Kathy Bates Breathes New Life into ‘Matlock’ Reboot

Kathy Bates is receiving critical acclaim for her role in the new CBS reboot of “Matlock,” a reimagining of the beloved 1980s and ’90s legal drama originally starring Andy Griffith. Bates, at 76, plays Madeline “Matty” Matlock, a character who cleverly reinvents the role, adding her unique flair to the series.

The original show, which debuted on NBC in 1986, featured Andy Griffith as Ben Matlock, a shrewd Atlanta defense attorney with a folksy facade. Known for his courtroom savvy, Griffith’s portrayal became iconic over nine seasons. In the new iteration, Bates’s Matty is a Southern lawyer with a similar knack for solving mysteries but brings a modern twist.

Jennie Snyder Urman, creator of the reboot and known for “Jane the Virgin,” aimed to present a series that balances nostalgic elements with new storytelling techniques. “It’s something new, but it’s based on something old,” Urman stated, highlighting the series’ intention to blend humor and drama while addressing societal themes.

Matty Matlock’s character subverts expectations, initially presenting as a down-on-her-luck widow and ex-lawyer who secures a job at a prestigious Manhattan law firm. By the end of the first episode, viewers discover that Matty’s persona is a guise, concealing her true wealth and family background. Her tactics involve exploiting ageist and sexist biases to extract justice and reveal corporate misdemeanors.

Bates expressed her enthusiasm about the role, noting, “I’m getting a chance, finally, to bring everything to the table for the very last act of my career.” She relates to the character’s invisibility due to age, a theme echoed by Matty’s observation: “We become damn near invisible. Nobody sees us coming.”

The series reunites Bates with a talented ensemble cast, including Beau Bridges, Jason Ritter, Skye P. Marshall, and Andrea Londo. Bates’s portrayal of Matty Matlock, marked by wit and complexity, is paired with an engaging narrative that has resonated with audiences, particularly those nostalgic for the original series.

Matlock’s debut episode, which first aired on September 22, is set for an encore on October 10. The show’s plot centers around Matty’s mission to challenge perceptions and confront a pharmaceutical company linked to her personal loss, using skills honed over years of experience.

Urman’s vision for the show includes highlighting societal issues, particularly the treatment and perceptions of older women, a backdrop against which Bates’s performance shines. As the pilot re-airs, anticipation builds for the second episode on October 17, promising further exploration of Matty’s keen legal mind and intricate personal motives.