In an era of reboots, it’s hard for any series to stand on its own.
Many of these shows have to spend significant air time justifying their existence.
In fact,Matlockhas already been renewedfor a second season before the first has even finished its 18-episode run.
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She manages to impress the managing partner of Jacobson Moore known as “Senior” (Beau Bridges).
He gives her a two-week trial period to prove herself worthy of keeping on as an employee.
Later, it’s revealed that Matty’s daughter, Ellie, died of an opioid overdose.
The pharmaceutical manufacturer behind Ellie’s drug of choice, called WellBrexa, was defended by Jacobson Moore.
With each twist the story takes, the audience can’t help wanting more.
It’s a case thathits close to home for Matty.
This episode’s storyline nearly tears the already fragile bonds between Matty and the team.
It also gave Matty an opportunity to teach her grandson about addiction.
His lesson is in part a lesson to the audience and a signal for future social justice-themed episodes.
8"Belly of the Beast"
Season 1, Episode 7
The Christmas episode.
But it’s not all eggnog and good cheer for the Jacobson Moore team.
Alongside the main plot, romance is in the air.
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Romantic tension heightens the stress of the case.
The stakes are high and no one is out of the woods yet.
It brings up old wounds in Olympia as tensions with Julian during the initial trial precipitated their divorce.
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Meanwhile, someone from Matty’s past finds her and risks blowing her cover to the Jacobson Moore team.
She’s also working hard to prove herself worthy of moving to the WellBrexa team.
Moreover, each member of the team is given their fair share of scenery to chew.
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Harris, as Vanessa, gives riveting testimony that would make even the most stoic person cry.
But of course, Bates shines in the lead.
It’s in this episode that Matlock proves itself as an unforgettable legal drama.
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During the case, Matty appears to grow closer to Olympia.
Matty denies this, but she still goes out with Olympia to a bar to investigate the case.
The next plot twist is right around the corner, so perhaps Matty is wrong and Olympia is guilty.
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The audience will have to stick around to find out.
However, the case seems to take a backseat in favor of following Shae’s sleuthing.
The plot thickens with each episode of the series.
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It’s a masterclass in both acting and pacing.
The audience gets no relief – in a good way.
4"Pregame"
Season 1, Episode 13
It’s Easter at Jacobson Moore.
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Or, given that the majority of the firm’s employees are Jewish, “Family Day”.
The team’s next move is a class action against Slamm’d.
Meanwhile, Matty’s sister, Bitsy (Julie Hagerty),pays a visit for Easter.
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Whether it’s Shae, Olympia, or Julian, surely no good can come from this.
The case gives Matty anxiety over aging and brings up a backstory about Sarah.
Meanwhile, Matty’s evidence in the WellBrexa cover-up points to Julian as the culprit instead of Olympia.
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As Matty continues to support Olympia in the senior partner race, she gets more sway in the office.
Initially, she chooses Sarah, then changes her mind and assigns it to Billy.
Billy wins, but Sarah is hurt.
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Matty has made an enemy in Sarah.
The team jumps right into an ugly custody case that hits quite close to home for Matty.
Amidst the difficulties of the case, stealing the keycard seems like nothing for Matty.
Through flashbacks, the episode gives the backstory of Matty and Edwin’s battle for custody of Alfie.
This gives heartbreaking context behind Matty’s plot for revenge against WellBrexa and Jacobson Moore.
By the end of the episode, Olympia and Julian have apologized to each other.
Even Sarah and Billy reconcile their tension over the eviction case.
Buta rift is drawn between Matty and Edwinwhen he reveals that he sometimes blames her for Ellie’s death.
It’s a timely legal drama.
Matty’s convinced that Olympia got rid of the WellBrexa documents.
Matty’s nightmare comes true when Bitsy visits court during cross-examination for give Matty documents she forgot at home.
Matty believes it could be Shae, but she won’t be sure until she meets the person.
Meanwhile, Olympia wins the Slamm’d case by proving her predatory marketing angle.
Will Matty let Mrs. Belvin in on the scheme?
The audience waits with bated breath for an exciting conclusion to such an impressive first season.
