Matlock Season 2, Episode 2, “Another Matlock,” entertains new dynamics with varying success as the most familiar one fractures. This episode, written by Michelle Leibel & Jeffrey Lieber and directed by Michael, shakes the show’s core. That choice propels the season in an exciting direction. Beneficially, “Another Matlock” takes its time – and makes a few, excellent meta nods to the original series, in the process – to do so. The characters become more dynamic by sitting in the aftermath of Matlock Season 2, Episode 1, “The Before Times.”
In turn, this episode responds to why filler episodes are necessary. While the serialized plot stalls as everyone considers next steps, every interaction deepens existing relationships, teases new ones, and provides critical character insight. Small moments lead to big breakthroughs that illuminate the characters’ lights and shades. It’s effective to sit in on how difficult each of their respective hurdles is this season. Some of those obstacles find their resolutions too easily, but most intend to extend their potential at least a little longer. “Another Matlock” is the kind of episode that Matlock needs before everything changes.
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Meanwhile, at Jacobson Moore
This episode does better at incorporating Julian by exploring his place at the law firm. In Season 1, nearly every scene he has is with Olympia or Senior. It’s refreshing when Julian interacts with the titular character. So, this demotion opens up the character, as well as a new side of Jacobson Moore to him. He’s like a fish out of water, believably exasperating his pressures. Therefore, it works that Billy’s well-intentioned hovering pushes Julian to a boiling point.
Meanwhile, Billy’s storyline continues to fall flat. His motivation in rekindling his relationship with Claudia is authentic — Billy wants to give his child the two-parent home he didn’t have. It’s more believable than the other side of it — Billy still being in love with Claudia. There’s too little evidence to support that.
Meanwhile, “Another Matlock” taps into a compelling and mostly unexplored dynamic with Sarah and Simone. Their competition has so much potential, and the characters’ banter has more chemistry than that between Simone and Billy’s fling. Leah Lewis delivers every zinger so that they land with a sting and a laugh. It really is unfortunate that Matlock wraps this story up by immediately transferring Simone to Idaho. “Another Matlock” could have been the start of that multi-episode arc. It would pull Sarah away from the Billy dynamic and provide a launch pad to learn more about Sarah’s and, in turn, Simone’s past.
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The Tables Turn — Again
Interestingly, Sarah’s belief that Olympia will intervene relies on last season’s very thinly drawn partnership between them. Hopefully, “Another Matlock” is one step closer to building out other dynamics (The Matty and Emellyn scenes are sweet!) around Jacobson Moore. After all, this episode focuses on how the show’s core relationship is reaching a breaking point. Matlock knows that this form of the push/pull between Matty and Olympia can only go on for so long. This episode clarifies that by showing that they’ll never see eye to eye; their perspectives are driven by wanting to protect their families.
For better and worse, Julian is that for Olympia, so she doesn’t fold. Thankfully, that means Matlock can have that incredibly dynamic scene between Olympia and Edwin. There’s so much goodness to unpack in it, like Olympia saying, “You don’t know me, but I’m a real person with a real family.” Skye P. Marshall’s delivery of that simple yet effective line amplifies it as an honest snapshot of Olympia’s reality. The same is true in the transparent conversation that Matty and Edwin have with Alfie about addiction. These scenes, like the few in Season 1, give Alfie more depth. It’s exciting to see Aaron Harris have more to do, too.
Alfie’s reaction is true to his character and story. It’s honest, like Matty’s reaction to Olympia at the end. Matty is at the end of her rope. Matlock and Kathy Bates’ gripping performance make that believable. The show also draws a parallel between Senior’s previous comment and Matty calling herself “untouchable.” In turn, “Another Matlock” seemingly blurs the lines between its characters. Ultimately, a story is all the more interesting and realistic in the grey.
MORE: Matlock Season 1, Episode 17 Review: ‘I Was That, Too’
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What did you think of Matlock Season 2, Episode 2, “Another Matlock?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Matlock continue on Thursday, October 16, 9/8c on CBS.
