In the event you’re nonetheless processing the Matlock Finale, you aren’t alone in your shock and awe. That was one for the books. It was the right conclusion to an unimaginable first season.
As we await the subsequent chapter in Kathy Bate’s newest endeavor, TV Fanatic is able to break down this previous season. It was superb, however that doesn’t imply we didn’t have notes.
Not even a present as well-crafted as Matlock is protected from the discerning eye of TV Fanatic and the devoted followers of this CBS present. I’ve acquired my magnifying glass and I’m able to learn this sequence for filth.

Simply joking. In reality, whereas this can be a transient breakdown of Matlock Season 1, it’s additionally praising the efforts of the Matlock staff for giving audiences a improbable story to observe, with much more to come back.
Greatest Episode: I Was That, Too — Matlock Season 1 Episode 17
This was THE episode of the season, and it wasn’t even the Finale. Fact be advised, this was the precise episode many viewers have been trying ahead to.
We needed to see simply how dangerous it will be when Olympia lastly came upon that her bestest and latest buddy was, in actual fact, a liar and a fraud — from her perspective, anyway.
For a fast crash course on Matlock Season 1 Episode 17, the episode began the place the earlier one left off, with Olympia approaching Matty about all of her lies.
The funniest factor is that many viewers, me included, thought this was one other misdirect and that Matty was going to easy discuss her manner out of being caught. Nope.
It was a straight shot from that scene to Olympia confiscating Matty’s telephone and locking her in a room to make a written confession about all the pieces she had achieved.
The depth between Olympia and Matty was extra palpable than if that they had been having a lover’s quarrel.
The writing, appearing, pacing, and total plotting of “I Was That, Too” confirmed the opposite episodes what the episodes ought to have achieved.
What I beloved most was that Olympia would shut her down at any time when Matty would begin speaking about her daughter.
Even when Matty wasn’t attempting to control Olympia, it was nonetheless sensible writing. How usually have we seen characters lose all their steam as soon as somebody tugs at their heartstrings?
It was very meta for Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) to remember that if Matty began speaking about Ellie, Olympia would probably soften in her resolve.
I’ve no notes for this episode as a result of it was simply too rattling good. I’d rewatch it right here in a minute.
That stated, if anybody tried to grab my telephone out of my hand like Miss Lawrence did to Matty, all they’d pull again could be a bloody stump. I’m simply saying.
Saddest Episode: Sixteen Steps — Matlock Season 1 Episode 6
What’s this? No “Worst Episode?” Twist! That’s proper. On this Report Card, there might be no “Worst.” And why is that you simply ask?
First off, there have been no dangerous episodes of Matlock Season 1. There simply wasn’t. There could have been one or two that didn’t stay as much as the remainder, however the bar was set to the stratosphere.
In the event you suppose there was a worst episode, extra energy to you. Please pontificate within the feedback as a result of we like to preserve the dialog going with differing viewpoints — simply be respectful.
Now, again to why Matlock Season 1 Episode 6 was by far the saddest episode. You might be questioning how I may decide any when Kathy Bates gave a tearful monologue each different episode.
The reply is extra easy to guess than you may suppose.
Principally, it got here all the way down to the case the staff was engaged on. In the event you don’t bear in mind, this was the trial during which two mothers sued a child system firm for the contaminated system that killed their child boy.
Whereas most of the circumstances had unhappy tales or have been steeped in injustice, this was the one case that, irrespective of the end result, wasn’t going to repair something.
In the event you recall, the mothers do, in actual fact, win the case, and the corporate is held liable for its negligence. Nevertheless, the look on the mothers’ faces was heartbreaking.
Ultimately, they acquired justice for his or her youngster, but it surely was a hole victory as a result of their son was nonetheless gone.
As all of the circumstances relate to no matter is happening that week of Matlock, this one was a wake-up name for Matty (Kathy Bates) that what she’s doing gained’t carry her peace, but it surely’s necessary, nonetheless.
Greatest Twist: The Welbrexa Perpetrator
SPOILER WARNING: If in case you have not completed Matlock Season 1 and haven’t realized who the Welbrexa offender is however wish to be stunned, flip again now.
In case your eyes look previous this level, there’s nothing anybody can do for you.
Suffice it to say that when you stored up with the Matlock Evaluations, you’re effectively conscious that I used to be adamant about who the Welbrexa offender couldn’t probably be.
