Matlock Season 1, Episode 15, “Game Face,” is all about what it means to put on a brave face until the inevitable breakthroughs hit. This episode, written by Nikki Renna & Michelle Leibel and directed by Gina Lamar, builds the season’s dramatic tension to new fever pitches. “Game Face” navigates that intensity with subliminal messaging and character discoveries. Ultimately, Matlock delivers one of its strongest episodes yet – with a moving homage to one of Kathy Bates’s most underrated movies. “Game Face” instills hope for the future of the characters and the show.
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The Impacts of the Slamm’d Case
This episode continues Matlock’s efforts with the Slamm’d case. It drives a believable wedge between Matty and Olympia without Matty showing her hands. Moreover, Slamm’d draws distinct parallels to Wellbrexa. The case’s context creates an opportunity to showcase Sarah’s emotional intelligence development. It’s predominantly productive for “Game Face” and Matlock.
The only problem is that the case emphasizes how little time Matlock spends with Julian and his team. The Slamm’d case is instrumental in Olympia’s place in the partner race with Julian. “Game Face” is one of many episodes that spotlights Olympia’s efforts to win. Meanwhile, Matlock sprinkles in developments for Julian in dialogue that rarely come from him or his team. However, “Game Face” suggests a change is afoot. Now that Simone has Olympia’s old office and Simone has established dynamics with Billy and Sarah, there’s a chance that the show will feature Julian’s side of the partner race more.
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Matty and Bitsy’s Sisterhood
Matlock is an excellent show with incredible storytellers in front of and behind the camera, so there’s no doubt it can find balance. After all, Matty’s younger sister, Bitsy, has only appeared in three episodes of “Game Face” – Matlock has done wonders with her and the sisters’ dynamic. If anything, it’s primarily disappointing that Julie Hagerty is only on Matlock in a guest stint. Every episode turns over a new side of this character, which Hagerty beautifully portrays.
“Game Face” alone has real, revelatory results. This episode squeezes in Bitsy and Alfie’s dynamic – and even a bit of Bitsy and Edwin’s rapport – without feeling rushed. Because of the intentional time with this character over the last few episodes, Matlock earns the heartbreak of Bitsy discovering Matty’s impression. On the other side of that coin, “Game Face” finds authentic payoff when Matty reveals her insecurities by highlighting her sister’s strengths.
That scene is incomparable work from Kathy Bates and Hagerty. It’s easy to want Bitsy to stay in New York forever – just for Matlock to mine more of that greatness. The page itself taps into specific yet universal themes like the complicated grief of friendships. It also touches on Matty’s falling in love with being a lawyer. That feeling tangles itself up in the layers of loss she experiences because of this revelation about Olympia. It’s fantastic writing and directing (The choice to stay close to Bates and Hagerty to emphasize the scene’s intimacy!) complemented by equally outstanding performances.
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The Redditor’s Identity Is Revealed
“Game Face” only gets better from there by unveiling the identity of the Reddit user who sent Matty on this Wellbrexa mission in the first place. This episode does a fantastic job of gradually building the momentum for why this person’s identity matters. After all, it hasn’t been the predominant focus of Matlock’s debut season. That belongs to uncovering the contents of the missing Wellbrexa documents and who stole them. The show even introduces another mystery in Alfie’s father’s identity before it concerns the Reddit user’s identity.
Still, “Game Face” makes the person count by reminding everyone, even Matty, that none of this – potential truth and justice – is possible without their bravery. The payoff is rewarding for Matlock fans and those of Kathy Bates’s filmography. The latter comes into focus through the subliminal messaging of Barry Manilow’s “Can’t Smile Without You” lyrics. As a devoted fan of the deep-cut and underrated gem Unconditional Love, starring Bates, Rupert Everett, and many other mind-boggling talents, “Game Face” can’t find a better path to the reveal. Mrs. Belvin being the Reddit user also ties perfectly back to Matlock’s thesis of not underestimating older women. It’s fantastic through and through.
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What did you think of Matlock Season 1, Episode 14, “Game Face?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Matlock air on Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.
