[Caution: The following includes significant spoilers for the]
Matlock
The first season finale, titled ” Tricks of the Trade.” ]
The individual responsible for concealing the Wellbrexa study was exposed during the shocking conclusion of the two-part revelation.
Matlock
The season one finale merely marked the start of the enigmas this series intends to reveal moving forward.
already renewed series
One of this year’s breakout hits concluded its first season on an impressive cliffhanger, ratcheting up the suspense with intense conflict.
Kathy Bates
and
Skye P. Marshall
It’s Matty and Olympia along with heartwarming scenes among their group of four at Jacobson Moore throughout.
The aim for this final episode, as stated by the showrunner,
Jennie Snyder Urman
Explaining to TV Insider, the aim was to unravel the main mystery of the season while also triggering the inevitable chaos that would ensue following Matty and Edwin’s actions.
Sam Anderson
) and Alfie (
Aaron D. Harris
) resolved the case. Edwin was prepared to present their discoveries to the press, return to Chicago, and put this phase of their life behind them, but the show’s main romantic narrative—the deep bond between Matty and Olympia—won’t allow them to depart so readily.
Now that Olympia has realized it was indeed her ex-husband, Julian Jr.,
Jason Ritter
), who concealed the Wellbrexa study, sees her life irrevocably altered. This groundbreaking discovery cannot be easily distanced from, nor can it escape Julian’s notice, despite his attempts to do so. His decision to store the document in his safety deposit box was influenced by his father, Julian Sr.
Beau Bridges
)—who truly orchestrated the fire drill so his son could obtain the document—doesn’t exempt him from moral or legal culpability. In the show’s second season, Olympia faces a significant decision, and Matty’s domestic situation took an unexpected turn in the last scenes as well.
Alfie’s supposed father (played by Bates’
Richard Jewell
costar,
Niko Nicotera
) came knocking on their door at the end of the episode. Jennie Snyder Urman reveals to TV Insider that a paternity test will prove whether or not this man really is Alfie’s father by the end of the Season 2 premiere, and she details her response to
Kathy Bates advocating for Nicotera for the part
Here, Snyder Urman dissects the subject.
Matlock
The season one finale hints at what’s to come when
Matlock
The second season will debut this autumn.
You’ve described the connection between Matty and Olympia as “a love story” — does this conclusion mark the “girl loses girl” phase? Is it possible for them to reconcile and regain each other’s trust?
Jennie Snyder Urman:
Absolutely. This is truly an epic tale of love. My aim is to continuously remind everyone. Should you construct your series centered around such a grand romantic narrative, then let us approach this camaraderie with equal significance since these bonds in life are incredibly powerful—so robust and significant—that there might well be moments where uncertainty lingers over whether two individuals will come together or part ways. Expect twists as they navigate through revelations and estrangements, leaving viewers yearning for their reunion due to the enchanting connection between them.
In essence, the inaugural season focuses on establishing this bond and showcasing how they stumble upon one another inadvertently. Through mutual learning experiences, they uncover just how profoundly this unanticipated alliance benefits both parties despite harboring some hidden truths. Now, with the revelation of said secrets, along comes new complications: Olympia clutches onto her own undisclosed information. Thus, Season Two delves into whether they manage to reconnect amidst all these complexities and rediscover that special rapport again.
When Olympia became a partner, she gained an interest in all matters concerning Jacobson Moore. This shift could alter how she acts moving forward. Will this partnership status be affected once she learns about her former spouse’s actions? Could it be that she shares more traits with Senior compared to those of Julian?
There will be numerous queries. What obligations does she have towards the company? What duties must she fulfill for herself, and how about for her family? She’ll be considering all these aspects carefully. She won’t rush into anything as significant consequences hang in the balance, yet her position as a partner complicates matters further. Moreover, she never imagined her former spouse capable of such actions. Consequently, she’s experiencing intense emotional turmoil and needs time to process this before addressing the pragmatic subsequent moves.
I must admit, I didn’t anticipate it being Julian Jr., but the reasoning behind it is quite logical. It seems plausible that under the pressure to satisfy his father during that stage of his life, he might have been somewhat broken down.
