46/35
This show has only the most tangential relationship to the original series
Tale
Follows Madeline Matlock as she re-enters the workforce at a prestigious law firm, where she uses her cunning tactics to win cases and expose wrongdoing. A gender reversal of the original 1986 TV series of the same name, Matlock (1986), starring Andy Griffith in the lead role of criminal defense attorney Ben Matlock. For legal reasons they had to give Dean Hargrove a “based on the Matlock series” credit.
Remake of Matlock (1986)
In order for Matlock to be hired by a New York law firm, they would have had to verify the status of her attorney’s license through one of three official mechanisms, each of which is carefully managed by the state. This would verify identity, address, current license status, disciplinary actions, etc. “Matlock in name only.” I’m not sure if the showrunner or CBS executives thought to reuse the Matlock name.
The biggest draw is, of course, Kathy Bates
There was no need, just say Kathy Bates, here we go. If you want a throwback, just point to “Harry’s Law.” OK, so aside from the name and general occupation, there are no other real connections, so take this show for what it is. But is that enough for more than one season?
Bates a show worthy of her abilities
The writing and directing will have to step up to give Ms. Pilots can be hard to figure out at times. Is this the best we’re going to get, or can they improve to meet or exceed expectations?
I hope it gets better, although the trailer for the next episode doesn’t give me much hope
They set up “Matlock” as a very cunning character, but then seem to want to use him as farce? Maybe it was just the editing of the trailer, and the episode is better than it looks. Since NBC has relegated L&O: Organized Crime to the ghost zone (pay-TV), I have a Thursday night opening, and this could fill that slot.