Crash Helmets On

Matlock has a case that's age-appropriate here -investigating for boss Olympia a death at a nursing home that's being blamed on her client -the owner of a string of these homes for the aged.

Her infiltration of the place provides some fun salty dialogue as the old ladies exchange euphemisms and double entendres. It was great to see one of my favorite stars from the '80s -Joanna Cassidy - in a central guest role, still impressive now that she's pushing 80 years old.

Director Jennifer Lynch (daughter of the late David Lynch) does a fine job, especially in the final reel featuring surprise cross-cutting between two cases: Olympia's getting to the bottom of the nursing home death, and Billy's case of a lovable old guy trying to stay in his apartment. Final twist of the episode is well-established and provides some more intrigue for Matty in terms of who is out to get her in the firm.

Ep 10 grounds itself in a thoughtful, character-driven case that tests the team's investigative skills and moral compass. The story unfolds at a steady pace, balancing legal strategy with personal stakes, without relying on courtroom theatrics alone.

Kathy Bates remains the undeniable anchor - her Matty blending determination and empathy with effortless authority. Leah Lewis steps up with a much stronger presence this episode, showing real range as her character navigates complex challenges. Skye P. Marshall and Jason Ritter continue to provide solid support, adding nuance to the team dynamic.

The episode doesn't break new ground in the season but succeeds by focusing tightly on its central conflict and letting the performances do the heavy lifting.

While the episode maintains the show's standard of legal intrigue, it also delves into personal conflicts, setting the stage for future developments in the series.

I'm around the age of the characters. I honestly found the episode insulting. The 'hijinks' of trying to win the death case at the retirement home was too much back and forth of trying to find something to help win their case. I think it was meant to be funny but it gave me whiplash and seemed silly. Kathy Bates character is becoming even more devious and is quite unkind and manipulative. I understand she wants to find out what happened to her daughter but now it seems in order to keep this series going she has become a parody. Honestly I'm fast losing interest in this show. Hope I like the next episode better.