Matlock Season 1, Episode 11, “A Traitor in Thine Own House,” keeps everyone on high alert as doubts run deep. This episode, written by Sara Rose Feinberg and directed by Hannah Michielsen, puts intensified pressure on core dynamics – Matty and Edwin, Sarah and Billy, Olympia and Julian. That test allows “A Traitor in Thine Own House” to complicate and investigate if ends really justify means. Most of all, Matlock affirms that every episode will continue to push boundaries and cross lines across its procedural and serialized arcs.
MORE: Here’s our review of Matlock Season 1, Episode 10, “Crash Helmets On.”
A New Era for Sarah and Billy
Sarah and Shae’s partnership is one of the best, multi-faceted results of that progression. It’s a critical and logical escalation of the strain Sarah’s anger towards Matty puts on her work and her relationship with Billy. Both dips in quality, which Sarah usually prides herself in holding at a higher standard, underscore the pain Sarah feels because of Matty’s betrayal. It’s entirely in character for Shae to sniff that out and use it to her advantage in her long-standing quest to uncover some truth about Matty.
As it becomes increasingly clear that Sarah and Shae’s partnership will be short-lived, the true impact of their brief team-up comes into sharp focus. Matlock finds the heart of the matter in a fiery exchange that David Del Rio and Leah Lewis infuse with authenticity. Billy and Sarah’s debate about what is more “inconceivable” makes Billy’s decision to put some distance between the two understandable. It also signals a new, independent era for the characters – Team You Three can’t and shouldn’t instantly bounce back from this.
MORE: Here’s our review of Matlock Season 1, Episode 9, “Friends.”
Olympia and Elijah Become Friends – Again
Matty’s independent investigation is for a noble cause, but it’s having effects that Matty tends to overlook. “A Traitor in Thine Own House” shows the titular character more concerned about her manipulation of Olympia and their friendship than understanding how her actions have impacted Sarah and Billy. Matty’s self-awareness only extends so far, which works because flawed characters and conflict make for better TV shows.
This episode proves that Matlock is great at including those components but also shows where the legal drama can improve. For instance, the stakes of Olympia and Julian’s divorce – and partner race – are unambiguous. However, the show continues to present both mainly through Olympia’s perspective. The approach “A Traitor in Thine Own House” takes with Elijah and Olympia proves that Matlock will benefit from representing both sides more thoroughly. Since Elijah’s return in Matlock Season 1, Episode 7, “Belly of the Beast,” the legal drama has changed its pacing with their dynamic, focusing on Elijah and Olympia’s reactions to its evolution. In turn, Matlock gains resonance in repairing their friendship, as well as Olympia realizing that Elijah is dating.
MORE: Here’s our exclusive interview with Matlock star Aaron Harris.
Shae Stirs Up Chaos for Matty – and Edwin
Meanwhile, Matty and Shae’s dynamic has been brewing from Matlock Season 1, Episode 3, “A Guy Named Greg.” “A Traitor in Thine Own House” pushes them to new limits of harassment complaints and spontaneous trips to Georgia. Their exchanges almost become competitive in their boundary-crossing way. Unexpectedly, Matty and Shae’s interactions lead to one of Matlock’s most exciting developments yet – Edwin’s more active involvement in everything.
Sam Anderson’s Edwin has gradually become one of Matlock’s secret weapons. The show continues to find fantastic ways to utilize him since Matlock Season 1, Episode 5, “Claws.” He has come a long way from that initial undercover opportunity. Regardless, Edwin and Matty’s teamwork is far better than Matty updating Edwin at the end of every day. “A Traitor in Thine Own House” makes it even more complicated by adding the email that could be from or lead to Alfie’s biological father. With it, Matlock incorporates a level of secrecy that rivals Wellbrexa. It works so well that even when the Wellbrexa arc loses a bit of steam, this family mystery ties it together with renewed personal momentum.
MORE: Here’s our review of Matlock Season 1, Episode 8, “No, No Monsters.”
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What did you think of Matlock Season 1, Episode 11, “A Traitor in Thine Own House?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Matlock air on Wednesdays at 9/8c on CBS.
