Matty and Olympia confront and accept that forgiveness is hard and healing is non-linear in Matlock Season 2, Episode 6, “Harm Reduction.” This episode, written by Conway Preston & Nicki Renna and directed by Gina Lamar, is another example of the show’s dedication to nuance. At its best, “Harm Reduction” has an impactful discussion about substance use disorder and the titular approach. This episode isn’t the first (and likely not the last) time that Matlock stands as a reminder that storytelling can bridge empathy and understanding.
At its weaker points, “Harm Reduction” loses time where it counts for other characters. This season continues to struggle with finding a balance with the rest of its ensemble. That drawback becomes more obvious because Matlock operates on another frequency with Kathy Bates’s Matty and Skye P. Marshsall’s Olympia. However, “Harm Reduction” makes improvements that, hopefully, result in more consistent, on-screen stories for characters like Julian, Sarah, and even Senior.
MORE: Everything We Know About Matlock Season 2
Is Jacobson Moore Moving Too Fast?
Eva’s return to Jacobson Moore is a bit jarring because of the updates she brings with her. Justina Machado, who remains excellent, makes her Matlock debut in the third episode of the season. It’s then that Eva and Olympia consider ousting Senior, but nearly all of the development with that story occurs off-screen. “Harm Reduction” speeds through the rest with a 4-week time jump after every act break. So, the urgency of securing one last vote loses all of its edge.
That pacing also undercuts the episode’s reveal – Father Patrick Cassidy is conveniently the last vote. Selfishly, it’s also disappointing because Matlock misses out on having so much more of Machado as Eva. Her extremely brief scenes with Marshall are so fun!
Oddly, there’s also not much definition added to Eva’s dynamic with Julian. Instead, “Harm Reduction” turns its focus to Julian and Sarah’s all but entirely new dynamic. It’s good! It’s refreshing to see Julian have scenes with someone other than Olympia and Sarah with someone other than Billy. Though it has some dramatic turns, that storyline also has the levity that this episode needs.
It’s great to see more lighthearted sides of Julian and Sarah. Jason Ritter and Leah Lewis have the range to back it up. Julian’s fall alone is an outrageous bit of physical comedy. Overall, that story complements the call to oust Senior because it spotlights his manipulation at the firm. Moreover, it shows the benefit of exploring different pairings in Matlock’s ensemble.
MORE: Matlock Season 2, Episode 1 Review: ‘The Before Times‘
“Sisterhood Is a Powerful Thing”
Alternatively, the time jumps work for Matty and Olympia, who really need them. Those two characters have been in an understandably contentious back-and-forth since the end of last season. It’s productive, in an episode that falls ahead of a hiatus, for Matty and Olympia to finally confront everything between them. It’s believable for that to unfold over many weeks, with the partner vote and the convent case pushing Matty and Olympia closer together in the end.
After all, the case is personal and sticky, and “Harm Reduction” leans into that nuance and reality, even sitting in any discomfort. Two moments that really stand out are Alyssa’s overdose being shown in court, and Tanya using drugs in Olympia’s car’s backseat. Kathy Bates’s performance in both scenes is honest and raw, just as it is when Alyssa’s testimony folds into Ellie’s. The edit is so seamless that it’s almost breathtaking. Marnee Carpenter doesn’t pop up on Matlock often, but when she does, Ellie’s voice couldn’t be clearer.
It’s moving to see all the big and small ways that Olympia shows up for Matty, even though it’s hard, in this episode. Whether it be checking in with a look over her shoulder or opening up to Matty about her father, Olympia is present for her friend and herself. While the time jumps can be distracting, they help Matty and Olympia make meaningful strides with their complex friendship. Relatedly, “Harm Reduction” points out that people still look out for each other, still help each other. That’s a nice, hopeful reminder to have.
MORE: Matlock Season 1 Finale Review: ‘Tricks of the Trade’
—
What did you think of Matlock Season 2, Episode 6, “Harm Reduction?” Let us know in the comments below!
Matlock Season 2 returns with new episodes on Thursday, December 4, at 9/8c on CBS.