Did it make full sense ultimately? Sure. Plus, the present didn’t need to resort to a convoluted breakdown of twists and turns from fourteen years in the past.
Wanting again, I see now that I used to be basing who the offender may very well be on the characters as they’re now. It didn’t even happen to me to ponder what Julian was like fourteen years in the past.
The explanation this was the perfect twist is as a result of the present satisfied viewers to not imagine all the pieces they see. So, like devoted followers, we started questioning EVERYTHING.
The truth that it actually was Julian (Jason Ritter) signifies that the writers are clued into how viewers suppose. That, or they learn TV Fanatic to get a leg up on what audiences need.
And no matter occurs to Julian when Matlock returns will dictate what occurs to each different character on the present.
Nevertheless, there’s no less than one character that completely must have their block knocked off.
Worst Character: Simone
I can’t stand this chick, I actually can’t. I do know she’s only a character, however artwork imitates life, and I’ve undoubtedly recognized some unhinged people like Miss Simone.
We first met Jacobson Moore’s resident imply woman on Matlock Season 1 Episode 12, the place she rapidly established that she is a cut-throat skank with impeccable style in males.
The one redeeming factor about Simone is that she has an excellent eye for stand-up boys, however she reached too excessive. Billy was manner too good for her, and now she’s left standing in her bitter boots.
From a author’s standpoint, I can clearly see why the present would carry Simone in. Did you discover how labored up I’m in regards to the character?
As a result of as a lot as folks like to like characters, what they actually love is to hate on a personality. Simply crap throughout them — and even higher when different folks take part on the hate.
That’s exactly what Simone brings to Matlock. She is a low-stakes villain that viewers relish in dumping on.
To be truthful, it was about time the sequence launched no less than one unlikable character. Even Shae might be enjoyable now and again.
Keep in mind her obsession with the agency’s acapella group on Matlock Season 1 Episode 7? We’d like extra of that Shay and fewer of the loopy, paranoid one who flew to the South attempting to dig up grime on Matty.
Even in spite of everything that, Shay continues to be much more likable than Simone.
Greatest Character(s): The Dynamic Duo
There isn’t a Matlock fan left who isn’t completely invested in Sarah (Leah Lewis) and Billy’s friendship. These two have turn out to be the standout comedic duo for the story.
Positive, they’re very a lot within the thick of issues, kind of, with Olympia and Matty. Nevertheless, the most effective components of the present is when Billy and Sarah create their very own chaos.
On the Matlock Season 1 Finale alone, Sarah and Billy’s antics peaked to the purpose that Miss Olympia Lawrence needed to go full Mom on them.
I swear, in some unspecified time in the future, I used to be anticipating Olympia to go, “And no cellphones for per week.” To be truthful, issues simply stored going from dangerous to worse with Sarah’s case.
As a result of the Finale was so thick with the rising pressure, what with being minutes from the large “Reveal,” you could have forgotten about one singular occasion from that episode.
Billy by accident knocked out one in every of Sarah’s entrance enamel. Or he broke it. I can’t completely bear in mind the state of the tooth. Did I point out the anticipation for the large reveal?
It was one of many only a few cases of tacky bodily comedy on the present, and I really like the writers for getting in a single final goofy joke earlier than all hell broke free.
And Billy? Oh, Billy. Once I talked to David Del Rio about his character and the present, I observed some slight hesitations after I introduced up Billy and Claudia.
Properly, now I do know it was as a result of he was most likely fearful that he would let it slip out that Billy knocked up Claudia.
Sarah and Billy aren’t simply the whacky aspect characters who don’t contribute to the primary story. Like I stated, they’re within the thick of it.
Whereas not precisely ingenious, Billy’s character arc will nonetheless create the right degree of low-stakes pressure. It’s a sure-fire plan for a formulaic however cheap method to Billy’s character improvement.
With regards to the characters on Matlock, most followers would agree that they really feel like household after going via the ups and downs of Matlock Season 1 collectively.
You made it to the tip — and which means quite a bit.
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General Grade
F for what the fu – simply kidding! It’s clearly A+++
Whereas that’s not an official grade acknowledged by any establishment, it’s the place I stand on the matter.
Severely, we’re effectively previous Season 1’s conclusion, however the story nonetheless feels so uncooked and contemporary in my thoughts. I’m already on the sting of my seat, ready for Matlock Season 2.
That is how TV Fanatics are made.
Now, it’s your flip to inform us what you considered CBS‘s Matlock Season 1!
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