User reviews

Good idea and for awhile good execution. But the later seasons turned Andy Griffith into a mumbling, stuttering idiot. This is one series where less is more. Watch the 1st 4-5 seasons then walk away..

I am a huge fan of Andy Griffith and Matlock! I even find myself watching it more now then I do The Andy Griffith Show. The stories are superbly written and its just really fun to watch Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) outwit the "real" killers on the stand. My favorite episodes have to be the ones with Michelle, Conrad, and Charlene his daughter. I just wish you could buy Matlock episodes on tape and another movie would air.

Ben Matlock (Andy Griffith) is a respected, renowned, hotdog-loving, defense lawyer in Atlanta. He uses his southern charms and sense of justice to set his innocent clients free. Initially, he is assisted by his daughter Charlene Matlock and his investigator Tyler Hudson. Before the end of the first season, Charlene disappears from the show. Over the years, Matlock has various assistants, usually blonde pretty lawyers and black investigators. He has a connection with prosecutor Julie March during a few seasons. He is also joined by TV friend Don Knotts in some episodes as his character's friend.

The show reopens the daughter-as-assistant door with Leanne McIntyre and adds a childhood rival in Billy Lewis. Those are probably the best seasons. Matlock becomes more childish while Leanne turns into the parental figure. He and Billy have a combative relationship. It's a more fun show as Matlock gets frustrated with Billy. I never really liked the courtroom which feels very static. The investigations are more fun. In the last season, the show drops Leanne and adds a different girl. It loses something without the father daughter chemistry. Nine season is more than enough of a run anyways. The charms of Andy Griffith is the fuel for the show's success and nostalgia for his earlier show is the reason. He is the embodiment of southern charm.

At first glance, "Matlock" might seem to be just another version of "Perry Mason"; after all, both are lawyers who defend innocent clients , both have that catchy theme song that all great shows seemed to have in that golden age of TV magic, and both always seem to catch the real killer (on the stand no less). But take a closer look and you'll see that "Matlock" has a look and flavor all its own. Part of the reason may be the time difference between the two shows-"Mason" being in the 60's, "Matlock", the 80's and 90's- but there are several others. In "Matlock", there's a little bit more of mystery solving in the spirit of "Murder, She Wrote" and "Diagnosis Murder" that gives the show a great deal of suspense. It also helps to throw in a little bit of humor here and there. But the real reason may come down to the late, great Andy Griffith. Mr. Griffith was able to take a character that could have been just another Perry Mason and make it all his own. Ben Matlock has a temper (which gets him the judges' wrath more than once), wears cheap suits despite his high fees, and loves hot dogs. But he also has charisma and an old southern style charm that he uses in and out of the courtroom. With this and with the help of various allies over the seasons, Matlock tackles anything from the mob to jealous lovers, from drug dealers to femme fatales. Combined with this and excellent courtroom drama-which let's be honest, what good lawyer show worth its salt be without it- "Matlock" is a show that could please just about anyone. Also starring Nancy Stafford, Clarence Gilyard Jr., Kene Holliday, Brynn Thayer, Julie Sommars, Daniel Roebuck, and Linda Purl at different stages throughout the show's existence. Watch and enjoy a time when TV was at its finest in a simpler time.

That's essentially the best way to compare the 80's and 90's lawyer show "Matlock" to its predecessor, the much more famous "Perry Mason" show of the 50's and 60's. Both shows are about a famous lawyer who defends clients on charges of murder and comes up with the real killer, and that's about all the two share in common. "Perry Mason" is all about good plot: within an hour, the viewer's intelligence is challenged time and time again as Mason must find the real killer and turn up the proof as to who really did it. The show ran nine years as did "Matlock", but the manner in which the episodes were written was different as there was never a dull moment. The viewer was kept guessing as to who really committed the crime, and there were so many plot threads and plot twists in each episode you could never really be sure who the culprit was until the end.

Compare the above description to this much more modern series, which centers around lawyer Ben Matlock, played by the known television actor Andy Griffith (in much later years). In "Matlock", there is next to no plot at all. No real story to tell, just the whole 'someone gets killed - Matlock investigates the crime - killer uncovered' routine. And both are an hour long, so why are the plots so skimpy here compared to the much-loved older series? Simple answer: this show is all about character rather than story. That's not to say "Perry Mason" had one-dimensional characters either - Mason was definitely a more serious lawyer, but when the show could spare time, there were plenty of good character moments sprinkled in that gave the leading cast plenty of good chemistry. "Matlock" simply doesn't do much. Seen two episodes so far (sometimes I'll catch this show in the morning and miss Perry for the heck of it) and the content is very basic, no suspense, no big plot twists, just humor and filler scenes. That's it.

