The Matlock midseason finale, "No, No Monsters," delivers a solid outing for Kathy Bates' new show, proving that it has a future beyond its game-changing twist. In the age of reboots and revivals, bringing back such an iconic series understandably gained various reactions. There was excitement over the show's premise, especially considering who was involved. That said, some skeptics didn't think a reboot of Andy Griffith's show was necessary. Ultimately, Matlock's well-executed twist showed that it is nothing like your average nostalgia-laced series.
Matlock is a modern reboot of the classic series created for CBS that sees the titular role taken up by Kathy Bates. After years retired from her career, Madeline Matlock rejoins the legal world in a powerful new firm where she uses her seasoned skills to win cases and expose the underlying corruption within the legal system.
Release Date September 22, 2024
Seasons 1
In Matlock episode 8, which also serves as the final episode of 2024, Bates' Madeline Matlock moves forward after her first outing with Julian working at pharma with Wellbrexa. The case did include several hiccups, including what could have been a career-ending blunder for the show's titular character. With Madeline's place in Jacobson Moore more stable than ever, Matlock episode 7 ended with a major development for her, while also setting up a complicated situation for Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) and Julian (Jason Ritter) following their brief reconciliation. Both of these storylines are in full play in "No, No Monsters."
Matlock Episode 8 Highlights The Best Thing About The Show — Madeline & Olympia
Olympia Reunites With Madeline After She Worked With Julian
Matlock episode 8 shifts the focus back to Olympia and Madeline as they work on a case that involves a nanny at the school where the former's kids attend. Because of her conflict with Julian, in light of his admission of having an affair, she relies on her associate when tackling the case. This results in some of the most fun scenes in the show thus far, as Madeline and Olympia collaborate to win their case.
While the show has an effective ensemble, it is safe to say that Matlock's best pairing is Madeline and Olympia.
Admittedly, Matlock episode 8 isn't as emotionally intense as its predecessor, which leaned on the tragedy of Ellie's death as Madeline worked on Wellbrexa for the first time. But seeing her and Olympia develop a dynamic beyond co-workers makes up for it. Pairing Bates with anyone in the Matlock cast is easy because she has good chemistry with everyone. That being said, she clearly has a special bond with Marshall, who is also brilliant in her role. While the show has an effective ensemble, Matlock's best pairing is Madeline and Olympia.
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Matlock Walks Back On Its Biggest Madeline Revenge Plan Breakthrough With A Heartbreaking Reveal
Kathy Bates’ character rounds a corner in her heartfelt revenge plan, but Matlock episode 7 walks back on it, compromising Madeline’s progress.
Matlock's midseason finale is balanced with both Madeline and Olympia's personal woes. After missing Alfie's mock trial and yet another argument with Edwin about how she's balancing her time between her family and work alongside her revenge plot, Madeline feels like she's being pulled in all directions. Meanwhile, Olympia is still reeling from Julian's infidelity. Their respective issues only push the pair together. This makes the inevitable revelation of Madeline's secret revenge plan more interesting, as Olympia now fully trusts her, not knowing her real motivations.
Matlock's Midseason Finale Shows Its Potential Beyond Its Original Twist
Matlock Can Continue Even After Madeline Accomplishes Her Goal
Matlock's game-changing twist about Madeline's true identity and intentions effectively separates it from all the other reboots and revivals. They prove that modern shows have other creative options when it comes to taking advantage of the popularity and stories of legacy series. It also posed a massive challenge for CBS since it couldn't sustain the premise beyond a couple of seasons without risking it becoming repetitive. That said, seeing Madeline and Olympia work on cases like a regular procedural shows that Matlock can survive solving its original plot.
As Matlock firmly establishes the partnership between Madeline and Olympia, the show has now planted seeds for stories following the inevitable conclusion of the revenge plot. The pair's partnership is strong enough to carry the series forward, especially if it continues to develop their dynamic more in the latter half of the season. Granted, there will be a dramatic fallout from Madeline eventually reaching her goal, but once the dust settles, she and Olympia can start again, perhaps with their own firm.
Matlock season 1 will return from its hiatus on January 30, 2025.
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9/10
Matlock
Pros
- Matlock episode 8 continues the major unfinished plots from episode 7
- Matlock episode 8 reunites Madeline and Olympia
- Matlock episode 8 sets up a future beyond Madeline's revenge plan
Cons
- Matlock episode 8's case isn't as intense as Julian's Wellbrexa's
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