Matlock Season 1, Episode 16, “The Johnson Case,” raises the debate between the risk and the reward of doing the right thing. This episode – story by Tommy Cook, written by Jeffrey Lieber and Cook, and directed by Kat Coiro – investigates why that internal dialogue isn’t always as simple as it seems. “The Johnson Case” navigates that by escalating the drama between Matty and Ms. Belvin, testing the lengths of Matty’s sympathy. This episode stretches and strains the characters. There’s no denying that Matlock is barrelling towards an explosive, revelatory season finale.
MORE: Matlock Season 1, Episode 15 Review: ‘Game Face’
Olympia’s Team
“The Johnson Case” gives real validity to the possibility that Olympia could leave Jacobson Moore. Of course, that chance exists as soon as Matlock introduces the conditions of the partner race between Olympia and Julian. This episode changes up the dialogue around that device by finding stakes in the dynamics it will impact. The only issue is that Matlock hasn’t invested nearly as much time into every facet of the team as it has into Olympia and Matty’s friendship.
This episode instills in Sarah a panic that, depending on Olympia’s decision, she may have to follow her mentor or shift her mentorship elsewhere. Unfortunately, that’s where the validity of their dynamic begins and ends. Matlock never pretends that anyone in Olympia’s team has as close of a relationship with her as Matty. Sarah and Olympia have those brief scenes centered on mentorship. Alternatively, Olympia and Billy’s dynamic is all but nonexistent so far. Essentially, these characters are fantastic. It only benefits Matlock to show them interacting casually and within high-pressure cases more often.
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The Case Helps Matty Question Ms. Belvin
In that regard, “The Johnson Case” finds a believable payoff between Matty and Ms. Belvin because of the casual interactions between the characters throughout the season. Likewise, Matlock gradually elevates the lengths that Matty will go to find answers, but threatening Ms. Belvin’s dog, even for show, is a bit much. Although, that step beyond a line reflects Matty’s test of sympathy and empathy during “The Johnson Case.” As it often does, Matlock seamlessly weaves that internal struggle with the case of the week.
The risks of speaking up come into the sharpest focus with Isabelle as Matty confronts her privilege in condemning Ms. Belvin for not speaking out sooner. It takes nearly the entirety of “The Johnson Case” for Matty to fully understand the bravery it takes to come forward against people – usually white men – in power and what’s at stake for people like Isabelle and Ms. Belvin in doing so.
As great as it is to see Matty finally ease up on Ms. Belvin, Matlock also finds a satisfying end to its case of the week. From Isabelle telling the prosecution, “You should have believed me,” to her and Eugene’s hug, there’s closure. Closure that wouldn’t be possible without Isabella’s (and Ms. Belvin’s in terms of the Wellbrexa case) bravery to fight a (often) unbeatable system.
MORE: Matlock Season 1, Episode 13 Review: ‘Pregame’
Matty Isn’t on the Case – She Is the Case
Of course, the biggest twist of “The Johnson Case” is that Matty is no longer on the case – she is one. Being the clever show it is, Matlock pieces together all the smaller beats of Olympia recognizing Matty’s behavior and lies. It crescendos in the fantastic reveal that Olympia is as stealthy as Matty thinks of herself to be.
This reveal could have undermined Matlock’s audience. Instead, it, like the episode’s case of the week, undermined Matty’s blindspots. After all, nearly all of those scenes with Olympia are not hidden from the viewers – or Matty. They only encourage both to pay extra attention.
The only scene that is new works as an extension of one from “This Is That Moment.” Not only does it work in tandem with Olympia and Julian’s hug in “The Johnson Case,” but it also threads the montage together. This reveal is never cheap; it’s smart. It knocks the wind out of Matty and pokes holes in the good rapport built back after “Game Face.” Once again, Matlock pulls off crafty storytelling that makes it one of the best shows on TV. This twist is so great that it’s surprising the legal procedural doesn’t hold it for the season’s penultimate episode. So, that leaves one to wonder, what else does Matlock have in store?
MORE: Matlock Season 1, Episode 12 Review: ‘This Is That Moment’
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What did you think of Matlock Season 1, Episode 16, “The Johnson Case?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Matlock air on Wednesdays at 9/8c on CBS.
Great show and article about this episode. The writing and twists in this episode was so good. I am looking forward to finale.