What has made the television series Matlock successful so far? What’s at the heart of a good TV show or movie? A great plot, engaging characters, and the ability to keep viewers’ interest, of course, but really, it’s one central thing: conflict. It can be a good or bad conflict, but often, driving this conflict is love. And not always the romantic type of love – it can be familial love, or the love originating from a deep friendship. Matlock has this between Matty and Olympia.
What’s Matlock About? Brief Look at the Premise
Matlock actually has very little to do with the Andy Griffith-led series Matlock from the late 80s to the early 90s. Although it’s inspired by this, it follows retired attorney Madeline “Matty” Kingston (played by legendary actress Kathy Bates) as she goes undercover to infiltrate law firm Jacobson Moore. Jacobson Moore is a corporate law firm that has represented pharmaceutical companies. Unfortunately, Matty‘s daughter Ellie had used drugs from Wellbrexa Pharmaceuticals and became addicted. Prior to the start of the series, Matty’s daughter ultimately died from complications of extended drug use.
Madeline gets herself hired at the firm, appealing to the managing partners that she has a skill set they need. Throughout her employment at this firm, she gathered evidence to prove that Jacobson Moore was aware of the risks of the drug from Wellbrexa, to which Ellie became addicted. She has help from her husband, Edwin, and her grandson (Ellie’s son), Alfie.
Olympia’s Role at the Firm
Olympia Lawrence (Skye P. Marshall) is a junior partner at Jacobson Moore. She was married to the firm’s senior partner. Julian. When Matty first joins the farm, Olympia is in the middle of settling her divorce and custody agreement with Julian. Additionally, Olympia has her goal set to be a senior partner at the firm.
Matty and Olympia’s Work Relationship
When Matty shows that her legal and observational skills are exceptional, she gains Olympia‘s trust. Besides being close coworkers, Matty and Olympia form a bond, not just one of friendship, but also one of mother and daughter. Although Olympia is Matty’s boss, the two share secrets and start to confide in one another.
Matlock’s latter part of the season examines more of their relationship and how it affects others. While Olympia is fighting for custody of her children and for advancement at the firm, Matty supports her as best she can. Matty’s other aim is to be a detective (like the famed Ben Matlock!) and find any information that will help prove both the law firm and Wellbrexa Pharmaceuticals are responsible for her daughter‘s untimely death.
Olympia’s Discovery and Matty’s Betrayal of Trust
Towards the end of season one, Olympia discovers that Matty has used her powerful observational skills to steal the company’s secrets, and she is trying to take down the firm. Olympia figures out Matty really is Madeline Kingston and seeks information to decimate both Wellbrexa and the law firm.
At this point, Olympia knows that Matty will do whatever she can to weather the breach of confidence. In the past, Matty has been like Matlock – adept at anticipating any challenges. However, this is one challenge that even she didn’t see coming. The relationship between Matty and Olympia is put to the ultimate test.
Olympia also discovers her ex Julian has held key Wellbrexa information, which was stored away in a lock box. She then must face a decision to turn him in and help Matty, which would destroy the law firm, or to keep this information hidden and align with Jacobson Moore.
Predictions for Upcoming Matlock Drama
While we don’t know exactly what will happen with Olympia and Matty, we do know Olympia has a tough decision to make. Also, Alfie‘s father (or someone who says he is) has come into the fray. We’re not sure what the upcoming season will bring, but we do know Matty will continue to fight for what’s right.
