In this remake of the 80's law show, Madeline "Matty" Matlock (played by Kathy Bates) is a retired lawyer with financial problems. She uses her wits to get employed at law firm Jacobson Moore.
From the general concept, Matlock looked like it could be your basic network procedural show. I'm surprised to say that the show is far more engaging and has more to offer than expected. Now, yeah, the show is comprised of cases of the week, but it's the ongoing storyline and characters' personal stories and interplay with each other that really makes this work. Melodrama is done quite well, but the lighter, diverting moments are also solid.
Cathy Bates makes the show (unsurprisingly). The actress has stated that this will be her last role, and this makes for a fine swan song. Bates does a great job as a woman who uses her smarts and likableness to prove herself in a field she's been out of for a very long time. However, the trailer and commercials won't prepare you for how much dramatic work she's given. Bates excels at performing a complex character with a lot of emotions. Unfortunately, since she's in her 70's, her voice has trouble reaching the full potential she used to have, but the woman is definitely giving 100%.
The show's other major ingredient is Skye P. Marshall as Matty's superior Olympia Lawrence. She commands all her scenes as a very no-nonsense type who had to climb way her to the top all the way from the bottom, but there is clearly a heart buried underneath that exterior. (I rather like that her and her estranged husband's pasts and personalities aren't spelled out to you but shown slowly and naturally through small comments here and there).
The whole supporting task is dependable. The recent Nancy Drew show's Leah Lewis is entertaining as first year associate Sarah Franklin. Lewis already proved in ND that she is gifted at playing very determined, sorta acerbic characters, and she continues that here. Sarah is very, very career driven, but it's contrasted with her social awkwardness. Beau Bridges is also in this in a supporting role as Sir, managing partner of Jacob Moore. The guy does a great job of coming across as being laid back and congenial as someone cagey who you wouldn't want to go up against.
Highly recommended. This may be the strongest written new network show this season.
