Matlock: Series Premiere Review: A Fresh Legal Drama
CBS has a brand new hit on their hands with Kathy Bates' Matlock.
Millennials may be the final generation to have a fondness for NBC's Matlock. This sentiment might lead them to feel compelled to give the new reboot on CBS a chance this month. Whether or not this is good advice remains to be seen.
Any prestige associated with the show is purely rooted in nostalgia. Fortunately, CBS's modern take on Matlock, a new legal drama created by Jennie Snyder Urman of Jane the Virgin, offers more than just nostalgia. It retains the light-hearted appeal of the original while presenting a sharper and more nuanced narrative that explores themes of justice and aging. The series also benefits from the presence of Oscar-winner Kathy Bates, who stars as Madeline "Matty" Matlock, a widowed retiree in her 70s returning to the legal field and facing underestimation from her colleagues despite her strong sense of justice.
Watching Matty defy expectations is engaging, and Bates delivers a captivating performance, effortlessly transitioning between a seemingly frail elderly woman and a determined crusader. She brings a magnetic presence to the show. While the series' legal setting may seem generic, and its supporting cast diverse and appealing, few can match Bates' charisma. Urman seems aware of this dynamic, focusing on the intergenerational interactions between Matty and her younger colleagues rather than solely on legal jargon, at least in the initial episodes available for review and for this premiere episode.
It is a missed opportunity not to see Bates command the courtroom more frequently, as her moments of legal prowess are truly remarkable. While the overall structure of Matlock 2024 mirrors the original, Urman is cautious about distinguishing the two. In a meta twist, Matty acknowledges the existence of the Griffith series and occasionally uses its iconic theme song for comedic effect, a deliberate attempt to address the inevitable comparisons made by nostalgic viewers.
The humor in this regard may be obvious and repetitive, with Bates managing each instance with visible discomfort, as the association with the classic show's legacy appears burdensome. Despite being a star vehicle for Bates, the show relies heavily on the Matlock name. However, it also seems self-conscious about its connection to the original series. Nevertheless, the series exudes a positive energy.
The pilot of the reboot, directed by Kat Coiro, sets a brisk pace that allows viewers to acclimate to the new Matlock universe. By the first commercial break, Matty has already joined the prestigious Jacobson Moore law firm, taken on her first case, and engaged with the fresh-faced cast. The show efficiently introduces characters like Olympia, a passionate attorney with ties to the firm's managing partner, Senior, and other supporting roles like Billy and Sarah, who add depth to the ensemble.
New Matlock delves into more heartfelt themes compared to the original series, addressing grief and contemporary societal challenges. Matty's motivations go beyond financial gain, as she navigates personal struggles and aims to make a meaningful impact on her clients' lives. The show's tender moments showcase the cast's cohesion and potential for future seasons of engaging entertainment.
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