I’ve Been Enjoying Matlock, But There’s One Thing About It That Drives Me Crazy

by

As a seasoned aficionado of legal dramas with a penchant for network TV gold, I’ve found myself quite smitten by the enigmatic charm of Matlock. The show has managed to carve out a niche for itself amidst my ever-growing list of favorites, but it’s not without its quirks that make me question whether I should be serving it up with dessert or as a main course.

After careful consideration, I’ve made up my mind and will continue watching Matlock. It has transitioned from the category of “shows I’m giving a chance” to “shows I’m sticking with.” From now on, it’s a regular part of my viewing schedule. This might not be unexpected, given my affection for network TV procedurals, but truthfully, it took me a bit longer than usual to fully commit due to some aspects of the show that occasionally irritate me, despite all its charm.

To begin with, let’s discuss why watching Matlock is worthwhile. The reason lies primarily in the talented Kathy Bates. With an Oscar win and four nominations under her belt, she has been excelling in various roles for many years, and Matlock is no exception. In this series, she portrays a less presumed senior lawyer named Matty. Despite her unassuming exterior, she manages to outsmart others during negotiations because they underestimate the depth of her strategy. The role allows her to skillfully switch between soft and firm tones, adapting her emotions according to the demands of each case.

In addition to being intriguing, Matty’s law firm handles a diverse range of cases. This means we get to see her participate in depositions, delve into various legal issues, and even go to court or visit witness homes. Sometimes it’s about strategizing with other lawyers and staff members. The structure isn’t always predictable, especially when it comes to the episodes, which is beneficial because it gives the show an opportunity to develop its diverse cast of characters.

The show boasts numerous entertaining supporting characters, each with their quirks and subplots of their own. Among these, I particularly enjoy Matty’s colleagues from his first year at work. The duo of Billy and Sarah is exceptional, as Billy tends to be a compassionate peacemaker while Sarah leans towards being meticulous yet slightly rough in her edges. Their interactions are delightful, and they complement each other well, avoiding the typical network TV trope of constant rivalry. Additionally, senior lawyers like Skye P Marshall and Jason Ritter (in their on-again-off-again roles), Beau Bridges as the managing partner, and Mrs. B, a recurring character from Bones, round out the impressive cast.

Indeed, I appreciate your point of view, but there’s more to the series than what we’ve discussed so far. Typically, weekly case shows incorporate an ongoing plot that triggers character evolution. For instance, The Mentalist pursuing Red John or Sherlock grappling with drug issues on Elementary. However, Matlock is different. While it may seem like Matty is working to support her grandson financially, the truth is she’s hiding something. She’s actually re-entering law work to investigate the law firm because her daughter died due to a prescription pill overdose, and she aims to bring those responsible to justice.

For our proposed television series, we’re planning an innovative reimagining of the original concept while maintaining its core theme. This setup enables Matty to tackle another case concurrently with her regular work responsibilities. It provides opportunities for more screen time for her husband and grandson, who are recurring side characters. Additionally, it offers captivating scenes where viewers can guess that Matty is not entirely truthful with those around her. This idea has depth and complexity that greatly enhances the overall show, but it also carries a heavy, dramatic tone.

In simpler terms, when I say that “Matlock” can be quite serious, I worry that you might not fully grasp how often it becomes incredibly intense. The show is excessively somber more times than not, and it’s not just Matty’s character that experiences deep emotions. For instance, a recent episode showed Matty grappling with a crisis of faith to the point of taking pills and smashing items against the wall. In that same episode, we saw other minor characters confess to affairs, challenge their father-in-law about his son’s treatment, propose marriage only to be rejected, all while dealing with a regular case. For some television shows, this much emotional turmoil would fill an entire season, but in “Matlock,” it all happens within a single episode.

I’m not implying that the show struggles with these emotional scenes, but rather, it seems to lack the effort to truly develop them. Kathy Bates undeniably delivers a fantastic performance, and the rest of the cast is capable as well. However, the show doesn’t seem to invest enough time or depth into its emotions. In comparison, shows like early seasons of Grey’s Anatomy or even lesser episodes of The Good Wife were more nuanced and thoughtfully written. Matlock, being a network TV procedural, is not as sharp or well-crafted as these examples, spending most of its time on a weekly case mystery, which can be serious in nature, but is often presented in a lighter, more typical network TV fashion.

As a movie critic, I find it challenging when one production attempts to strike various emotional chords, but ends up incorporating dissimilar tones that seem mismatched within the same narrative universe. This is a common occurrence in the classic TV series, Matlock. One moment we’re engrossed in a whimsical storyline involving Matty feigning illness for her pet to gain access to the file room due to an old-school administrator’s love for animals. The next instant, we find ourselves immersed in a heavy and prolonged disagreement between Matty and her husband regarding the potential long-term emotional consequences of utilizing their grandson in her strategies. These contrasting tones often leave me questioning the coherence and consistency of the show’s universe.

I believe some viewers enjoy the intense and emotional scenes in Matlock, but personally, that’s not why I watch the show. Instead, it seems like the show isn’t aiming for those moments most of the time. To create impactful moments, you need to invest time in character development, which takes weeks, months, or even years. However, Matlock doesn’t seem interested in that approach, and I don’t think it ever will be. The show primarily focuses on its weekly cases, but when it does provide character development, it tends to overdo it, as if we were watching a heart-wrenching episode of This Is Us. But let’s remember, we’re not.

As a cinema enthusiast, I truly appreciate the charm of Matlock. However, I believe it could benefit from slightly softening its intensity or investing more in the emotional setup to effectively balance its serious moments. Frankly, the current middle ground between humor and drama doesn’t quite hit the mark for me.

Read More

2024-12-17 23:09