No, No Monsters

After a detour into too many personal subplots and filler, Ep 8 puts the spotlight firmly back on the legal drama - and it's all the better for it. The case is front and centre, complex enough to hold interest without getting lost in legal jargon, and paced so the tension builds naturally.

Kathy Bates thrives when the stakes are high, and here she's in full command... precise, strategic, and quietly cutting when it matters. The writing sharpens up too, with exchanges that feel purposeful and layered. Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter are well-used, each given moments that matter without stealing focus from the central drama.

It's a reminder of what Matlock can deliver when it sticks to its core strengths: strong cases, smart character beats, and moral complexity. Not flawless, but a satisfying return to form -enough to keep you looking forward to the next hearing.

Maddie is really fast on her feet in situations that require improvising. The case of the week is important, as is her quest to find the truth about her employers, but this episode drives home the series' strength derives from the ups & downs of personal relationships among the lead characters.

The case involves a nanny who's been fired and has had photos posted on line that make her look guilty of mistreating kids in her care. To get her cleared and protect her future career, Maddie and Olympia have to deal with some tough ladies in opposition.

The number of twists and turns in this episode is almost dizzying, with many subplots juggled during the hour. One path to finding the truth about her daughter's death is blocked, while the show ends with Maddie in super-spy mode launching a new mode of investigation. However, the friendships and loyalties among Maddie, Olympia and others are really the heart of the matter.