On the other hand, just because it doesn't live up to the ingeniousness of "Perry Mason" doesn't mean it has no merits at all. Next to no story yes, but at least the character of Ben Matlock remains fairly lovable. Not the brilliant, headstrong Perry, but a genuinely more original character with a humorous side and that old-man air about him. This is probably the most I can say about characters in the show, as I haven't seen enough of Michelle Thomas and Conrad McMasters to really judge how three-dimensional they are (although what I've seen is certainly nothing special). The house-keeper is also quite comical and provides a few nice laughs.

So, to wrap it up, one really has to decide what they're looking for. Do you want an intelligent, masterfully written, and outstandingly acted whodunit (Mason) or a comical and purely entertaining show with only the faintest of plots to support character development (Matlock)? If I had to pick one, I'd probably say the former because that show has its share of share of both, even while the plot does outweigh the character. There is a time and a place for this one to be sure, and it does remain decent to watch overall, but because it is not nearly as well-written and shows a lack of respect for the audiences' intelligence, it is generally not as good as its predecessor.

This is one of the all-time popular mystery dramas, starring Andy Griffith as defense attorney Ben Matlock, whom, and his associates, defend his clients by finding the real perpetrator of the crime.

As Ben Matlock, Griffith displays much wit and intellect while defending his clients, while at the same time trying to track down the real criminal. This plot device gave the series a unique twist and kept the show surprising from start to finish. The show also got intense at times with all the back and forth proceedings and finger-pointing during the courtroom scenes.

The episodes were written with much intrigue and suspense, with a well-acted cast of characters and guest stars to boot. The opening theme music is very catchy and well-suited for the show's atmosphere, and I especially enjoyed seeing the many co-stars that have starred along side Griffith during the show's run, including Linda Purl, Brynn Thayer, Clarence Gilyard Jr. and Daniel Roebuck.

Definitely one of the best shows of the 80s and 90s!

Grade A

All the changes of cast they say it was because it was always Griffith and almost nothing the other actors. The best were the two P. I.s and Nancy Thomas. And Don Knotts. When they changed to put Billy and the new daughter...ufff. Billy was stupid. The daughter, insufferable. Besides, the same actress was a client who tried to make a pass on the old geezer only a few episodes back. And the plots suddenly were idiotic. Obviously they changed someone in the crew of writers or something else happened. It looked more like a farce. It was never about credibility, because it was just a tv show but this time I'd jumped parts because I was feeling my neurons were trying to commit suicide out of boredom and disgust over losing time.

Matlock was a great show still is to me.Matlock reminds me of Columbo a little.Big difference being Colombo you know who the killer is & Matlock being a who done it? I like both.Matlock was cool to because he had P.I's Tyler Hudson & Conrad are great & the women lawyers Michealle,Leane there are a few others.All the seasons are great but seasons 1-6 are my favorites the ones with Conrad and Tyler mostly. The stories are very well written and will keep you guessing who the killer might be? His show can also be funny at times & I love how when he gets mad at someone he'll call them a jack ass.

The Blues singer is my favorite episode season 3.

Much like Perry Mason, Ben Matlock was a lawyer that never lost and that's where the similarities end. The thing I love about the character of Ben Matlock is that unlike the cool and suave Perry Mason, Ben was hot-headed and cursed like a sailor, but beneath that gruff exterior was a heart of gold. Ben pretty much was just like an average guy, while Perry Mason was the cool, suave and sophisticated barrister. Also, this show pretty much had a sense of humor about it that "Perry Mason" didn't have and this gives "Matlock" an edge.

They don't make classic shows like this anymore.

Its a great fun series. It doesn't take itself too seriously or too loosely.

Andy does great take. However all episodes are basically the same.

Example:

• Problem happens
• Call Matlock
• investigate
• Matlock solves the case

Yes. Each episode is the same only difference is the actors.

