Don’t call it a comeback if it’s a reboot in name only. Even if it’s a name as well known as Matlock.
Recently, I got a glimpse of the latest iteration of the series, which tells the story of a sharp, cunning, aging lawyer, and I’m ready to give viewers a taste of what they have coming this fall.
First, let me get this out of the way: This is not your grandpa’s Matlock. Now, there are definitely some similarities.
However, if fans of the original are looking for a faithful reimagining of the gender swap, they may find themselves a bit disappointed.
But this shouldn’t discourage you. Another thing I have to say about the upcoming series is that the first episode was awesome!
Seriously, you guys are going to love this show, and TV Fanatic is here to give you an inside look at how it compares to its parent series.
his story about her
Depending on your age, your experience with Matlock may be very different than someone else’s. Regardless of generation, however, at least a large portion of the country will readily recognize the name “Matlock.”
The show’s original run drew heavily from Perry Mason, Hollywood’s first hour-long television series.
This isn’t surprising considering both Perry Mason and Matlock were created by Dean Hargrove.
The versatile industry veteran, who also worked on “Columbus” and “The Man from Uncle,” sure loves a suit-and-tie leading role
Sadly, Hargrove won’t be involved in the Kathy Bates reboot. This is most likely because the man is almost ninety years old and has completely retired from Hollywood. He may well be ready to pass the torch.
It’s been over twenty years since we saw the last installment of the Matlock series, and believe it or not, we probably still haven’t technically seen it.
show within show
As I said at the beginning of this article, don’t call it a comeback. Monk and Matlock’s original versions may have shared a universe via Kevin Bacon’s Six Degrees, but don’t expect that to happen with Kathy Bates’ version.
Audiences connected with this new character more than she did with Andy Griffith. In the 2024 version, Madeline Matlock has no connection to the original attorney. She can’t be because, just like in the real world, Matlock is an old TV series.
that’s right. In the new drama, the old drama is just a reference for TV Land.
Like most of you, I thought Kathy Bates’ character was a descendant of Andy Griffith’s character. However, I think this is a good sign that the series has exceeded audience expectations.
Having watched the first episode of the series, I can say that it really helps move the story along.
Matlock was confirmed as a TV show early in the pilot episode, which is brilliant because it immediately made me stop trying to find Easter eggs or connections to the Father series.
However, don’t get me wrong! There are still plenty of hints and clues about Andy Griffith’s Matlock in the premiere episode.
Don’t feel bad if you miss them. Matlock, played by Kathy Bates, has a knack for invisibility and misdirection.
man. That woman. name
Talk about today’s lawyers!
Even if you’ve never seen an episode of the original Matlock, you just need a few context clues to understand the character.
He’s older, has an easy-going personality, and the guilty ones better be on edge, because this crafty old fool knows a thing or two about the law!
Most procedurals from the 1980s and 1990s had the same tall leading man who was somehow a charming gentleman and a low-key brooding alcoholic.
Andy Griffith’s character is a well-known and well-known successful attorney in his county. He has his own clinic, has a few employees, and basically looks like Colonel Sanders’ Southern cousin.
Thankfully, in terms of comparing the two eponymous characters, while their situations may be different, their personalities seem to share big hearts and smart humor.
Madeleine knows how to bring out the sweet old lady’s strengths in the most refreshing way.
There’s always a lot of shame that comes with getting older. It’s nice to see a character not only embrace it but see it as an advantage. Good for you, CBS!
Like the male Matlock, there’s more behind the twinkle in Madeline’s eye than one might think.
Aside from gender, there are few differences between the two characters.
As for their situation and story, that’s another story entirely.
story
Now we find ourselves at the center of this wonderful series, where in the long run, what matters most is the story.
CBS and the cast of the new series aren’t shy about giving viewers a special twist. While there are no official details yet on what’s planned for the show, I can confirm that it’s been confirmed in the pilot.
If you’ve seen the original Matlock, you know it’s a “case of the week” format, and it looks like Kathy Bate’s version will follow suit.
However, this new iteration focuses more on the supporting cast, arc after arc.
Madeleine rejoins the workforce and viewers get to meet all of these new characters at the same time as Matlock.
Given Madeline’s status as a newbie at the law firm, it’s likely we’ll see very little of Kathy Bates herself, as her character spent a lot of time in the pilot talking to junior and senior partners. She more or less started from the bottom.
Madeleine Matlock is cute, smart, but most importantly, cunning. Take my advice and don’t try to judge Madeline until you see the credits for the pilot.
If you like shows with unconventional talents like Monk or Elsbeth who pay attention to clues and details, you’ll love this series! A one-name performance for the win!
While the original is just one show in the reboot, I feel like the hands behind Matlock can leave fans with a little bit of nostalgia from time to time.
There are also at least two Easter eggs in the pilot, which you can see in a special early access episode on September 22nd.
If the rest of the show is as good as the pilot, you can count me in for however long this incredible series lasts.
What do you think is the biggest twist?
Is there anyone from the original series that you’d like to see make a cameo?
Let us know in the comments below, and join me again this fall for a review of Matlock Season 1!
