Don’t call it a comeback if it’s only a reboot by name alone. Even if it’s a name as well-known as Matlock.
Having recently glimpsed the newest iteration in the franchise about a sharp-as-a-tack, wily, aged lawyer, I’m ready to tell viewers a little about what they have in store this fall.
First of all, let me go ahead and get this out of the way now: this is not your grandpa’s Matlock. Now, there are certainly some similarities.
However, if fans of the original are looking for a gender-swapped faithful reimagining, they might find themselves mildly disappointed.
But that shouldn’t discourage you. The other thing I have to say about the upcoming series is that the first episode was AMAZING!
Seriously, you guys will love this show, and TV Fanatic is here to give you a little insight into how it compares to its parent series.
The His To Her’s Story
Depending on your age, your experience with Matlock may differ wildly from another person’s. However, regardless of generation, a large chunk of the country, at least, would easily recognize the name “Matlock.”
The show’s original run drew heavily on one of Hollywood’s first-ever hour-long series filmed for television, Perry Mason.
That’s not all that surprising when you consider that Perry Mason and Matlock were both created by Dean Hargrove.
The multi-hyphenated industry vet sure loves suit-and-tie-wearing protagonists, having also worked on Columbo and The Man From U.N.C.L.E.
Sadly, Hargrove will not be involved with the Kathy Bates reboot. It’s likely because the man is almost ninety years old and fully retired from Hollywood. He is likely more than ready to pass the torch.
It’s been over twenty years since we saw the last installment in the Matlock franchise and believe it or not, it’s possible we still technically haven’t.
The Show Within A Show
As I said at the start of this article, don’t call it a comeback. Monk and the original run of Matlock may share a universe through a Six Degrees of Kevin Bacon sort of way but don’t expect that from the Kathy Bates version.
Viewers have more connection to this new character than she does to Andy Griffith. In the 2024 version, Madeline Matlock is not in any way related to the original attorney. She can’t be because, like in the real world, Matlock is an old TV show.
That’s right. In the new series, the old one is just something to reference from TV Land.
Like most of you, I assumed Kathy Bates’s character would have been descended from Andy Griffith’s. However, I take it as a good sign that the series is already avoiding viewers’ expectations.
Having seen the series’ first episode, I can say that it really helps move the story along.
Matlock is established as a TV show very early in the pilot, which is brilliant because it made me immediately stop trying to look for Easter eggs or connections to the parent series.
Don’t get me wrong, though! There are still plenty of hints and clues to Andy Griffith’s Matlock through the premiere episode.
And don’t feel bad if you miss them. Kathy Bates’ Matlock has a knack for invisibility and misdirection.
The Man. The Woman. The Name
On to the lawyer of the hour!
Even if you’ve never watched a single episode of the original Matlock, it doesn’t take more than a few context clues to figure out the character.
He’s old, folksy, and guilty parties better be nervous because this wily, old coot knows his way around a law or two!
Most procedurals from the ‘80s into the ‘90s had the same tall male protagonist, who was somehow a charming gentleman and a low-key brooding alcoholic.
Andy Griffith’s character was that of a well-known and well-established successful attorney in his county. He had his own practice with a handful of employees and basically looked like Colonel Sanders’ more southern cousin.
Thankfully, as far as comparing the two titular characters, while their situations may be different, their personalities both appear to sustain great heart and clever humor.
Madeline knows how to play the sweet old lady angle to her advantage in the most refreshing way.
There has always been so much stigma around getting older. It’s nice to see a character who not only embraces it but also sees it as an advantage. Good for you, CBS!
Much like the male Matlock, Madeline has far more going on behind that twinkle in her eye than people give her credit for.
Apart from gender, there’s very little difference between the two characters.
As far as their situations and stories are concerned, that is another thing entirely.
The Story
Now, we find ourselves at the center of this juicy series, and what will matter in the long run is the story.
CBS and the cast of the new series haven’t been shy about a particular twist that is coming to audiences. While there are currently no official details about what the show has planned, I can confirm that it is established in the pilot.
If you have watched the original Matlock, you already know it was a “case of the week” format, and it looks like Kathy Bate’s version will follow suit.
However, this new iteration focuses far more on the supporting cast, with arcs upon arcs.
Madeline rejoins the workforce, and in doing so, the audience gets to meet all these new characters at the same time as Matlock.
Considering Madeline’s newbie status at her law firm, it’s likely that we will very rarely see Kathy Bates by herself as her character spends a great deal of time in the pilot talking to junior and senior partners. She’s, more or less, starting from the bottom.
Madeline Matlock is sweet, smart, but most importantly, sly. Take my advice, and don’t try to size up Madeline until you see the credits rolling in the pilot episode.
If you love shows with unconventional geniuses who have an eye for clues and details, like Monk or Elsbeth, you will love this series! Mononymous shows for the win!
Even though the original series is just a show in the reboot, I feel the hands behind Matlock will drop a little nostalgia for fans from time to time.
There are also at least two Easter eggs in the pilot, which you can catch during a special sneak peek on September 22. The pilot will encore on October 17, the official start date of the series.
If the rest of the show is as good as the pilot, you can count me in for however long this incredible series sticks around.
What do you think the big twist is?
Is there someone from the original series you hope will make a cameo?
Drop a comment below to let us know, and join me again this fall when I review Matlock Season 1!
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