How Kathy Bates’ Matlock Reboot Combats Ageist Attitudes

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As a lifetime connoisseur of cinema, I find myself utterly captivated by the revamped Matlock series, starring the extraordinary Kathy Bates as the titular character. The first episode alone left me astounded, with its unexpected twist that has turned the reboot on its head and challenged my preconceived notions about the show and senior citizens.

Warning: The Following Contains Mild Spoilers for Matlock

As a film enthusiast, I was captivated by the CBS reboot of “Matlock,” where Kathy Bates brilliantly stepped into the shoes originally filled by Andy Griffith in the ’80s. However, Madeline Matlock, our septuagenarian protagonist, is anything but your typical homebody senior citizen who enjoys solving puzzles. In fact, a shocking secret unveiled at the end of the first episode sets the stage for her complex motivations. This secret not only adds an unexpected twist to the reboot but also effectively challenges viewers’ assumptions about the series and its elderly lead, providing a fresh and intriguing take on the storyline.

In conversation regarding the revival of “Matlock”, showrunner Jennie Snyder Urman explained how they leverage Bates’ advanced age to draw viewers in, but then intentionally challenge stereotypes about the elderly by taking unexpected turns in the plotline.

In my approach, I’ve followed my instincts and aimed to meet people’s assumptions before surprising them. Often, we speak in a way to protect ourselves from harm, and there is an element of that here. Matty employs this strategy by allowing others to underestimate her. They see her as a kind, simple woman with no significant plans other than managing her finances. However, she will use this image to her advantage, almost daring them to underestimate her again.

It appears many underestimated her due to the initial impression from Matlock’s premiere episode, which unveiled that Bates is hiding more than she reveals. She isn’t merely a woman seeking something to keep busy, but rather a mother on a mission for justice concerning her daughter’s death. With the secret now shared with viewers, we can embark on this adventure together, and – as Urman notes – enjoy some laughs along the way while the tension escalates throughout the season.

We’ve enjoyed the jokes in the show as they add to the overall humor, but I strive for a balance where we can make light of things while still honoring the strength and capabilities of mature women. To me, this portrayal is truly exhilarating.

Kathy Bates Gives a ‘Masterful’ Performance in Matlock

In her final or perhaps penultimate role, Bates – a renowned actress who’s graced both stage and screen for half a century – takes on a part that serves as a poignant reminder of her extraordinary talent. Although she deserves relaxation after a lifetime of excellence, Bates chooses instead to leave us in awe one last time. Unlike others who might slack off at this stage, Bates, according to Urman, demonstrates “masterful” skill by conveying volumes without a single spoken word.

Experiencing her creative journey with the scripts is like living a cherished dream. It’s truly a privilege to collaborate with her and observe her dedication in interpreting the words we’ve crafted together. Her work is inspiring, especially when handling such intricate characters. A skilled navigator is essential for a character this complex because she often conveys one message to the audience, but her eyes reveal different secrets to us.

Last night, a preview of the premiere episode of Matlock was shown on CBS. You can now stream this on Paramount+. The official debut is scheduled for October 17th.

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2024-09-23 22:02