CBS’s heavily promoted new Matlock, which received a teaser ahead of its October premiere, is likely not what you’re expecting. However, now that you know this, you might adjust your expectations accordingly—perhaps leading you right back to where you started.
If this feels too spoiler-y for a Matlock review, you might want to stop reading now.
The new series thrives on coyness, largely thanks to Kathy Bates’ promise that this may be her last acting role—though, given the longevity of CBS procedurals, this farewell could extend well into her 80s. At least in the first episode, the show hints at what it could be; after that, it settles into a more straightforward narrative. Revealing what this new Matlock truly entails might attract viewers indifferent to the reboot while simultaneously alienating die-hard fans of the original.
I’ll tread carefully here: I found Matlock to be significantly more enjoyable than I anticipated, though my interest began to wane by the end of the six episodes provided to critics.
Bates portrays Madeline Matlock—affectionately dubbed “Matty”—a widow from the Deep South (possibly Georgia) who relocates to New York City. Faced with debt and the responsibilities of caring for her grandson, Alfie (Aaron D. Harris), Matty decides to return to practicing law after a 30-year hiatus.
Landing an initially temporary position at Jacobson Moore, a prestigious firm, she’s paired with Olympia (Skye P. Marshall), a junior partner navigating her own career challenges. Olympia, once a rainmaker, is now gravitating toward personal and charitable cases, much to the chagrin of her soon-to-be-ex-husband, Julian (Jason Ritter), the son of the firm’s senior partner, Senior (Beau Bridges).
Matty, being older than the typical new associate, faces immediate skepticism from the ambitious associate Sarah (Leah Lewis) but finds warmth from the more laid-back Billy (David Del Rio). She quickly demonstrates her worth, leveraging her unique ability to engage strangers in conversations about the classic show Matlock, which exists in this universe primarily as a nostalgic reference for older viewers.
It’s important to note that Matty isn’t a gender-swapped version of Andy Griffith’s iconic Ben Matlock, known for his sharp suits and clever courtroom tactics. Instead, she’s a 75-year-old woman who shares a surname with the fictional character and wields her age as a superpower, using her grandmotherly charm and a stash of butterscotch candies to her advantage.
While the original show’s essence lingers, this Matlock more closely resembles a lighter, less intricate version of CBS’s The Good Wife. It’s a fish-out-of-water dramedy where the protagonist, older and less sophisticated than her peers, navigates a modern landscape with a unique skill set and invaluable connections, proving that her quirks are assets in a fast-paced world.
