Photo credit: movieweb.com
The premiere of Matlock ignited significant intrigue among audiences, largely due to a surprising plot twist. However, as the series progressed through its first 15 episodes, viewer engagement waned due to the slow revelation of Madeline’s true identity, reflected in declining ratings. Episode 16, titled “The Johnson Case,” concluded with Madeline facing exposure by her boss, Olympia, leading audiences to doubt the means by which the show would navigate this latest development.
Yet Episode 17, “I Was That, Too,” ultimately delivered the resolution fans had been anticipating, revealing that Olympia had uncovered Madeline’s intricate deception. What initially seemed like a potential conclusion to Madeline’s revenge arc has instead revitalized the series. This significant revelation redefined the dynamics between Madeline and Olympia, paving the way for a thrilling season finale filled with uncertainty for the key characters. After a phase of creative stagnation, Matlock appears to be transitioning into a chapter brimming with potential storytelling opportunities.
The Truth Has Finally Set ‘Matlock’ Free
Release Date
September 22, 2024
Network
CBS
Writers
Jennie Snyder Urman
Prior to the truth coming to light in Episode 17, “I Was That, Too,” Matlock had struggled with a rather predictable tension between Madeline, portrayed by Kathy Bates, and her pursuit for critical clues that often turned out to be misleading. With Olympia unveiling Madeline’s truth and choosing to collaborate in her investigations, Matlock is now primed to explore diverse narrative avenues. This pivotal episode marks a significant departure from the series’ former predictability and introduces an array of unforeseen twists.
Olympia’s confrontation with Madeline could have led to various outcomes, including arrest. Instead, echoing Bates’ iconic role as Annie Wilkes in the thriller Misery, Olympia confines Madeline in a secure room, compelling her to confess to her deceptions. However, displaying her talents as a master manipulator, Madeline manages to pivot the situation to her benefit. She reveals that she possesses evidence implicating Julian, Olympia’s former husband and senior partner at Jacobson Moore, in withholding key documents concerning the opioid crisis. This puts Olympia in a precarious position, as she must weigh her loyalty as a mother against professional integrity and legal consequences.
Madeline Has Reached the Point of No Return in ‘Matlock’
Matlock initially captivated audiences by presenting a psychological thriller wrapped within a legal drama format. The episodic cases often felt trivial when contrasted with Madeline’s determined infiltration of the prestigious Jacobson Moore law firm, driven by the need for accountability regarding the opioid crisis that claimed her daughter. As she edges closer to exposing the responsible party, the stakes are escalating, intensifying the risks she must navigate.
While the partnership with Olympia strategically positions Madeline closer to her ultimate objective, the events of “I Was That, Too” hint at further unexpected revelations that could completely alter the course of the main characters’ lives. There is lingering tension in Madeline’s confidence about Julian’s guilt and the evolving relationship with Olympia, as she seems poised to shift from a position of pursuit to one of vulnerability.
‘Matlock’ Has Been Building Toward a Bombshell Cliffhanger Season Finale
The debut of Matlock attracted the largest premiere audience CBS had seen in over five years, pulling in 7.74 million viewers. However, the series has struggled to maintain that momentum, consistently dipping below six million viewers in 2025, with the latest episode, “I Was That, Too,” recording just 5.64 million viewers—the series’ lowest rating to date. This decline underscores the viewer dissatisfaction that stemmed from unmet expectations.
When CBS announced the early renewal for a second season after only two episodes, it suggested a strong creative direction from the producers. After several ups and downs, the path forward for the series is becoming clearer, particularly with the upcoming two-hour season finale, set to introduce dramatic new plotlines and conflict. It promises to deliver the thrilling developments fans have been waiting for, setting the stage for an eagerly anticipated second season. Matlock is available for streaming on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.
Source
movieweb.com