Ages back Andy Griffith was famous for doing his side-splitting monologues. and he made a few movies such as "The Second Time Around," " Onionhead," "A Face in the Crowd" and the unforgettable "No Time for Sergeants"; in the latter he was a Permanent Latrine Orderly, a classification which did not exist but was given him by his sergeant who couldn't stand him, but Will Stockdale (Griffith) thought it was a high-ranking classification in the Air Force. But here, in "Matlock" he was a serious lawyer in Atlanta who was among the top in the whole U.S.A., though he is as homespun as Sheriff Andy Taylor. Initially, a "city slicker" thought he was not too smart a lawyer, but that thought was amended. In the series he was from a small town in Georgia which no longer existed. Still, all types wanted to retain him, including Mafia dons. He always employed theatrics in the courtroom, and, again, homespunness, but he had a very high "batting average", losing very few cases. Adding to the "decorum" of the series were Brynn Thayer , another time Linda Purl, another time Nancy Stafford, and from time to time Julie Sommars who played a clever prosecuting attorney. Again, he was a "good ole boy" who never tried to be, nor claimed to be, any other type person. It did convey the fact, I feel, that no one should ever undermine or scorn small-town boys, since they can be excellent lawyers.

Take it from a seasoned, veteran Philadelphia trial lawyer and two time prosecutor, Matlock is the worst TV lawyer ever. While the show was entertaining, and right in tune with the late 80's and early 90's, the courtroom action is horrible and beyond unrealistic.

Yeah, this is one of the best shows ever to be made.

It had good characters, great stories, twists, and some unexpected humor.

It's a really good show, and I'm not even over 60...or 30 for that matter.

-Guess who got me into the show though:...Grandparents. =)

Matlock reminds us of a simpler,kinder world we once lived in.Before computers and the internet there was an innocence in our country that has been stolen from our society.Matlock exemplifies the best of America.Truth,justice and the presumption of innocence is the thread that weaves the characters on Matlock together.A common good ,a common goal, and a fantastic cast of actors ! From detectives Bob and Frank to Tyler, Michelle and Conrad,the end result is a cast of actors who mesh perfectly, The acting is superb,with lots of laughs,twists and turns that leave us guessing until the very end !This is a great family show with fundamental values and morals that make Matlock a must watch for any and all who enjoy a great mystery!

This series is just as interesting today as it was decades ago. Andy Griffith is outstanding as Ben Matlock -- no other actor could do as well. The supporting cast were naturals and the scripts were generally well written.

The only drawback worth noting is that there is a sameness in a great number of the endings. This wasn't too bothersome when the series was on once a week. But it's in syndication here with two episodes back-to-back every weekday. Ben is frequently pulling a rabbit out of a hat to expose the killer. The killer always is seemingly denying everything on the witness stand, but then Ben surprises everybody -- including the TV audience -- by introducing evidence that never was developed during the show.

That's probably OK once a week, but it does get a tad tedious twice a day every week day. But nevertheless, a great series.

Here it is, almost 1200 minutes of the mystery series "Matlock", 24 episodes (including the pilot) that were broadcast during NBC's 1986-1987 season. So let's forget all we know about the long run of this series and just talk about its premiere season.

Years after his run as Sheriff Andy Taylor, Andy Griffith finally got another regular job. This time he is playing Ben Matlock, an Atlanta lawyer who talks like Sheriff Andy. It's a comfortable role in a tried and true format; a mix of "Perry Mason" and "Columbo". "Columbo" veteran Dean Hargrove dreamed up the series and shared executive producer duties with Fred Silverman.

The focus is on the title character and Griffith is great fun to watch. He charms and sweet talks his way through each case, getting everyone to let down their guard because they underestimate this good old boy as much as they did the seemingly scatterbrained "Columbo". Both series revolved around the main character's ability discern something incriminating in seemingly innocent little things and to pick up on a guilty party's casual slip of the tongue.

In the "Perry Mason" tradition Matlock is not bound by the conventional rules of evidence or procedural requirements once he gets into a courtroom. He can say anything and introduce any sort of evidence simply by reassuring the judge that his line or questioning will eventually become relevant. Be prepared for the obligatory breakdowns and confessions on the witness stand. The prosecutors can only shake their heads and bluster helplessly in the face of Matlock's cunning strategy.

Matlock is assisted by the show's version of Perry Mason's Paul and Della. In season one these are his daughter and partner Charlene Matlock (Lori Lethin in the pilot-Linda Purl in the regular episodes) and his investigator Tyler Hudson (Kene Holliday). His junior partner Michele Thomas (Nancy Stafford) would not join the team as a regular until the nest season and it wasn't until 1988 that Don Knotts reprises his Barney role as Ben's neighbor Les "Ace" Calhoun.

Season One's episodes #6 and #7 (a two part story titled "The Don") featured William Conrad as District Attorney James "Fatman" McShane. The next year the producers took this character, changed his name slightly to Jason Lochinvar 'Fatman' McCabe, and with Conrad created the long-running series "Jake and the Fatman". Then again, what do I know? I'm only a child.