Matlock

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.

It's pure entertainment. Finally. Good stories Good dialogue. Great to see Kathy bates and Beau bridges in better than Ever form I hope the series continue for sometime. It might bring back network watching.

The cleverness of Matlock perceiving personalities and possibilities really drives the story forward and keeps the viewer engaged. I'm looking forward to next episodes.

Beau Bridges, as head of the law family firm is a good guy, but tough as nails when it comes to winning every case. The new "kids" in the firm add just the right touch of the present generation trying to show their stuff while getting into the big time.

In my opinion, Kathy Bates's fantastic performance and scenic presence are not enough to catapult this show to the podium among the 'best of the year', as some reviews seem to consider.

The supporting cast simply does not work at all. They are completely lacking in nuances and they turn their roles into cartoonish, thick-stroke annoying characters. (The Asian young lawyer, probably the worst of all).

The plotline gets tangled in a confusing medley between realistic legal cases, poor comedic gags, some red herrings which seem unconvincing and a general light comedy tone sustained by the music, the trivial shallow resolution of tension and some Disney-like performances. This, plus the inclusion of sensitive «serious themes» and dramatic moments (as drug addictions, corporate involvement, loss and bereavement) which deserve and demand a deeper context. So either you feel that it is a comedy turning preachy and loaded, or you feel that issues deserving a serious treatment become trivialized and deprived of substance.

This unstable mix of comedy, suspense, legal and drama, which seems to be in fashion lately in entertainment industry (see Elsbeth, which has also derailed), is simply not my thing. Or, at least, it needs to be done in a better way. Very sorry for Kathy Bates, which is immense and a delight to watch, but she cannot rescue the show on her own and by herself.

If you are thinking you are going to watch a retread of the old Matlock series, you are in for a big surprise. My The writing is on point and you will not see the twist that happens at the end of the first episode coming; as always, it is hard to take your eyes off Kathy Bates- she commands the screen as few actresses have ever been able. Give it an hour, just one hour. I have to imagine that the second episode takes a hard right in have a very different direction. I was skeptical when I first heard about the show. I was so glad I was bored on a Saturday night and decided to watch the the premier of the show. And come on now, it's got Beau Bridges. We can go home when he's part of the cast.

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.