In this captivating tale, we delve into the life of Matty, a character who embodies the complexity and resilience that only life experience can forge. As she navigates through the intricate web of lies and manipulations, her journey is one that leaves us both rooting for her and questioning our own moral compass.
WARNING: Potential Spoilers Ahead: The ensuing conversation discloses plot details from the November 14th episode of “Matlock,” which is currently available for streaming on Paramount+.
In this week’s episode of the freshman legal drama, Madeline “Matty” Matlock (Kathy Bates) found herself nearly exposed, as a figure from her past unexpectedly intruded upon her current life, using her real name, Madeline Kingston.
Last week, in “Claws,” I unwittingly created a dating profile as undercover lawyer Matty Matlock at the Jacobson Moore Law Firm, pretending to be a widow. Unfortunately, a man named Stanley stumbled upon it and it left me less than thrilled. This time around, we learn that Stanley isn’t after my heart, but is a parent dealing with a child struggling with drug addiction. He persists in wanting to meet me, stirring up old wounds and potentially jeopardizing my mission to expose my employers for withholding evidence that could’ve taken opioids, like the ones that took my daughter Ellie, off the market. However, if this ordeal helps me uncover the truth, it might just be worth all the heartache. But, in a surprising twist at the end of the episode, I was informed that I would be joining the firm’s pharmaceutical team.
To gain insights into the unfolding plotlines of this episode and predict where “Matlock’s” numerous story arcs may lead, series creator Jennie Snyder Urman spoke with EbMaster.
The show came out of the gate strong, and you already have a second season renewal. Did you see this coming?
Indeed, I’m quite astonished and thrilled! Kathy is simply remarkable, both as a person and an actress, which undoubtedly draws the audience in. Her exceptional performances are truly captivating, so it’s no wonder that everyone is tuning in. To be collaborating with her is a genuine joy, and I admire the depth she brings to the character.
We’re only through Episode 6, but why was this a good episode to really dig into Ellie’s death, and the case being connected to the past as well?
As the seasons progressed, we delved deeper into each character’s personality and past events. This design included key flashback episodes that not only connected to the current storyline but also provided insights on why certain events are happening now and how they led up to this point in time.
This episode revolves around the catalyst when Matty initiated his scheme, and its impact on both Olympia [Skye P. Marshall] and Julian [Jason Ritter]. The viewers have been eager to learn about their breaking point: What was their dynamic or relationship status? In our writers’ room, we had planned to explore this around Episode 6, followed by another instance at Episode 12, with these events spaced out throughout the series.
Because this one is flashback heavy, is that something you’re going to do regularly moving on or more sparingly?
In key instances or crucial scenes, or when significant events need clarification, we’ll extend the duration of the flashbacks. The structure of our show inherently includes some flashbacks due to the ending of each episode, which often leads us to reflect on past events.
The case in this episode with the baby formula contamination feels very ripped-from-the- headlines. Is that the origin of this case?
Absolutely, you’re correct. The idea was initially just conceptual, revolving around a specific incident that transpired at one point, and now they’re revisiting it, which we refer to as a second chance. The show primarily explores the complex bond between parents and children, as well as the diverse ways people cope with loss or grief. It delves into the resilience and survival mechanisms after an unthinkable event occurs. This narrative served as a profound exploration of Matty’s grief, but also offered insights into the weekly characters. When Julian and Olympia joined the case, they were at a particularly vulnerable stage in their relationship, and the intensity of that case pushed them to the brink.
Because the show is so topical, with the presidential election results, do you see that affecting the show’s storytelling moving forward?
Absolutely! Season 1 has been completed, which means we won’t return until next year. However, we’ll certainly be keeping an eye on the developments in our storyline and the way our characters navigate through them. I have a feeling that our characters, particularly Olympia, are quite invested in social issues and justice, so how new regulations and laws might impact these matters will definitely be something we’ll explore.
Given this episode hit big on Ellie’s story — with seeing pictures of her, and what her loss means to Matty — is there possibly more to the case of her death coming?
Matty’s investigation revolves around uncovering details about Ellie, her life, and the events leading up to her death. However, it’s not just about Ellie’s daughter; it also involves many others who, according to Matty, should have been warned earlier about the risks of opioids and their excessive prescription. Ellie serves as the central figure in this investigation, bringing back painful memories for Matty and forcing her to re-examine these traumatic experiences in a new light.
In this episode, it becomes apparent that she believes she can unravel the mystery of the crime at hand. However, what she doesn’t foresee is how profoundly it affects her emotionally, stirring up memories of her daughter’s life, death, and the events leading to it. The sixth installment offers a glimpse into the decisive moment when she made up her mind to pursue this path. Throughout the season, you will continue to uncover more about Ellie, her life, and the circumstances surrounding her daughter’s demise.
