Why ‘Matlock’ Season 1, Episode 17 Is a Total Game-Changer for the Show!

by

The very first episode of Matlock sparked immense intrigue and anticipation due to a startling plot twist. But as the series progressed through 15 episodes, audiences grew restless with the slow unfolding of Madeline’s true identity, reflected in the show’s falling ratings. When Episode 16, titled “The Johnson Case,” concluded with Madeline seemingly on the brink of being unmasked by her superior Olympia, viewers were wary that this near-revelation would only lead to yet another false alarm.

In “Episode 17,” titled “I Was That, Too,” I found myself on the edge of my seat as Olympia uncovered Madeline’s intricate deception – a moment many viewers had been eagerly anticipating. Far from wrapping up her quest for revenge, this revelation has breathed new life into the series. The unfolding truth about Madeline and her connection with Olympia has set us up for a thrilling season finale, one that promises to be a nail-biting whodunit, with the future of our beloved characters hanging in the balance. What’s more, after feeling like the creative well had run dry, Matlock now seems brimming with intriguing possibilities.

The Truth Has Finally Set ‘Matlock’ Free

In “I Was That, Too” (Episode 17), Madeline’s true identity and role were hidden, causing Matlock to find himself in a routine cat-and-mouse game with Madeline, portrayed by Kathy Bates. However, when Olympia uncovers the truth about Madeline, she becomes Matlock’s ally in solving mysteries. As a result, “Matlock” is ready to venture into various directions, offering unexpected twists and turns that were previously missing from its predictable narrative.

Starting from the point where Olympia uncovers Madeline’s web of deceit, this situation might have taken several turns, one of which could have led to Madeline’s arrest. However, in a nod to Bates’ iconic portrayal of Annie Wilkes in the 1990 thriller Misery, Olympia instead confined Madeline to a windowless conference room, compelling her to reveal every lie she had ever told Olympia.

Given Madeline’s cunning nature, she leverages this predicament to her benefit. Upon revealing to Olympia that she has damaging evidence implicating Jacobson Moore’s senior partner, Julian – who is also Olympia’s ex-husband and the father of her two children – in withholding documents related to the opioid crisis, Madeline essentially coerces Olympia by hinting at professional ruin and legal trouble unless she assists Madeline’s investigation.

Considering Julian as the culprit, how can Olympia be involved in his downfall, and what if Madeline’s accusations against Julian are unfounded?

Madeline Has Reached the Point of No Return in ‘Matlock’

As a devoted fan, I can’t help but marvel at how Matlock initially captivated audiences by presenting itself as a cleverly veiled psychological thriller within the framework of a legal drama series. It’s no secret that the weekly cases appear transient and trivial in comparison to Madeline’s relentless pursuit of uncovering the truth about Jacobson Moore, the esteemed New York law firm. Her ultimate objective? To identify the partner who withheld crucial documents that could have prevented the opioid crisis that tragically took her daughter’s life.

Now, as Madeline appears to be on the verge of unraveling this mystery and bringing the guilty to justice, the stakes have never been so high, and the risks for Madeline have never felt more precarious.

In the “I Was That, Too” episode, it seems like a foreshadowing of another major twist that could drastically alter the lives of the main characters in the show. For Madeline, this installment presents a sense of unease about her conviction of Julian’s guilt and her connection with Olympia. As she prepares to target this influential law firm, there is an air of anticipation that Madeline might shift from pursuer to being pursued herself.

‘Matlock’ Has Been Building Toward a Bombshell Cliffhanger Season Finale

Back in the day, the very first episode of Matlock was an absolute smash hit for CBS, drawing in a staggering 7.74 million viewers during its premiere – a figure not seen for their network in over five years! Yet, fast forward to 2025, and the show’s viewership has been steadily dwindling, with less than six million tuning in per episode. The “I Was That, Too” installment even saw the lowest viewer count of any episode, with a mere 5.64 million. It seems evident that the audience’s enthusiasm for Matlock has waned over time, stemming from the unmet expectations that were initially set so high and only recently beginning to be fulfilled.

When CBS decided to renew Matlock for a second season following only two episodes, it signaled that the creative minds behind the show had a well-thought-out plan and vision for its progression. This early renewal has since left us pondering, but the strategy is now becoming apparent. The two-hour season finale will bring about major changes to the series, as it sets up intriguing new conflicts and dilemmas that are sure to captivate viewers in the eagerly awaited second season.

In case you missed it, Matlock can be streamed on Paramount+ and Pluto TV.

Read More

2025-04-16 03:03