Matlock

New "Matlock" (2024) attempts to revive the classic legal drama formula but stumbles in execution. While maintaining some entertainment value, the show suffers from significant shortcomings that prevent it from reaching its potential.

The most glaring issue is the uneven acting performances, with many cast members delivering stilted, unconvincing portrayals that break immersion. Also, the inclusion of a 12-year-old hacker character stretches credibility beyond reasonable limits. Despite the flaws, the show manages to provide some engaging courtroom drama moments. However, logical inconsistencies and bad acting by supporting cast will likely distract viewers.

The show's saving grace lies in its occasional moments of charm and Kathy Bates performance. Yet, these bright spots aren't enough to overcome the fundamental issues with overall performance quality and script believability. It is best suited for casual viewing with tempered expectations.

Raring: 6+/10.

Kathy Bates does not disappoint. Unfortunately her acting is the only thing carrying the series. The supporting acting is something you would expect in a grade school drama class and completely negates the potential of the series. The character Sarah is beyond annoying and not remotely close to how any lawyer in a prestigious law firm would carry themselves day to day. She contiunually grates on your nerves and by about the third episode, you are left wishing they would write her off with a stunning story line. She is petty, childish, with grade school antics. Olivia - her acting is stunted, lacks flow and she just fails to connect with the audience. I could go on about the poor acting in this series, but it will be apparent to the audience by the end of episode one. Only reason I continue to watch is because of Kathy but my interest is quickly waning. Could have been a great series but outside of Kathy, the casting is absolutely dismal.

Well, I did enjoy the first episode of Matlock. Of course, any material Kathy Bates touches is going to get a lift. I think she had good chemistry with the rest of the cast. Again, maybe thats what you get with an acting legend. And we love Beau Bridges who made a cameo like appearance. What an ACE in the hole CBS has there. Then, along comes Sam Anderson whos talent and charisma brings something special to every character he plays. If the stories and writing can keep up with the talent pool this series has, and the director can give a little guidance to the younger cast, I think CBS is going to have a hit on its hands.

This is a charming and interesting take on a legal series. Casting of Kathy Bates and Beau Bridges is classic CBS, and while this doesn't ask much of you, it's a fun and easy watch. Yes, there's a twist at the end, which will give the series some sorely needed depth.

Kathy Bates plays the titular character, Matlock, a post-midlife lawyer who hasn't practiced since 1991. She boldly maneuvers her way into a trial period with a law firm, and set out to make herself useful in order to gain employment. Obviously, everyone doubts her abilities and thinks she's too old, and she seeks to prove them wrong.

As soon as I saw Kathy Bates was going to star in a reboot of Matlock, I texted my mother asking her if this was something we would be watching together. We live in different states, but occasionally watch shows together. And I thought this would be an excellent choice. I love the idea of an older woman returning to the world of work. Especially a woman in her 70s!

Let me be clear. I am not a fan of legal shows, and while I'm sure at 54 years old before DVRS when we were at times captive audiences of shows we'd rather not watch, I've unintentionally, accidentally watched an episode or two of the original Matlock. But I definitely was not a fan of the show. That being said, I jumped right in--because everything I've watched with Kathy Bates, *Misery*, *Primary Colors*, *Dolores Claiborne*, etc., etc., etc., has been excellent. So I trusted that *Matlock* would be stellar as well-or Kathy Bates would not be involved.

I watched the pilot and loved the whole thing. Since I did not watch the original *Matlock*, I had nothing to compare it to. I have watched law shows and police procedurals that went so fast and were so complicated I got lost. But *Matlock* is easy breezy, and I was right with all of the twists and turns. Thankfully, none of the characters are annoying or extremely unlikable. As other reviewers said, there is a surprise at the end that we can't talk about, but clues were dropped all along.

If I had to compare the show to another show, I'd say it's like *Columbo*. There are times when "Mattie" struggles with the changing times, she has not practiced law in many years, and then there are times when she seems to be bumbling-so the person can walk right into a trap. It's like Mattie said, "Nobody sees us coming..." YASS the super power of the older woman!