Stanley shows up as someone who knows Matty Kingston, and is also tied to Ellie and could blow up her entire plan. Will we see him again?
The crucial aspect here is Matty’s emotional state, as her universe seems to be contracting and she finds herself engaging in increasingly distressing actions to maintain her situation. In this specific instance, she had to act harshly towards someone who was a grief-stricken father. Essentially, she had to tell him to stay away and not reach out again, which is one of the most unimaginable things for her given her past experiences and knowing his child is missing.
As I watched Matty’s journey unfold on screen, it became increasingly clear that her relentless pursuit of a single goal was taking a heavy toll. The path she chose seemed to erode not only her own values but also those of the people around her. The pain she inflicted on others as she pressed forward became an unsettling reminder that sometimes, our ambitions can push us to the brink, making us question if we’ve gone too far.
I was waiting for Olympia to have a moment where she remembered it was Matty who spilled the coffee on her in that flashback, and that didn’t happen. Was that ever a talking point in the writers’ room?
At that particular instant, Olympia seems oblivious to Matty since he’s not visible to her. It’s almost as if this elderly woman who accidentally spilled coffee on her doesn’t matter to her at all in this situation. Given her preoccupation with her marriage and family matters, she pays no attention to the old lady. This is what encourages Matty to think, “I have a chance here.
Talk to me about Olympia and Julian, who have been getting on better ground in the last few episodes. But what are some of the complications coming for them?
Things are likely to be challenging for them, as they must confront the issues that led to their separation. They find themselves in uncharted territory during the course of the season, experiencing both forces drawing them together and pushing them apart. Remarkably, despite these tensions, they are closer now than ever before.
How much does Matty’s and her husband Edwin’s (Sam Anderson) health play into what’s coming? We’re already seeing the impact of Matty’s plan on them, as well as their grandson Alfie (Aaron D. Harris).
The health scare served as a stark reminder for Matty that his grandparents are not invincible. In our show, we aim to balance out the outrageous aspects with genuine human struggles. This includes acknowledging that at their age, there will be health concerns, which we treat with due respect moving forward. Edwin and Matty often ponder their mortality, given their daughter’s passing and the responsibility of raising a 13-year-old, which adds a significant weight to their lives.
Matty has been significantly influenced by her friendship with Olympia, which in turn has led to certain parenting approaches causing friction between Matty and some others, particularly Edwin. The question of how much to include him is a recurring point of contention for them, as they sometimes disagree but also find common ground on this issue.
Will the next episode, airing Dec. 5, continue what this episode explored?
Indeed, this narrative encompasses all those elements. What’s intriguing about the climax of this episode is that Matty begins to question whether she should continue down this path. We witness the genesis of her internal struggle, as she contemplates the possibility that she may have erred in her choices. As she grapples with the reality of the harm she’s causing, and the pain she’s unearthing without resolving the fact that her daughter is missing, Matty almost admits to herself that perhaps the actions she must take for her daughter’s vengeance involve being an exceptional parent to her grandchild.
However, they offer her an opportunity to join the pharmaceutical department at their company. Overwhelmed, she accepts immediately, knowing Edwin won’t be pleased since they had already made a decision. We’ll rejoin the story with Matty receiving what she asked for, and in the next episode, she will work alongside Julian. What makes it tougher for her is that she’ll now be working directly with those she holds responsible.
As Matty is lying and manipulating everyone, she’s also growing closer with people at the firm — how do you navigate that so we don’t think she’s going too far?
The enjoyable aspect of watching this show is finding yourself supporting her character, only for a moment to question if you’re secretly wishing her harm – which isn’t right! She’s manipulating us as well. We claimed the central romance was between Matty and Olympia, but we’re unsure about Olympia’s honesty, while we know Matty is not truthful. This uncertainty affects their relationship and raises questions about its authenticity. This complex dynamic forms the main storyline over a long period of time, creating tension and intrigue.
With Matty’s little homespun sayings and quips, is there a list of those sayings in the writers’ room for when you need one?
Instead, we simply craft the narratives ourselves and improvise. There are particular topics she frequently revisits. She shares numerous anecdotes about Cindy Shapiro, and you’ll encounter more of these stories. She often says, “Take my word for it,” and she has certain phrases she uses frequently. Kathy also contributes some memorable instances.
Do you feel the need for, or will we see more, callbacks to the original show?
As a devoted fan myself, I’ll keep the music minimal in our conversations. When discussing random topics like hobbies or meals (it might just be hot dogs and more), I’ll occasionally slip in some jokes. However, we won’t delve deeply into the original show’s specific aspects, as it’s quite different from what we’re doing here. But if I encounter a fellow Matlock superfan, prepare for an extended chat about everything “Matlock”!
This interview has been edited and condensed.
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2024-11-15 06:17