. It also emphasizes the importance of understanding and supporting those who have faced trauma.
The courtroom serves as a microcosm for society at large, reflecting the struggles many individuals face in seeking justice. Matty’s transformation from a flawed attorney to a passionate advocate resonates with viewers, reminding them that growth is possible even in the most challenging circumstances.
Conclusion: A Complex Journey Ahead
As Matlock continues, Matty’s journey will undoubtedly become more complex. The consequences of her actions and the emotional ties she develops with her colleagues will shape the narrative moving forward. Will Matty be able to maintain her integrity while pursuing her goals, or will her plans unravel as she becomes more involved with those around her?
The next episodes promise to show these themes further, as Matty faces not only the challenges of her career but also the personal battles that come with it. The audience is left with anticipation, eager to see how Matty’s story unfolds and whether she can balance her desire for justice with her growing connections to the people in her life.
