Matlock Season 2, Episode 5, “Mousetrap,” unpacks how self-preservation can manifest through stories one tells about themselves. This episode, written by Sara Rose Feinberg & Edith Rodriguez and directed by Jennifer Lynch, provides necessary insight into underrated characters, like Julian and Sarah. “Mousetrap” can be heavy-handed at times in some of its more pointed dialogue. Still, this episode mostly spotlights the strengths of Matlock’s small but impressive ensemble. Understandably, the legal drama is reliant on Matty and Olympia’s friendship; there’s so much between those two characters.
That’s never changing – to Matlock’s benefit. So, it’s exciting for “Mousetrap” to turn the camera to some of the show’s other characters for a significant time. Until now, Emmelyn Belvin is one of the few to receive a present story on-screen, and that’s only so Matlock can give her a satisfying exit that extends the plot. “Mousetrap” proves that the show has a renewed momentum among its characters as it inches towards Season 2’s halfway point.
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Leah Lewis Is Fantastic as Sarah Franklin
“Mousetrap” reiterates that Leah Lewis is one of Matlock’s greatest talents. She does so much for her character, even when there’s not a Sarah-centric story in an episode. There’s a reason why she’s the best part of Billy’s most important scene this season – she’s that compelling. The previous insights – big moments in her relationship with Kira, learning more about her grandmother, and the potential in her dynamic with Simone – all showcase the reason why Leah Lewis is so fantastic as Sarah Franklin. Therefore, it’s an absolute treat to spend more time with her character and Sarah’s family in this episode.
Matlock consistently represents Gary as a thorn in Sarah’s side, as well as in her relationship with her mother. “Mousetrap” uses that foundation to take that familiar story to a surprising place. Of course, Sarah would rather believe that Gary found her mother when she was vulnerable after her divorce from Sarah’s father. That narrative is far more agreeable to Sarah and her perception of her mother than the truth that Joanne shares. It’s far more interesting for the narrative that Sarah has to unpack that Gary and Joanne are the opposite of what she imagined and told herself all these years. Ideally, this story won’t fade into the background, like Billy’s has this season. Sarah Franklin is a main character. “Mousetrap” is a reminder that Matlock should reflect that more.
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Does Lying Make Someone a Liar?
Likewise, one of the other best things this episode does is bring Julian to the forefront. Matlock’s Season 2 premiere posits that he will have a more active role. Despite how involved he is, Julian is rarely substantially present on-screen. Past attempts – following him as he navigates Jacobson Moore through a new role or crosses paths with Senior’s ex-wife, Eva – don’t come to much. Or, they haven’t yet. “Mousetrap” is the first, real chance that Matlock Season 2 has to throw Julian into the mix (and see him practice law again!), and, unsurprisingly, Jason Ritter handles it all incredibly well.
Ritter makes this character sympathetic, even as Matlock constantly reminds him (and, in turn, the audience) of his actions. It’s tough to watch Julian tell himself that he can feel his gut after not being able to in a while, only for Matty and Olympia to twist that on him. Ritter’s performance sells the devastation of that; it’s like Matlock is unraveling Julian from his very core. “Mousetrap” is clever to pull back and show how that turn impacts Olympia. (Skye P. Marshall is one of the greatest actors on broadcast TV right now!) That realization tees up one of the episode’s best lines: “I lied, but you’re a liar.” There’s so much in that!
That line is a story within itself that Olympia tells herself to protect herself, similar to Olympia saying that she doesn’t know if she and Matty can be friends again. Matlock creates this environment where these two women are reaching out for each other, but can’t quite meet in the middle. Marshall and Kathy Bates make it so dynamic on screen. Mitigating factors and all, it’s special to watch.
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What did you think of Matlock Season 2, Episode 5, “Mousetrap?” Let us know in the comments below!
New episodes of Matlock air on Thursdays at 9/8c on CBS.
