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After the final episode of Matlock ended on another difficult Cliffhanger, I have to talk about Kathy Bates’ performance

Umito November 9, 2024

Warning: spoilers for Matlock Season 1, Episode 5 – “Claws” – is at stake. If you haven’t read this latest file, you have been warned.

Not many weeks left TV schedule 2024so your favorite TV shows are probably about to make huge reveals as the holidays approach. While we’re still a little way from the break between the old and new years, CBS’ Matlock just threw another tough cliffhanger into the world of Kathy Bateslegal eagle.

I don’t think I’ll surprise anyone by saying that it’s an absolute pleasure to have weekly doses of an Oscar winner of Bates’ stature on television. However Matlock Episode 5, which is titled “Claws,” actually gave us such an emotional moment that it once again proved why CBS’ record-breaking success is one of the best shows on TV right now.

Leah Lewis watches Piper Curda in conversation in Matlock - S1, E5 — (Image credit: CBS)

Matlock’s Latest Challenging Cliffhanger and Why It’s Creating Trouble

In this week Matlockthings got pretty personal, which led to lighter moments of intrigue and darker moments of emotional trauma. We’ll start by focusing on the former, as “Claws” saw a simple act of kindness turn into a potentially huge liability.

Matchmaking was the name of the game this week for Team You Three, as Matty (Kathy Bates) managed to connect Sarah (Leah Lewis) with Kira (Piper Curda), the dreamy and feisty IT technician from Jacobson & Moore. Did this action further fuel Madeline Kingston’s efforts to penetrate the law firm’s security departments in hopes of unmasking Matlock big bad? You bet.

However, this was not simply a set-up involving Ms. Kingston learning to access Jacobson & Moore’s servers using a biometric key she had obtained by playing the number of the “old helpless lady.” Sarah actually relaxed a bit after a delicious lunch with Kira. However, this romantic connection inspired the well-liked Billy (David Del Rio) to put Matty Matlock on the dating site Senior Sweeties.

While Matty’s fictional husband is dead, Madeline is very much married to the charming Edwin (Sam Anderson). This isn’t where chaos really reigns, because at the end of “Claws”, Matty gets a ping on his profile; which Edwin finds hysterical. At least until Madeline reads the message sent to her:

Madeline Kingston, is that you? I can’t believe it.
Matlock – S1, E5 – “Claws”

Um, and I can’t stress this enough, oh. Just when you thought it was safe to let your work friend trick you into creating a dating profile, Matlock leaves us with a fantastic new trap that could further complicate Madeline’s double life.

Aaron D. Harris Kathy Bates and Sam Anderson all look worried as they sit together at a dinner party in Matlock - S1, E5

(Image credit: CBS)

Could this mysterious person be an old flame, or worse, someone who remembers her from her days as a lawyer? And if the latter is true, do they know any of the higher-ups at Jacobson & Moore, with a chance of disrupting Matty Matlock’s illusion (like in the TV show)?

These concerns couldn’t come at a worse time for Madeline’s family, but at the same time, they came at just the right time to balance out the heavier moments of this week. Matlock. Which brings us to discuss Kathy Bates’ latest triumph in this CBS reboot.

Kathy Bates sits across from Andra Nechita with an understanding look in Matlock - S1, E5

(Image credit: CBS)

Kathy Bates’ performance in this week’s episode reminds me why I love her Matlock

The line between Madeline Kingston’s personal and professional life has gradually blurred over the last two episodes. Matlock The latest cliffhanger shows the plot once again sparking workplace tensions as “Claws” poses a potential stumbling block going forward. However, our case of the week also allowed Matty, and by extension Kathy Bates, to really dig into the emotional meat of this cleverly framed human drama in a legal proceeding.

With this week’s case involving malfeasance in the prison system and a star witness forced to relapse in the name of violating her credibility, Ms. Kingston is reminded of her own daughter’s failed struggles. Placing this motivation on top of growing tensions with her husband Edwin, Matlock the personal drama hits emotionally difficult notes.

Kathy Bates cries while hugging Andra Nechita on a couch in Matlock - S1, E5

(Image credit: CBS)

Watching Madeline cry while hugging Katya (Andra Nechita), the nail technician whose testimony is key in the case at hand, was a moment where I felt like I was going to tear myself apart. Just like we saw in Matlock pre-spin pilotexperiences from her past lead to a moment of vulnerability where our new favorite lawyer identifies with the person she helps defend.

As Matlock was initially sold as a sassy, year-round legal drama, CBS’ strategy to hide the twist rewarded with hidden depths that blossom every week. Throughout this journey, Kathy Bates’ performance has only grown stronger, as have the rest of the cast’s performances. With Matlock already renewed for season 2I really hope this trend continues because it will just make me even more invested in the fate of the series.

Even though I’m scared every time Madeline Kingston do find the real culprit behind the cover-up of the Welbrexa documents, as this week’s episode is sure to be intense. Doubly so if the Matlock friendship arc involving Olympia (Skye P. Marshall) turns out to be a red herring. I don’t care what the ladies say…they’re friends!

Skye P Marshall and Kathy Bates listen intently at a nail salon in Matlock - S1, E5

(Image credit: Sonja Flemming/CBS)

No matter what, Kathy Bates is an artist who can go from sassy to heartbroken without missing a step, and anyone who crosses her will surely draw the ire of me and others. Matlock fans. If you want to follow the double life of Madeline Kingston, and maybe even find out who this mysterious suitor could be, be sure to tune in to CBS every Thursday, at 9 p.m. ET.

Next week’s case is called “Sixteen Steps,” and who knows what sort of implications this vague moniker might have for the future. And don’t worry, if you miss the live stream, anyone with a Paramount+ Subscription will be able to watch the previous night’s episode the next day. As always, this is when I declare the hearing adjourned, with that OG-themed musical whistle sending us off on a high note!

Apre-salomemanzo

Apre-salomemanzo

After the final episode of Matlock ended on another difficult Cliffhanger, I have to talk about Kathy Bates’ performance

Matlock’s Latest Challenging Cliffhanger and Why It’s Creating Trouble

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After the final episode of Matlock ended on another difficult Cliffhanger, I have to talk about Kathy Bates’ performance

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Umito

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