Claws

We get to see a lot of Matlock's real self in this segment, where her current case reminds her of her painful memories of her daughter's drug habit. It gives Kathy Bates an opportunity to add more depth to an already arresting character role.

Olympia, skillfully played by Skye Marshall, remains Matlock's central co-star, with the presence of the other two alternate "villains" at the firm (especially Beau Bridges) yet to take hold. The class action case against a prison for mistreatment of the female inmates has interesting twists and turns, with Matlock predictably coming up with the clever ideas, allowing her to move up at work in the estimation of her boss and co-workers. The show's balance between covering "case of the week" and Matlock's search for the truth about her daughter's death is elegantly maintained.

Ep 5 gives Matlock a much-needed lift: more emotion, more ethical ambiguity, and a stronger sense of what this show could be if it truly committed.

The case at the centre has heart, even if the stakes don't fully crackle. It's a thoughtful hour, if still a slightly restrained one.

Kathy Bates, as ever, holds it all together with understated brilliance. Her Madeline is watchful, warm, and just sharp enough to unsettle when needed. This episode gives her more internal conflict to work with, and she handles it beautifully. Skye P. Marshall (Olympia) also starts to come into her own, balancing ambition with a hint of disillusionment. And while the supporting cast gets more involved, their arcs still feel like shadows of something more developed. David Del Rio (Billy) is still on the periphery, but adds light touches of sincerity that work better here than in earlier episodes.

There's a subtle but welcome shift in tone, less procedural, more personal, but the courtroom drama still needs more bite. The case feels weightier, yes, but the tension never quite escalates. Courtroom scenes are more present, but not especially punchy. You sense the show is revving the engine, but still reluctant to really tear into the road.

Progress, though. And Bates remains the anchor worth watching.