So when Jason delivers this incredibly moving and exposed performance, you can’t help but empathize with him. You know, wow, exactly! Don’t judge him solely based on his biggest mistake. He has been carrying this burden for so long; it’s eating away at him inside. This internal struggle mirrors Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Tell-Tale Heart.” It’s as though everyone harbors their own darkest secrets. As a result, your emotions get stirred up—this is precisely how you’d hope to experience a reveal: not through identifying a clear-cut antagonist, but rather recognizing someone who is profoundly imperfect. What happens next to these characters becomes intriguing. Do they confront each other differently now? In fact, during one of our brainstorming sessions in the writers’ room, we pondered whether finding out something similar from your partner might lead you to destroy evidence or confess openly. Everyone seemed divided over the best course of action here.
As Matty pointed out, multiple truths can coexist simultaneously. You might fully grasp why Julian behaved as he did, yet his actions were still terrible and had profound consequences for numerous individuals. Therefore, he is indeed culpable.
Certainly, but his argument is that his father instructed him to proceed. Thus, if senior attorneys intervene as soon as he’s reported and leave him untouched, can we call that fair? This thought will likely cross everyone’s mind heading into the new season. It makes everything quite intricate right from the start.
Now that the Wellbrexa document perpetrator has been exposed, where does the inquiry go from here? Edwin intends to wrap things up, yet Matty feels like the case isn’t settled.
Edwin is considering throwing in the towel and heading back home. While I can’t reveal specifics without spoiling the surprise, Olympia’s decision will significantly influence future events. The show introduces a major unresolved issue right at the start of its second season, which builds upon plot threads established during the first season rather than introducing an entirely fresh enigma.
It appears that Olympia is now at the forefront of this investigation. Does that seem like an accurate assessment?
That’s a right guess.
When Olympia discovers the distinctive document in the safety deposit box, she experiences a jolt of surprise. What might be going through her mind at that instant?
As soon as she learns of the existence of a safety deposit box, her anxiety skyrockets. The moment she lays eyes on it, everything seems dire. She finds herself facing unimaginable horrors. Utter disbelief, shock, and fear engulf her regarding what this could mean for her loved ones. To her, it feels as though her entire world is encapsulated within that box.
The moment when Jason Ritter interacts with Beau Bridges was deeply emotional, as Senior reveals his reasons for not offering Julian the partnership position. How could Julian be brought back to the company following this incident? Where else might he turn up?
He doesn’t wish to return to the firm. Avoiding his father is crucial for him, yet circumstances arise forcing him to humble himself just to stay for a particular duration. This situation proves extremely challenging and places him in a very tough position.
The moment when Matty states it’s her time to focus on her career resonates deeply with the series’ core themes, similar to how addressing the opioid epidemic and exploring the relationship between Matty and Olympia define the narrative. To what extent will their marital discord play a crucial role in future developments?
This issue holds immense significance, yet I’ve expressed my commitment to their union just as strongly as I am with mine. While part of me says this lightly, another part means it seriously. They must face tough challenges together and persevere through them. The situation itself presents significant difficulties. Despite wanting entirely contrasting outcomes, they share a marital bond spanning five decades. Thus, the stakes aren’t about one person walking away; rather, it revolves around figuring out next steps and navigating complex issues collaboratively. Compromise becomes key here. From these challenging decisions emerge fresh narrative possibilities. Their relationship won’t sail smoothly, nor will it end due to separation. Instead, each desires something mutually exclusive—this conflict drives them towards exploring various facets necessary for achieving personal satisfaction within their lives. This exploration forms an intriguing foundation for our upcoming second season, delving deeper into their marriage dynamics.
Matty has been challenged by the younger generations at work just as much as she has challenged their perceptions of old women. What was the genesis of this idea of having these generational differences help Matty realize she wants to redefine her life in her old age?
It encompasses various elements I desired. One aspect involves how people often perceive aging—thinking newer generations have it easier due to technological advancements or societal changes, leading to perceived divisions between different age groups. Instead, my vision emphasizes bridging these gaps by valuing insights from all ages: drawing wisdom from those more experienced while acknowledging fresh perspectives brought forth by younger individuals. This theme permeates throughout the series, ensuring that as mentioned earlier, Matty learns equally from everyone around her. What she discovers isn’t solely about generational differences; rather, it centers on feeling acknowledged within a community, understanding her contributions matter, being an integral member of a cohesive unit, and genuinely enjoying her work.
