[This article reveals key plot points from the April 3 episode of Matlock, titled “The Johnson Case.” ]
Unexpected Friendships in Matlock: A Season One Overview
The pilot episode of CBS’s popular series Matlock, featuring Academy Award winner Kathy Bates, offered little insight into the eventual bond that would develop between the clever and determined 76-year-old lawyer, Madeline “Matty” Matlock, and Olympia Lawrence, a soon-to-be-divorcee managing the challenges of motherhood with her young twins. As the show approaches the conclusion of its inaugural season, the significance of their relationship has reached new heights. This was dramatically underscored when Olympia confronted Matty in a gripping moment that left viewers reeling.
“So, who the hell are you, Madeline Matlock?” Olympia, played by Skye P. Marshall, questioned Matty as she stepped off a bus, shifting from her daily routine at Jacobson Moore to her lavish lifestyle in a mansion as Madeline Kingston. Is her secret on the verge of being exposed?
The Complexity of Matty and Olympia’s Relationship
In a series that stars an older woman masquerading as a struggling lawyer to uncover evidence against a Big Pharma company responsible for her daughter’s death, the question of why the friendship between Matty and Olympia matters arises. Yet, it captivates the audience on multiple levels.
Recently, The Hollywood Reporter interviewed Skye P. Marshall, who shed light on Olympia’s character and her evolving relationship with Matty. The Chicago native and military veteran, who had previously appeared in the CBS medical drama Good Sam, expressed her excitement about collaborating with Bates and what she calls the opportunity of a lifetime.
With no agent at the time, Marshall’s determination led her to secure a script and create her self-tape reel independently. “I knew this show had to succeed from the first moment,” Marshall reflected. “Kathy Bates is a force in the industry, and pairing her with writer Jennie Snyder Urman and an incredible production team made it clear that we were onto something special.”
Creating a Resounding Impact in Season One
Marshall is proud of the footprint the show has made this season. “We’ve successfully brought families back to watching television together,” she noted with genuine enthusiasm. “Countless people approach me in New York, inquisitively asking, ‘So who did it? Was it you or Julian?'”
While she remains tight-lipped about the season’s conclusion, Marshall provides valuable insights into Olympia’s character, her relationship with Matty, and the show’s future (which is set for a second season).
Who is Olympia in your eyes, and what’s her dynamic with Matty?
Olympia is focused, determined, and a true advocate. As a daughter of a Marine, she knows the importance of climbing the ladder within her experience at Jacobson Moore. “While some viewers may perceive Olympia as tough on Matty, it stems from her understanding of what it takes to earn trust and loyalty,” Marshall explains. “Over time, Matty manages to break down those walls.”
Olympia’s character is both unassuming and nurturing, providing a sense of safety for others. However, her office, which is all glass, represents the pressure she feels, constantly being watched. Consequently, she’s always in motion, reflecting the urgency of her role.
The relationship between Olympia and Matlock evolves from professionalism to a budding friendship, albeit still tentative. Audiences have begun to empathize with Olympia as they witness her tenacity and her dedication to serving clients who would otherwise be overlooked.
Michael Yarish/CBS ©2024 CBS Broadcasting, Inc.
The Dynamic with Colleagues: Billy and Sarah
Marshall affectionately refers to Billy as the “mayor of Jacobson Moore.” He embodies the qualities of a leader and promotes a positive, rule-abiding environment. “Olympia only raises her voice to Billy once, during an overwhelming moment in the Slammed case. She typically relies on and trusts him fully,” she points out.
On the other hand, Sarah is an overachiever struggling with self-doubt and, at times, self-sabotage. Olympia recognizes echoes of her past struggles in Sarah and is cautiously building trust while urging her to figure out her true identity within the law firm.
Confrontation and Betrayal
Many fans were left reeling when Olympia confronted Matty about her ulterior motives. “It’s easy to forget that Matlock herself has been deceptive, given how much we want her to succeed,” Marshall noted. The audience’s attachment to Matty complicates their perception of her actions, making Olympia’s discovery all the more shocking.
The emotional fallout for Olympia is substantial as she reflects on Matyk’s deception. “This challenge forces Olympia to consider whether to judge Matty or to seek understanding,” she said. Instead of reacting with anger or resentment, Olympia must navigate through her feelings in a quest for compassion and clarity.
Implications of the Wellbrexa Files Revelation
The eventual unveiling of who concealed the Wellbrexa documents promises to be a pivotal moment. “This saga is merely one piece of a larger, more complex story surrounding an opioid crisis,” asserted Marshall. “The real questions arise: Who orchestrated the cover-up? Who are the true culprits?”
As the show progresses, the captivating unraveling of these threads encourages audiences to stay engaged and curious about future developments, particularly in an impending season two, which creator Jennie Snyder Urman is well-equipped to navigate.
Matlock is set to conclude its first season soon, with a two-hour finale airing on April 17.