Throughout the first season, everything comes alive again for Matty, which wasn’t something she anticipated at all. Having abandoned her profession, she now focuses on bringing up Alfie. She believed that chapter of her life was closed forever. However, rediscovering herself through connections with Olympia, Billy, and Sarah, as well as finding value in winning cases and becoming an integral part of a team, injects new vitality into her existence. This sudden resurgence awakens each of her senses and makes Matty eager to continue making contributions rather than slip away unnoticed. Her perspective matters deeply; she is intelligent and finds fulfillment and purpose in roles that sustain her spirit and enrich our lives collectively.
In the finale, Matty removed her crime board and put up a photo of her family instead. How do you think this shift affected Matty, and what might it indicate regarding her upcoming actions?
It seems as though she’s dismantling various elements, constantly reaffirming her reasons for doing so. By wrapping things up, she believes she will have settled a debt she felt compelled to pay for her child—a self-imposed obligation from which springs her desire to forge ahead. Her plan involves progressing alongside her loved ones, yet simultaneously nurturing her ambition to continue her work, aiming to make it a significant aspect of her upcoming decade.
Kathy Bates introduced the actor Niko Nicotera, who portrays the character claiming to be Alfie’s father.
process like?
It was fantastic. She immediately informed me about someone she believed would be perfect for the role and highlighted what an excellent choice they were. Given my confidence in Kathy Bates’ judgment regarding casting choices, all I needed to do was agree, and this person turned out to be remarkable. I had previously observed
Richard Jewell,
Where they collaborated, and I’m really looking forward to where we’re heading next.
Could you provide some insight into what level of involvement we can expect from him in Season 2? Given his appearance at the cliffhanger end, I assume this sets the stage for unraveling another mystery as part of the ongoing narrative of Wellbrexa.
Sure, here’s an alternative version:
Yes, the initial query is whether this man is the father of the boy. Confirming this would require a DNA test. By the conclusion of the premiere episode in the second season, you’ll have your answer definitively. Beyond just identifying the biological parent—regardless of whether it turns out to be Alfie’s dad—the introduction of this individual into their lives will create upheaval. Specifically, it will disrupt Matty’s stable household environment. This character thrives when maintaining order; our series revolves around her ability to manage every situation. She consistently stays steps ahead of both the viewers and those within the story, holding all the key information like a skilled dealer. However, with Olympia now possessing knowledge unknown to Matty, Matty’s once-controlled world faces significant stress and potential chaos. The person accustomed to having complete command must confront losing grip on events. It’ll certainly be compelling to observe how she reacts and navigates these uncharted waters, opening up fresh avenues for dramatic tension as well as comedic moments.
Alfie is quite intelligent, yet he has faced numerous challenges—like locating his father. Could these experiences begin to burden him?
Absolutely, it certainly is. The bond with the father is something you might aspire to have, but experiencing it firsthand can be quite different. This complex individual entering his life will make things challenging in new and distinct ways.
Could you share some insight into how this might affect Matty and Edwin? Might it draw them closer, or will it likely create more disagreement between them?
Initially, they seem aligned regarding Alfie potentially being his biological child. However, any tension within the home will likely cause conflicts as well as instances where they grow even more connected. The situation is intense because Alfie means everything to Matty, and they’ve typically seen eye-to-eye on most issues. Despite arguments with Edwin, Matty and Alfie have generally been in agreement. Their actions were part of an orchestrated plan between them. So, I’m curious about how Matty handles situations where Alfie is angry at her and whether these scenarios feel alike or different from previous challenges.
What it was like with Ellie
Due to their strained relationship during her teenage years, and the complex emotions this brings about when the dynamic isn’t straightforward anymore.
Is there room for additional flashbacks involving Ellie?
Marnee Carpenter
]
Now that the potential father of her child has become involved?
Absolutely. There’s one character I’m certain about wanting to feature, and we’re experimenting with incorporating another as we map out the storyline for the second season, so I’m really looking forward to bringing her back.
Before we conclude, I must mention how impressive Kathy and Skye’s performances were in the second-to-last episode. Particularly striking was the scene where Olympia interrogates Matty in the conference room; notably when the camera focuses on Olympia staring directly at us with Matty visible from behind her shoulder. As Olympia utters something like “you were my friend,” a subtle hint of pain flashes across Skye’s eyes, which is truly powerful.
Acting
.
I completely agree. They’re simply amazing individually, but even more so when they’re together. Everyone was really looking forward to seeing that episode with both of them unmasked, and I’m thrilled that viewers enjoyed it.
And then the
Misery
The joke you included there was fantastic.
[
Laughs
Why wouldn’t we?
Matlock
, Season 2 Premieres, Autumn 2025, CBS
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.